explora ATACAMA
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of emergency medical services are there?
All of our guides have earned the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification and thus have all of the knowledge and skills to assist people in remote areas.
San Pedro de Atacama, the town adjacent to the lodge, has a health clinic with two general practitioners and nine paramedics. More serious emergencies can be treated at the hospital in Calama, one hour from the lodge.
2. How can my family contact me in case of emergency?
They can call either (56 55) 851110 or (56 55) 851115, or send an e-mail to recatacama@explora.com
3. What equipment should I bring?
We will provide you – at no additional cost – with walking sticks and leg guards for treks and all of the necessary equipment for horseback riding and cycling. Find out about the equipment you need to bring.
4. Is it possible to change the type of room I have?
When making the reservation, you should choose a room with either a king-size bed or two double beds. Once you are in Atacama, should you so desire, you may change rooms, as long as there is availability.
5. Are the rooms air-conditioned?
No. Because of its altitude and dryness, Atacama has very low levels of humidity, and one does not feel hot in the shade. In addition, the architecture of the lodge provides for adequate air circulation.
6. What kinds of vehicles are used to travel around at explora?
Vans which are roomy and comfortable with capacity for 8 people.
7. Is it possible to get to the Hotel de Larache from the border with Argentina?
Yes, we can pick up or drop off travelers at the Sico or Jama border crossings. There is an additional charge for this service.
8. What time do the minibuses travel between the Calama airport and the Hotel de Larache?
Transportation between the airport in Calama and the Hotel de Larache, in both directions, is scheduled around passengers’ flights. Therefore, there will always be a minibus available to bring you to the lodge or take you to the airport.
9. What are the distances between San Pedro de Atacama and the main places in the area?
San Pedro de Atacama / Jama border crossing 183 kilometers (114 miles)
San Pedro de Atacama / Sico border crossing 200 kilometers (124 miles)
San Pedro de Atacama / Arica 804 kilometers (500 miles) - San Pedro de Atacama / Iquique 487 kilometers (303 miles)
San Pedro de Atacama / Antofagasta 311 kilometers (193 miles) - San Pedro de Atacama / Calama 98 kilometers (61 miles)
10. Is it possible to travel to San Pedro de Atacama by plane?
Yes, there is a landing strip in San Pedro de Atacama but only for small planes (maximum 8,000 kilograms/176,363 pounds). Because of infrastructure limitations, takeoff and landing is only possible before sunset.
11. Is there mobile phone reception at Hotel de Larache?
Yes, both the Hotel de Larache and the town of San Pedro enjoy good connectivity for all kinds of mobile phones.
12. Does the overall rate include a tip?
No. At explora, tipping is voluntary. If you would like to leave a tip, you may give it to lodge reception when your stay is over. This tip will be divided among all who made your trip a unique experience. For those who are unsure about the appropriate amount for a tip, we suggest leaving US$100 per traveler per stay.
13. What are the lodge’s coordinates?
S 22º 55’ 08” W 068º 12’ 18”
14. What is the altitude of the lodge?
2,500 meters (8202 feet) above sea level.
How to arrive
Upon arrival at the airport in Santiago, Chile, you should take a connecting flight to the city of Calama, which takes two hours.
From Calama airport our staff will transfer you by minibus to Hotel de Larache, which takes approximately one hour.