Explorations
 

explora ATACAMA

Explorations

At explora Atacama we offer over 50 different explorations. On foot or horseback or by bicycle; a couple of hours to a full day; gentle or more physically demanding.

Our series of explorations will enable you to discover the ancient culture of Atacama, its singular wildlife, and get to know in-depth the natural landscapes of this vast terrain: from the brown of the Andean mountains and volcanos, to the white of the salt flats and the green of the oases.

San Pedro de Atacama is located at an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level. Our explorations, planned to enable your body to gradually become accustomed to the altitude, can take you to heights of between 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) and 4,500 meters (14,763 feet) above sea level and if you wish, even further on our high-mountain climbs.

Explorations are safe and are made up of groups with a maximum of 8 people, accompanied by an expert bilingual guide. All our guides speak excellent Spanish and English and some also speak French and German.

More extensive explorations include open-air picnics.
Every evening, one of our guides will meet with you in the lodge bar to tell you about the explorations planned for the following day and help you with the difficult task of choosing between the 7 to 14 different options, all of them exciting.

Our guides have substantial knowledge of the area and all have Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, which guarantees that they have the expertise and skills necessary to provide assistance to people in remote places.

 
Horseback rides

Horseback rides

Because of the altitude and climate of this area, horses have not been part of traditional Atacameño culture. It took special efforts for us to introduce horses to this area and create the right conditions for them.

Walking, trotting or galloping along the dunes, valleys and plains will enable you to appreciate the contrasts in landscapes, forms and colors of this extensive area.

At explora Atacama, we offer a variety different horseback rides, on horses that have been specially trained for explorations. On this incredible Atacama travel adventure we provide horses, equipment and routes suitable for those who are new to riding as well as children and expert riders. We also offer a basic course for those who wish to learn to ride.

The equipment we use is of the highest quality: Chilean saddles, hand-made by a master craftsman; British saddles; Argentine leather chaps; and helmets.

The following is a selection of the horse rides we might offer, a full list and description of the daily explorations will be available to you once you arrive to the hotel. Each evening you will meet with one of our experienced guides to discuss and select from the options available to you on the following day; joining a group of up to 8 other travelers to discover the beauty and culture of Atacama.

The explorations can be modified without previous communication to the traveler.