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Explora Atacama

An alluring oasis in Atacama's dramatic desert landscape renowned for its astronomy and gastronomy.

Overview

The adobe town of San Pedro is tucked into the Atacama Desert, which stretches between the northern Chile’s Pacific coast and the steep slopes of the Andean mountain range. In these harsh conditions, Explora Atacama has carved out a lodge that expertly blends authentic travel experiences with peace and relaxation.

Life at Hotel Explora Atacama

The rustic beauty of Explora Atacama echoes the dramatic desert landscapes of the area, which are covered with sand dunes, geysers, hot springs, and volcanoes. Ideally placed to help you experience all the region has to offer, hotel Explora Atacama is the ideal home base for your stay in Chile. Upscale amenities, including jetted bathtubs, bathrobes, and local infusions, turn each of the 50 rooms divided over three room categories into private respites of calm.

The hotel, which is situated on 42 acres made up of 20 indigenous parcels, has preserved many of the ancient pathways and buildings developed by the local Aymara people. The spa, which houses steam baths, outdoor hot tubs, and a sauna, invites you to unwind between explorations. For even more relaxation, take a dip into one of the four secluded warm-water pools. At mealtimes, sit down to gastronomic creations of fresh, local ingredients accompanied by Chilean and Peruvian wines.

Excursions from Hotel Explora Atacama

While staying at Explora Atacama, you will engage in a bespoke itinerary of activities that you will select with the help of a certified, trusted guide. Best of all, there is no need to plan too far in advance or overcommit. Each evening you will select activities for the next day, keeping in mind your newfound interests and desired activity level.

Explora Atacama offers a wide range of excursions, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and mountain ascents. There is always something new to see with five different altitude zones to explore, including the salt flat basin, the intermediate ravine zone, and the mountain zone. Saddle up for a horseback ride through the sand dunes and across the San Pedro River with the Andes Mountain Range in view. For a more physically demanding experience, take a van ride to the Tatio Geysers before hiking along a creek to the warm water of the Blanco River.

The observatory at Explora Atacama

The landscapes surrounding San Pedro de Atacama may be dramatic, but the most striking scenes aren’t visible until darkness settles over the area. Chile offers some of the best star-gazing on the planet, thanks to clear skies, low precipitation, and near-zero light pollution. The domed observatory at Explora Atacama is home to an advanced Meade 16” f/10 LX200R Advanced RD telescope with a primary mirror measuring 40 centimeters in diameter. The facility is one of the best private observatories in Chile and allows guests to see the wonders of the night sky in a whole new way.

Families, who will appreciate the interconnecting rooms and available cribs, and solo travelers alike will find much to love in the arid landscapes of Chile. With Explora Atacama as a springboard for your journeys, the unique region is yours to explore.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

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4-Day
5-Day

4 Day - Essential Atacama

itinerary map

Arrival to Explora Atacama

Today is a sample itinerary that includes a selection of the explorations on offer at Explora Atacama. This day is completely customizable.

AM: Welcome to Explora in Atacama. You are located in the Oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, the heart of the Likan Antai culture. The perfect base from where to explore the desert, Andes highlands, salt flats, or even reach volcanic summits. On your first day, take time to settle in and let yourself be tempted by our guides, who will show you all the exploration options for the following days.

PM: In the afternoon, take a half day exploration to Matancilla. A van will take you to Domeyko Mountain Range. From there, follow a creek that used to be a route for ancient commercial caravans. The walk ends at Arcoíris Valley, imposing multicolored walls of mineral-rich soils. At sunset, enjoy the view of the Licancabur volcano from our terrace, slowly changing colors from bright yellow to purple and then bright again reflecting the moon.

Explora Atacama's 4-Day Essential Atacama Itinerary Day One - Exploring the Highlands.
Location
Explora Atacama
Day
1 / 4

Hot Springs & Astronomical Observation

Today is a sample itinerary that includes a selection of the explorations on offer at Explora Atacama. This day is completely customizable.

AM: Wake up and linger. A well deserved day to restore energy is called for. After a hike in Atacama, water regains its original meaning. The hot springs at the Explora Puritama Conservation Reserve run through the gorge and trickle down over rocks and pampa grass. Floating there silently and worrying about nothing more than breathing is the perfect break.

