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Tierra Atacama

A sustainable, architectural delight in the Atacama desert with relaxing spa and refined gastronomy.

Overview

Tierra Atacama, which is located high in Chile’s Atacama desert, is racking up awards. This boutique hotel was named as South America’s Leading Green Hotel by World Travel Awards and has received TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Best-of-the-Best award, just to name a few. It’s easy to see why everyone is raving about this 32-room lodge, which is designed to immerse you in nature and local culture.

Life at Tierra Atacama Boutique Hotel & Spa

Designed by some of Chile’s most renowned architects, the Tierra Atacama hotel and spa expertly combines sustainable design, authentic experiences, and a home-like atmosphere. Everywhere you look, the lodge is dressed in bright whites, soft nudes, and rich cocoa tones that echo the natural environment. Located near the town of San Pedro de Atacama, the hotel features three room categories.

Whether you choose an intimate Oriente room for two, a Poniente room with a bit more space, or a Family room for up to six of your nearest and dearest, you will enjoy views that spill out over Licancabur Volcano or the Cordillera de Sal. Fall asleep in a soft bed draped in fine cotton and awake for morning coffee on your private terrace.

Then, visit the Uma Spa for a dip in the indoor heated pool complete with bubble beds. To relax in the fresh air, enjoy the infinity pool or yoga platform. From massages to body wraps, the spa offers a range of treatments featuring local ingredients, including sheep’s milk, honey, and clay. There is even a pairing menu of excursions and spa treatments designed to bridge the gap between adventure and relaxation. After a hike through Moon Valley, balance your energies with a Reiki & Crystal Massage session. After a day of horseback riding, a soak in the outdoor hot tub will prevent soreness and tired muscles.

Excursions from Tierra Atacama San Pedro de Atacama

So which excursions will you pair with those spa treatments? Once at the lodge, you and an expert guide will co-create your schedule according to your interests and fitness level. If you are lucky enough to visit during the full moon, take an easy hike into the Atacama Desert away from light pollution to see the shadows and silhouettes of the landscape.

For some fun on two wheels, take a bike ride to Cejar Lagoon to see the thick salt crust and swim in the clear water. A hike to explore Machuca and the Río Grande takes you past the village of Peñaliri. Along the way, you will see Giant Cacti, llamas, and Alpacas. The all-inclusive menu of activities includes everything from horseback. Would you prefer to search for ancient petroglyphs in Rainbow Valley or stargaze through the largest public telescope in the region? At Tierra Atacama, you can do it all.

Gastronomy at the Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa

Even in Tierra Atacama’s restaurant, there is little to separate you from nature. Gaze out the floor-to-ceiling windows while enjoying a colorful salad, Peruvian corn, or a vegetarian meal of seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s chef takes a modern, innovative approach to Chilean cuisine without veering too far from traditional recipes.

At the bar, a tasting board of cheeses or a plate of handmade empanadas is the perfect between-meal snack. Be sure to order the lodge’s signature cocktail, the Rica Rica Sour. With egg whites and lemon juice, this twist on the traditional Pisco Sour gains hints of a fruity, minty flavor from local Rica Rica herbs. In addition to being the perfect complement to beverages and desserts, this herb, native to the Atacama Desert, is known to soothe upset stomachs and altitude sickness.

Whether you want to take a sunrise hike to the Tatio Geyser or swing in a hammock under an ancient desert tree, Tierra Atacama has it all. Adventure travelers and families will all find much to love here, and, in many cases, children and teens stay free.

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
6-Day

4 Day - All Inclusive Program

itinerary map

Arrival & Atacama Salt Flats Tour

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

PM: Having arrived at Tierra Atacama in the late morning, our guides will sit down with you to find out what sort of activities and Atacama Desert adventures you might be interested in, creating an excursion plan for the upcoming days as you chat. Activities penciled in, you’ll then be shown around the hotel for an introduction to your new home and enjoy a delicious lunch, before perhaps setting out on an afternoon half-day tour – to the Atacama Salt Flats, for example – to get your Atacama Desert adventure started in style.

