Atacama Desert. Meet, Discover and Explore in Depth

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Atacama, Chile

Atacama, Chile

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in-depth exploration

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Atacama Desert

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. All our programs include accommodation, transfers to and from the airport, meals and drinks, and a menu of more than 40 exploration routes.

Huge sand dunes, salt pans, impressive volcanoes and cloudless skies inspired the design of each of our explorations. These can be completed hiking, cycling, horseback riding or through a combination of hiking and by van.

CHILE BOLIVIA Salar de Atacama Trip in van: 1 hour Pacific Ocean San Pedro de Atacama Calama explora Atacama

Why explora Atacama?

explora Atacama was designed as the perfect base from where to explore the desert, the Andes highlands and many surrounding natural areas. Through more than 40 explorations that can be completed hiking, by bike, by van, horseback riding or in our observatory, you’ll be able to discover the deepest mysteries of the desert: its contrasts, geography, the sky, wildlife and culture.

explora Atacama has over 40 different guided hikes, bike rides, high mountain ascents and horseback rides, in groups of maximum 8 travelers. All our explorations have different difficulty levels ranging from easy to expert, and different durations, half day or full day.

Over 40 explorations

explora Atacama has its own stables and horses, which have been bred for the particular altitude and geography of the Atacama region.

Equine culture

explora Atacama has its own in-house observatory, equipped with a professional telescope. At night –if weather permits– we organize guided star gazing observations.

Our own observatory

The Puritama Natural Reservoir is owned by explora, and is part of our conservation program. explora travelers have exclusive access to a private hotspring-pool within the reservoir.

Puritama hotsprings

explora Atacama is located on a 17-hectare (39 acres) plot of land, which was once owned by local Atacameño families. We have carefully preserved the original layout of the grounds, as well as the native floral species which grow within the oasis.

Location

At explora Atacama we hold the Quincho experience, which consists on a traditional roasted lamb barbeque with assorted, locally produced meals such as Quinoa salad. As well as the meal itself, travelers enjoy a presentation of local music and dance presentations.

Quincho experience

explora Atacama has 4 outdoor swimming pools, 2 open air jacuzzis, 2 saunas, 2 steam rooms and a relaxation area. The Turi Puri, is an original 90 year-old adobe building, located within the hotel grounds.

SPA

explora Atacama works with local communities as part of our Sustainable Development program, which also includes a series os environmental practices to minimize our presence in the area.

Sustainability

explora Atacama is ideal for families, since it has interconnected rooms and outdoor activities which are suitable for all ages.

Family friendly

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Explore the Atacama Desert

Horseback riding through red soil esplanades, 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.

Hotel & Services

Hotel & Services

explora Atacama was built in a 17-hectare Atacameño plot, also including our stables with horses specifically trained for Atacama’s geography, an area with jacuzzis and pools, and a traditional adobe house that also includes a quincho or barbeque area: a place to enjoy a traditional barbeque and local music and dances.

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Our rooms

Designed to blend in with the landscape and with views to the gardens, our hotel’s comfortable rooms ensure our travelers a deep rest after a day of exploration.

Suite

Catur Suite

4 Catur suites measuring 50m² (538 feet²). With balconies and views of[...]

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Tulur

Tulur Room

19 Tulur rooms measuring 33m² (355 feet²), 8 of them are interconnected[...]

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Yali

Yali Room

27 Yali rooms measuring 33m² (355 feet²). Views of the desert landscape.

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Reviews

  • onconc
    09/12/2019
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    Horseback riding on the moon

    My wife and I spent 8 days at the Explora Atacama in Chile. From the moment we arrived in Caluma we we greeted warmly and cared for like royalty. The hotel is about 1 1/2 hrs drive thru what looks like the sea of tranquility except for the windmills. At the hotel we were greeted by Maureen who gave us a brief tour. The hotel is located in stunning setting overlooking the Liancancabur volcano. We chose the entry level room which was lovely. Very excellent bedding and bathroom and nice amenities such as robes, slippers, and safe.
    The meals are all sit down with excellent table service including a nice wine selection and full bar.
    The reason to come here is the Explorations. There are about 40 spanning biking, hiking, horseback riding and a few overland tours. Each activity is accompanied by a guide and driver. Every guide was patient, caring and extremely well educated. They are all required to pass a four month course. To really enjoy a good level of fitness and a sense of adventure. I should mention that the this resort attracts a multinational following of great guests to interact with.

  • David P
    21/10/2019
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    Spectacular venue with wonderful staff, brilliant excursions

    Explora Atacama is a great place to stay, with exceptional staff who make you feel welcome from the second you arrive. The range of excursions is amazing from mountain biking, to horse riding to visiting salt flats or hot geysers. The hikes are graded to ensure you don't take on more than you mean to, and the scenery is dramatic and exciting. Above all, the excursion guides are informative, attentive and great company. Food and drink is excellent and contributed to a wonderful experience.

  • jbetinyani
    09/12/2019
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    The best way to visit Atacama desert, period.

    The hotel property is massive, beautifully built and catches the magic of the desert with a luxurious simplicity. But the most impressive thing about the explora is how everything is planned for you to go outside and discover the desert. The perfectly crafted explorations and the knowledge of the area really set Explora apart from the rest. A must.

  • 387tracey
    26/07/2019
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    Excellent rating doesn't seem enough...

    I had read reviews before my trip that said this was definitely a place to visit but nothing prepared me for the amazing place that it was. Apart from the incredible scenery and surrounds, the resort itself was a wonderful experience. Everything is provided for you and to a very high quality. The staff are so friendly and helpful, the food was wonderful, I can't speak highly enough. It was perfect and a trip I will never forget.

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