PM: At night, weather permitting, we finish the day with a fascinating session of astronomical observation in our own observatory. The Atacama sky is one of the clearest in the world and observing its starry beauty is a moving experience that transports you in time. Enjoy your last night with us, and before you check out tomorrow, don ́t forget to sign our visitor ́s book. We would love to see you again soon at Explora.

Explora Atacama's 4-Day Essential Atacama Itinerary Day Two - Atacama Hot Springs.
Location
Explora Atacama
Day
2 / 4

Salt Mountain Range & Kari Creek

Today is a sample itinerary that includes a selection of the explorations on offer at Explora Atacama. This day is completely customizable.

AM: Today, a deep encounter with the desert and its culture is waiting. We head towards the Salt Mountain Range to find magnificent panoramic views of Moon Valley a site whose lunar landscapes have given Atacama its worldwide fame. Walking down a soft dune we enter Kari creek, a canyon carved by the erosion of water and surrounded by sedimentary walls of clay, plaster and salt. The salt crystal formations shining under the sun reveal an unexpected kaleidoscopic world.

PM: Back at the lodge, enjoy a replenishing dinner, and on special occasions join our Quincho – a BBQ event that takes place in a traditional adobe house. Travelers gather for a traditional spit-roasted-lamb and other local dishes – accompanied by Andean music and dance performances by local artists.

Explora Atacama's 4-Day Essential Atacama Itinerary Day Three - Quincho BBQ.
Location
Explora Atacama
Day
3 / 4

Departure

Today is a sample itinerary that includes a selection of the explorations on offer at Explora Atacama. This day is completely customizable.

AM: Enjoy your final morning at Explora Atacama before you depart, ready for your onward adventure or your safe journey home.

Explora Atacama's 4-Day Essential Atacama Itinerary Day Four - Departure.
Location
Explora Atacama
Day
4 / 4
1 / 4

5 Day - Essential Atacama

itinerary map

Arrival to Explora Atacama

Today is a sample itinerary that includes a selection of the explorations on offer at Explora Atacama. This day is completely customizable.

AM: Welcome to Explora in Atacama. You are located in the Oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, the heart of the Likan Antai culture. The perfect base from where to explore the desert, Andes highlands, salt flats, or even reach volcanic summits. On your first day, take time to settle in and let yourself be tempted by our guides, who will show you all the exploration options for the following days.

PM: In the afternoon, take a half day exploration to Matancilla. A van will take you to Domeyko Mountain Range. From there, follow a creek that used to be a route for ancient commercial caravans. The walk ends at Arcoíris Valley, imposing multicolored walls of mineral-rich soils. At sunset, enjoy the view of the Licancabur volcano from our terrace, slowly changing colors from bright yellow to purple and then bright again reflecting the moon.

Explora Atacama's 5-Day Essential Atacama Itinerary Day One - Exploring the Highlands.
Location
Explora Atacama
Day
1 / 5

Salt Mountain Range & Kari Creek

Today is a sample itinerary that includes a selection of the explorations on offer at Explora Atacama. This day is completely customizable.

AM: Today, a deep encounter with the desert and its culture is waiting. We head towards the Salt Mountain Range to find magnificent panoramic views of Moon Valley a site whose lunar landscapes have given Atacama its worldwide fame. Walking down a soft dune we enter Kari creek, a canyon carved by the erosion of water and surrounded by sedimentary walls of clay, plaster and salt. The salt crystal formations shining under the sun reveal an unexpected kaleidoscopic world.

PM: Back at the lodge, enjoy a replenishing dinner, and on special occasions join our Quincho – a BBQ event that takes place in a traditional adobe house. Travelers gather for a traditional spit-roasted-lamb and other local dishes – accompanied by Andean music and dance performances by local artists.

Explora Atacama's 5-Day Essential Atacama Itinerary Day Two - Hiking Kari Creek.
Location
Explora Atacama
Day
2 / 5

Hot Springs & Astronomical Observation

Today is a sample itinerary that includes a selection of the explorations on offer at Explora Atacama. This day is completely customizable.

AM: Wake up and linger. A well deserved day to restore energy is called for. After a hike in Atacama, water regains its original meaning. The hot springs at the Explora Puritama Conservation Reserve run through the gorge and trickle down over rocks and pampa grass. Floating there silently and worrying about nothing more than breathing is the perfect break.