After visiting the village of Toconao, this scenic vehicle tour heads to Los Flamencos National Reserve at Chaxa Lagoon, home not only to various Flamingo species but also to Andean Gulls, Highland Chorlos and more birdlife. While taking a gentle walk along the trails that wind their way around this watery haven, there’s no doubt you’ll be reaching for the camera to capture this landscape of vast open skies, imposing peaks looming on the horizon and the colors of the sunset mirrored in Chaxa Lagoon, as the Flamingos go about their own daily business.

Tierra Atacama's 4-Day All Inclusive Program Day One - Arrival to the Lodge.
Location
Calama - Tierra Atacama
Day
1 / 4

Exploring the Death Valley

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

AM: We will leave the hotel and head by vehicle to the Kari lookout point, located 2,550 meters above sea level. Known as the “Coyote Rock,” this lookout, seen on one of San Pedro de Atacama’s most famous postcards, offers a panoramic view of the Salt Mountain Range. From here, we will head down a large dune until arriving to the canyon. Through difficult accesses and labyrinths, we will tour caves and rock formations that tell the geological history of the area. We will return to the hotel by vehicle.

PM: As for the afternoon? Spoil yourself with a time out in our Uma Spa, where you can reconnect with a relaxing therapy or two, or simply allow any stresses to melt away by soaking in the hot tub, or enjoying a water circuit as you drift between the indoor pool and steam room.

Tierra Atacama's 4-Day All Inclusive Program Day Two - Spa facilities.
Location
Tierra Atacama
Day
2 / 4

Moon Valley & Atacama Astronomy Tours

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

AM: After a comfortable first night at Tierra Atacama, wake up with the sight of beautiful desert views and head to our dining room for breakfast before meeting with your guide, who will then lead the way on a half-day tour of the Moon Valley. Here, marvel at the raw beauty of the Atacama Desert, its dunes, deep canyons and dramatic lunar landscapes – a place sure to leave visitors feeling awestruck – as your guide explains the finer geographical details of this spectacular place.

PM: Back at Tierra, sit down for a delicious dinner before venturing out yet again for a rather special after-dark astronomy excursion, one of Atacama’s must-see experiences and a perfect way to round off the day.

Tierra Atacama's 4-Day All Inclusive Program Day Three - Atacama Desert.
Location
Tierra Atacama
Day
3 / 4

Tatio Geysers & Departure

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

AM: An early start this morning is more than made up for at the Tatio Geysers, which you’ll reach just as the sun begins to emerge above the horizon, casting an ethereal glow on the vapor columns which tower at a height of 12 meters. Spend some time appreciating this geothermal field, home to over 80 active geysers which protrude from bubbling pools of boiling water, before hopping back in the vehicle to make your way home. In the light of day, you’ll be able to spot Vicuñas, Foxes, Vizcachas and Andean Ostriches roaming outside your window, making a stop at the picturesque, adobe village of Machuca and arriving back at the hotel.

PM: Enjoy your final lunch at Tierra Atacama this afternoon, before you bid farewell and are transferred to the airport, ready for your journey home or onward adventure in Chile – to Chiloé or Patagonia, for example!

Tierra Atacama's 4-Day All Inclusive Program Day Four -  Vicuna Sighting.
Location
Tierra Atacama - Calama
Day
4 / 4
1 / 4

6 Day - All Inclusive Program

itinerary map

Arrival & Atacama Salt Flats Tour

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

PM: Having arrived at Tierra Atacama in the late morning, our guides will sit down with you to find out what sort of activities and Atacama Desert adventures you might be interested in, creating an excursion plan for the upcoming days as you chat. Activities penciled in, you’ll then be shown around the hotel for an introduction to your new home and enjoy a delicious lunch, before perhaps setting out on an afternoon half-day tour – to the Atacama Salt Flats, for example – to get your Atacama Desert adventure started in style.

After visiting the village of Toconao, this scenic vehicle tour heads to Los Flamencos National Reserve at Chaxa Lagoon, home not only to various Flamingo species but also to Andean Gulls, Highland Chorlos and more birdlife. While taking a gentle walk along the trails that wind their way around this watery haven, there’s no doubt you’ll be reaching for the camera to capture this landscape of vast open skies, imposing peaks looming on the horizon and the colors of the sunset mirrored in Chaxa Lagoon, as the Flamingos go about their own daily business.

