Explora Atacama
Explora Atacama is located in the Ayllu de Larache near the village of San Pedro de Atacama. The 17-hectare grounds comprise 20 indigenous plots, some with timeworn pathways and buildings that Explora is committed to preserving out of a profound respect for the area’s original inhabitants. Surrounded by foxtail plants and lush native vegetation are four, interconnected, ambient-temperature pools – ideal for relaxing, building back strength and enjoying the deep desert silence. Near the pools are sauna and steam bath facilities as well as open-air Jacuzzis. Just a short walk from the lodge is Quincho – an inviting BBQ area that includes a renovated, old traditional adobe house and its patio. Here, two to three times a week, all guests can get together for a feast accompanied by Andean music, song and dance performances by accomplished local artists.
Explora Atacama
Located in the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, explora Atacama was built in a 17-hectare plot as a base from where to explore the desert, the Andes highlands, and its surroundings. Walking on landscapes that seem like taken from another world, cycling through the Andes highlands, reaching summits of more than 5,000 m.a.s.l. (16,404 f.a.s.l.) or taking it easy in the Puritama hot springs are some of the experiences you can enjoy thanks to the unique location of this lodge.
- All inclusive luxury stay
- Wide variety of excursions to explore the nearby area
- 4 swimming pools within the hotel, open air hot-tubs and saunas
- Unique sceneries including volcanoes and salt pans
- Hotel has its own unique observatory
- Private Airport shuttle (free)
- Wifi (free)
Designed to blend in with the landscape and with views to the gardens, the hotel’s comfortable rooms ensure travellers a deep rest after a day of exploration.
Following three room categories are available: Catur Suite, Tulur Room, and Yali Room.
Surrounded by pampas grass and other local flora, the hotel’s four pools are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the quiet of the desert after a demanding exploration. The temperature of the pools ranges from 25°C to 28° C. In the nearby area are the sauna, steam baths, and outdoor hot tubs for a relaxing spa experience. Or, make use of the hotel’s massage room.
The onsite restaurant offers its guest a unique experience and the dishes at the Explora Atacama restaurant have been designed to enable guests to perform various explorations and still feel light and healthy. Furthermore, the restaurant offers its guests pure and organic products which are all locally sourced and the best for its guests, keeping them energised and healthy. Dishes are always accompanied by a unique Chilean wine.
The hotel has a variety of activities to recommend. Either on foot, horseback riding, or bike –including high mountain ascents and astronomical sessions– over 40 explorations take travellers to the cultural richness of this fascinating territory. The hotel’s explorations are always led by a competent and bilingual guide from Guide School, in English or Spanish and in groups of up to eight travellers. They have different length and difficulty levels. The altitude of these explorations ranges between 2,800 and over 5,000 meters above sea level; consequently, some of them need prior acclimatisation.
Note: Enquiries about different exploration/excursions can be made by contacting the hotel directly.
There is a separate massage centre, which is located near the hotel, in a restored Colonial adobe-straw building. Turi Puri, means “House of Water” in kunza (traditional language) it invites you to discover a new level of inner peace, outer harmony and revitalised energy. Making it perfect for a relaxing spa day and to enjoy the serene environment.
San Pedro de Atacama boasts some of the world’s clearest skies, therefore, it is one of the best places to practice astronomy. For that reason, in 2008 Explora Atacama inaugurated explora’s observatory, which has become one of the best private Chilean observatories. Its dome has a potent and advanced optics telescope, the Meade 16” f/10 LX200R Advanced RD, and a main mirror of 40 cm in diameter with extraordinary resolution and sharpness.
Note: They offer nightly viewings, depending on weather conditions.
Sustainability is at Explora’s forefront for over 25 years
Certified with Global protocol and has been stamped for the “new normal”
The food and produce are locally sourced and organic produce is made available from the on grounds garden and is used in dishes in the kitchen
Explora has been carbon neutral as they believe that carbon footprint is the most critical indicator to slow down or revert climate change. Hence, in addition to already being carbon neutral certified across all their operations, explora have taken the next step which is the establishment of the historical carbon neutrality goal for 2030.
- Children of any age are welcomed at the hotel
- Children 18 years old and above are considered adults at this hotel