Atacama
Adventure-first luxury. Think REI meets upscale minimalism — slate floors, whitewashed adobe walls, locally sourced wood furnishings, and zero TV or in-room WiFi by design. The focus is firmly on the landscape outside. Social evenings at the Explorer's Bar where guests and guides plan the next day together give it a genuine expedition-camp feel.
Book spa treatments in advance — the Turi Puri is a two-room operation and fills up fast
Why It Matters
One of South America's original wilderness lodges, and still the Atacama's benchmark for guided exploration. The rate includes everything: all meals and open bar, nearly 50 curated explorations, spa access, national park fees, and round-trip transfers from Calama airport. The cuisine was redesigned by Virgilio Martínez — the chef behind Lima's Central, repeatedly ranked among the world's best restaurants — with a desert-ingredients focus. The onsite observatory houses the largest privately owned telescope in San Pedro de Atacama. Guests also get exclusive private-pool access at Explora's own Puritama Conservation Reserve hot springs.
Explora Atacama is a 50-room all-inclusive lodge sitting on 17 hectares (42 acres) of high desert at 2,500 meters above sea level, opened in 1998 and designed by celebrated Chilean architect José Cruz Ovalle. The whole point of being here is getting out: nearly 50 guided explorations are included in the rate, from horseback rides through salt flats to high-altitude volcano ascents and geyser visits. Back at the lodge, four interconnected pools, a spa in a restored adobe building, and a private observatory for stargazing under some of the clearest skies on Earth round out the experience.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
Catur Suite
The lodge's four suites are the top tier here. Private balcony, views of the countryside and surrounding desert. At 50 square meters they have noticeably more space than the standard rooms, plus a larger jetted bathtub. Still no TV or in-room WiFi — that's a feature, not a bug.
1 King bed · 50 sqm
Tulur Room
Nineteen rooms with views toward the hotel grounds and the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountains). Same footprint and spec as the Yali Rooms. Four of the Tulur rooms can be interconnected, making them the practical family choice. Slate floors, wooden beam ceilings, whitewashed walls, and a wall of windows are the aesthetic.
1 King bed or 2 twin beds · 33 sqm
Yali Room
Twenty-seven rooms with views of the lodge's lush gardens. King or twin configuration. At 33 square meters these are comfortable but not enormous — think well-designed desert camp rather than lavish suite. All include a jetted bathtub, which feels earned after a day at altitude. No TV or WiFi in the room.
1 King bed or 2 twin beds · 33 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
An overland crossing from Explora Atacama through the high Andes to the Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia. Sold as a separate multi-day program. Not part of the standard all-inclusive rate.
The entire model of Explora is built around this. Nearly 50 expert-led explorations are available and all are included in the rate. Options range from easy afternoon hikes to full-day high-altitude treks, canyon rides, and technical mountain bike routes. Every trip is customized to the group's fitness level and interests. Destinations include the Tatio Geysers, Valley of the Moon, Salt Flats, Rainbow Valley, Altiplanic Lagoons, and ancient petroglyphs.
Explora runs its own stables on the property, housing 17 horses raised at a reputable ranch in central Chile and trained for riders of all abilities — including beginners. Half-day and full-day routes through the desert. Widely considered the best equestrian program in the Atacama.
Guided bike explorations ranging from gentle e-bike routes to technical high-altitude mountain bike rides through desert canyons and the Altiplano. Standard and e-bikes available.
Explora's private on-site observatory, inaugurated in 2008, is home to a Meade 16" f/10 LX200R Advanced RD telescope — the largest privately owned scope in San Pedro de Atacama. Guided sessions reveal the Milky Way, planets, and southern constellations under some of the clearest skies on the planet. The exceptional clarity of Atacama's skies has attracted major scientific observatories including ALMA.
Explora owns the Puritama Conservation Reserve, an 8,000-hectare private reserve in a deep Andean canyon about 30 minutes from the lodge. Guests get exclusive access to a private section of the mineral-rich natural hot springs (the warmest and largest pool), with dedicated changing facilities, sun loungers, and included drinks. The public area of the springs is also open to other visitors with a separate entry fee.
Two to three times per week, guests gather at the on-site Quincho — a renovated traditional adobe house and courtyard — for a feast with live Andean music, song, and dance by local artists.
For more serious hikers: summit attempts on peaks above 5,000 meters (16,400+ feet), including routes with views into Bolivia and Argentina. Guide-led and matched to fitness level.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
A dedicated equipment room outfitted with trekking gear, guide lockers, large water bottle refill stations, and snack supplies (nuts, dried fruit) for packing before excursions.
Conference rooms available for corporate groups and events. The Atacama setting is marketed for team-building and leadership programs.
Complimentary WiFi is available in the lobby, bar, and other common areas. No WiFi in individual rooms (intentional policy).
A daily updated chalkboard of available excursions posted in the lobby. Guides meet guests each evening to review the next day's options and tailor experiences by ability and interest.
Explora owns the 8,000-hectare Puritama Conservation Reserve, a private nature reserve protecting endangered species including the Andean Cat. Guests have exclusive access to the best section of the natural hot springs within the reserve.
Four pools surrounded by tall pampas grass and native Atacama flora. Each offers a slightly different experience; one is heated to 77–82°F (25–28°C). The pool area is a 5–7 minute walk from the rooms.
An extensive library stocked with travel magazines, photography books, and related travelogues. A popular spot for laptop use near the WiFi zone.
Transfers to and from Calama Airport (100 km away) are included in the all-inclusive rate. Notify the property at least 72 hours before arrival.
BUILD YOUR EXPLORA ATACAMA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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