Tierra Atacama's 6-Day All Inclusive Program Day One - Arrival to the lodge.
Location
Calama - Tierra Atacama
Day
1 / 6

Horseback Riding in the Atacama Desert

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

AM: Opt for something a little different today by venturing out on a horseback ride through the wild scenery which surrounds our lodge, an unmissable chance to explore the Atacama Desert in an exhilarating and surprisingly spiritual way. The difficulty level and duration of the ride itself are up to you: they can be half or full-day tours and as easy or challenging as each rider sees fit! What’s more, as part of our commitment to sustainability, we always work with small, local providers; our guides are true experts in their field and take great care of their beautiful horses, using typical Chilean riding gear. So, saddle up and prepare for an energizing excursion deep into the Atacama Desert.

PM: Following your horseback adventure, why not head to the Uma Spa at Tierra Atacama for a chance to rest weary bones and treat yourself to a calming therapy? The heated pool, outdoor hot tub and relaxation space are sure to leave you feeling pampered after a busy day.

Tierra Atacama's 6-Day All Inclusive Program Day Two - Spa facilities.
Location
Tierra Atacama
Day
2 / 6

Tatio Geysers at Sunrise

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

AM: An early start this morning is more than made up for at the Tatio Geysers, which you’ll reach just as the sun begins to emerge above the horizon, casting an ethereal glow on the vapor columns which tower at a height of 12 meters. Spend some time appreciating this geothermal field, home to over 80 active geysers which protrude from bubbling pools of boiling water, before hopping back in the vehicle to make your way home. In the light of day, you’ll be able to spot Vicuñas, Foxes, Vizcachas and Andean Ostriches roaming outside your window, making a stop at the picturesque, adobe village of Machuca and arriving back at the hotel.

PM: Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure to appreciate everything the Tierra Atacama lodge has to offer.

Tierra Atacama's 6-Day All Inclusive Program Day Three - Vicuna Sighting.
Location
Tierra Atacama
Day
3 / 6

Guatin-Gatchi Valley Hike

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

AM: Expect a confection of distinctive desert plant life and trickling rivers, on this tour to the Valle de Guatin.  A short drive takes you to this flourishing valley, where you’ll start by hiking through a Cardon forest, encountering the giant cacti that are known to thrive in the area before hiking to the confluence of two rivers: the Puritama and Purifica.  What’s notable about these colliding rivers is that the former is made up of warm, thermal waters while the latter is cool, mountain meltwater, and together they merge to give birth to the Vilama River, which in turn brings life to Guatin Valley’s delicate ecosystem. 

PM: You’ll continue through the valley, over a rocky pathway dotted with small waterfalls and across the gushing river, passing interesting vegetation endemic to the region along the way. Then, a captivating panorama of the sweeping valley below makes for a worthy finale to this refreshing walk in Guatin Gatchi.

Tierra Atacama's 6-Day All Inclusive Program Day Four - Guatin-Gatchi Valley Hike.
Location
Tierra Atacama
Day
4 / 6

Lascar Volcano

Today is a sample itinerary that includes a selection of the explorations on offer at Tierra Atacama. This day is completely customizable. Climbing hills and volcanoes in the Atacama is considered to be highly challenging. Based on the physical conditions of each guest, and for their own security, Tierra reserve the right to prohibit high-altitude excursions.

AM: Conquering the elements, altitude and weary legs to reach the rim of the Lascar crater is a mission that promises all the thrills of a strenuous mountain climb.  You’ll earn effortlessly beautiful scenery along the way and an opportunity to boast that you climbed the most active volcano in northern Chile!

Departing the hotel in the safe hands of our expert local guides, you will travel by van across the plains to the trailhead.  The drive will gradually ascend to a starting altitude of 4,800m (16,000ft), passing the blissful waters of Laguna Lejía on the way. You’ll experience an increase in altitude of roughly 600m during the 3km hike, with each exciting step taking you closer to the tantalizing prospect of steaming fumaroles and smoking potholes, both of which fill the main crater. The rocky trails do not require technical ability, though the climb is relatively steep, snaking your way up the south-eastern side of this famous Chilean landmark.