PM: At night, weather permitting, we finish the day with a fascinating session of astronomical observation in our own observatory. The Atacama sky is one of the clearest in the world and observing its starry beauty is a moving experience that transports you in time.

Explora Atacama's 5-Day Essential Atacama Itinerary Day Three - Hot Springs.
Location
Explora Atacama
Day
3 / 5

Horseback Riding through the Andes

Today is a sample itinerary that includes a selection of the explorations on offer at Explora Atacama. This day is completely customizable.

AM: Exploring the Atacama Desert on horseback or bike is a whole new way to discover this remote destination. An experience where you can go at your own pace, exploring pristine and solitary landscapes. Our guides will make sure everyone enjoys the ride, no matter your level of expertise. We cross the San Pedro River and the Chula sand dunes on horseback with panoramic views of the Salt Mountain Range and the Andes and the oasis.

PM: Enjoy your last night with us, and before you check out tomorrow, don ́t forget to sign our visitor ́s book. We would love to see you again soon at Explora.

Explora Atacama's 5-Day Essential Atacama Itinerary Day Four - Horseback Riding.
Location
Explora Atacama
Day
4 / 5

Departure

Today is a sample itinerary that includes a selection of the explorations on offer at Explora Atacama. This day is completely customizable.

AM: Enjoy your final morning at Explora Atacama before you depart, ready for your onward adventure or your safe journey home.

Explora Atacama's 5-Day Essential Atacama Itinerary Day Five -  Departure.
Location
Explora Atacama
Day
5 / 5
1 / 5

Accommodations

Social Areas

Dining Terrace
Observatory
Living Room & Bar
Dining Room
Boutique
Swimming Pool

Suites & Cabins

Explora Atacama's Tulur Room.
19 Cabins

Tulur Room

Guests
2 - 3
Size
33 m² / 355 ft²
Beds
King / Twin / Triple

There are 19 Tulur rooms, 8 of them are interconnected rooms, ideal for families, providing views to the hotel's grounds. Designed to take full advantage of the silence, privacy, and spaciousness of the surrounding landscape, ensuring deep rest after a long day of exploration.

Each Tulur Room includes one king sized bed or two twin beds, toiletries, an (optional) extra bed for children, bathrobes, slippers, safe deposit box, jetted bathtub, heating hairdryer, complimentary wake up calls, and tasty local infusions. Interconnecting rooms available for families, subject to availability at the time of booking.


Explora Atacama's Yali Room.
27 Cabins

Yali Room

Guests
2 - 3
Size
33 m² / 355 ft²
Beds
King / Twin

There are 27 Yali rooms in total providing views of the desert landscape. Designed to take full advantage of the silence, privacy, and spaciousness of the surrounding landscape, ensuring deep rest after a long day of exploration.

Each Yali Room includes one king sized bed or two twin beds, toiletries, an (optional) extra bed for children, bathrobes, slippers, safe deposit box, jetted bathtub, heating hairdryer, complimentary wake up calls, and tasty local infusions. Interconnecting rooms available for families, subject to availability at the time of booking.


Explora Atacama's Catur Suite.
4 Cabins

Catur Suite

Guests
2 - 3
Size
50 m² / 538 ft²
Beds
King / Triple

The 4 luxurious Catur Suites have balconies and views of the countryside. Designed to take full advantage of the silence, privacy, and spaciousness of the surrounding landscape, ensuring deep rest after a long day of exploration.

Each Catur Suite includes one king sized bed, toiletries, an (optional) extra bed for children, bathrobes, slippers, safe deposit box, jetted bathtub, heating hairdryer, complimentary wake up calls, and tasty local infusions. Interconnecting rooms available for families, subject to availability at the time of booking.

Technical Information

Property Layout

Features

  • Connecting cabins
  • Pool / Jacuzzi
  • Massage room
  • Lecture room
  • Wheelchair access
  • Spa
  • Onsite tour desk
  • Souvenir shop
  • Hot showers
  • All inclusive
  • Heating
  • Family Room (Triple or Quadruple)
  • Charging areas for electronic equipment

Equipment

  • Satellite phone
  • Flash lights
  • Water canteen/bottle
  • Binoculars
** Use of certain equipment at additional cost, ask for details
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