PM: Upon reaching the crater’s edge, the resulting vistas are all about the sprawling salt flats and adjacent Laguna Lejía below.  The sheer spectacle of witnessing the inner workings of a slowly depleting volcano up close is an irreplicable and unforgettable experience.

Tierra Atacama's 6-Day All Inclusive Program Day Five - Relaxing at the Lodge.
Location
Tierra Atacama
Day
5 / 6

Biking through San Pedro & Departure

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

AM: On your final day in the Atacama Desert, request a van or a pair of bikes from our friendly team at the Front Desk and head into the town of San Pedro.  As you explore the dusty streets you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back in time.  Be sure to pick up some locally hand-crafted souvenirs while you are here – keep an eye out for genuine alpaca wool sweaters and copper jewelry.

PM: Enjoy your final lunch at Tierra Atacama this afternoon, before you bid farewell and are transferred to the airport, ready for your onward adventure in Chile.


Tierra Atacama's 6-Day All Inclusive Program Day Six - Biking Excursion.
Location
Tierra Atacama - Calama
Day
6 / 6
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Accommodations

Social Areas

Restaurant
Lobby
Hot Tub
Fireplace
Common Areas
Pool
Restaurant

Suites & Cabins

Tierra Atacama's Family Room. Tierra Atacama' Family Room. Tierra Atacama's Family Room.
2 Cabins

Apartment

Guests
6
Size
72 m² / 775 ft²
Beds
Double + Twins (x2)

If you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel in San Pedro de Atacama, our expansive Family Rooms are the answer. Accommodating up to six people, the Family Rooms are sprawled over two levels, with two twin rooms downstairs and a master bedroom upstairs, each featuring their own en suite bathroom. Throughout the Family Rooms you´ll find the same local touches and sophisticated feel of the Oriente and Poniente options, with an earthy color palette matching the ever-present scenery, to be admired from the privacy of your large terrace.

Tierra Atacama's Poniente Room. Tierra Atacama's Poniente Room - Twin. Tierra Atacama's Poniente Room - View. Tierra Atacama - Poniente Room Tierra Atacama's Poniente Room. Tierra Atacama's Poniente Room - Double.
14 Cabins

Poniente Room

Guests
2 - 3
Size
37 m² / 398 ft²
Beds
Double / Twin

Capturing the same spellbinding views of the Licancabur Volcano as the Oriente, the Poniente Rooms promise more space and special, subtle touches. The rooms invite guests to luxuriate under star-studded skies in Tierra’s signature outdoor showers. The Poniente Rooms also include deep-soak bathtubs in the en suites for extra indulgence. The ambience within Poniente rooms is light and airy, with neutral tones creating a tranquil space for rest and relaxation. Enjoy the private terrace, looking out towards the Cordillera de Sal and over Tierra’s gardens and solar plant fields.

Tierra Atacama's Oriente Room. Tierra Atacama's Oriente Room. Tierra Atacama's Oriente Room.
16 Cabins

Oriente Room

Guests
2 - 3
Size
35 m² / 376 ft²
Beds
Double / Twin

The intimate Oriente Rooms are awash with nude and cocoa tones, with large canopy beds facing wide, sliding glass doors and the Licancabur Volcano views which lie beyond. Step outside onto your own private terrace and take in Atacama’s most famous peak, breathtaking by both day and night. Meanwhile, sleek, en suite bathrooms are clad in cool slate and frosted glass; you can even choose between interconnecting indoor and outdoor showers.

Technical Information

Property Layout

Features

  • Connecting cabins
  • Cabins with balconies
  • Air conditioning
  • Deck shower
  • Pool / Jacuzzi
  • Massage room
  • Lecture room
  • Wheelchair access
  • WIFI available
  • Kosher Meals

Equipment

  • Bicycles
  • Yoga mats
** Use of certain equipment at additional cost, ask for details
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