Alto Atacama
Raw desert zen. Indigenous materials, handwoven textiles, macramé hangings, and ochre tones throughout. No grand lobby gestures — just low-slung adobe buildings that let the landscape do the talking. Designed around the ancestral Licanantay culture of the Atacama.
Book the astronomy session for your first night if possible — it books out when the hotel fills up
Why It Matters
The only luxury hotel in San Pedro de Atacama holding the Chilean government's 'S' certification for sustainable tourism. Home to an on-site astronomical observatory (named Ckepi — 'eye' in Kunza language), a 2,000 sqm Andean Scape Garden (the only cultivated garden in a natural desert oasis globally), a llama and alpaca corral, and the award-winning Puri Spa — named Best Spa in Chile by Spa Finder Awards.
Nayara Alto Atacama sits in the Catarpe Valley at 2,500 meters above sea level, about 3km outside San Pedro de Atacama. The terracotta adobe architecture blends deliberately into the landscape of the Salt Mountain Range, and the whole property occupies 3.5 hectares of genuine desert oasis along the San Pedro River. It's all-inclusive, meaning excursions, meals, and airport transfers are bundled in — which is the right call given how remote this place is.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
Catarpe Room
The core room of the property. Adorned with local natural materials in earthy desert tones. From inside, you can hear the San Pedro River. Step onto the terrace and you have sweeping views of the Salt Mountain Range or the lodge's cactus and algarrobo gardens. The deep-set roof filters the desert sun so the room holds its temperature well. Accessible room option available.
King or Twin · 50 sqm
Quitor Room
A second room building type at the property, named after the nearby Pucará de Quitor fortress. Same generous 50 sqm footprint and desert-material aesthetic as the Catarpe rooms. Balcony with valley views. Same amenities package.
King · 50 sqmSuite Tilo
Tilo means 'laguna' in Kunza, the indigenous Atacama language. The top-tier accommodation at the property. Every suite looks out over the oasis toward the Salt Mountain Range and Andean hills. Local culture is present in the handwoven throws and macramé hangings, and the natural fabric palette keeps things grounded. The standout feature is the private outdoor rain shower — washing under a star-filled desert sky at altitude is genuinely special. A private enclosed rear terrace adds extra privacy. Accessible room option available.
King · 70 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A 2,000 sqm garden that is, according to the hotel, the only cultivated garden in the world within a natural desert oasis. Features altiplanic trees, native cacti, indigenous shrubs, and Andean edible plants — all of which supply the hotel kitchen.
A small llama and alpaca stable on the hotel grounds — a guaranteed highlight for kids and adults alike. It's just a short walk from the rooms, making it a natural stop on the morning walk to breakfast.
Bicycles included in all-inclusive packages. Guests can ride through the canyons and desert trails around the property and toward San Pedro de Atacama (3km away).
Guided visits to ancient Licanantay archaeological sites, including petroglyphs with animal figures on rock walls and the Pucará de Quitor hilltop fortress, dating back over 2,400 years. Over half the staff is indigenous, meaning guides are genuinely rooted in this culture.
Over 35 excursions available, led by indigenous naturalist guides. Includes volcano treks, cycling through canyons and dunes, geyser field visits, photography safaris, flamingo spotting at Salar de Atacama, Valle de la Luna sunset walks, Tebequinche Lagoon picnics, and more. Three program tiers available: Dream (room + breakfast, self-arranged), Full Experience (all-inclusive with one guided tour per night), and Private Guided Experience (dedicated private naturalist, private vehicle, all meals à la carte).
Complimentary morning access to the Puri Spa's sauna circuit (wet sauna, dry sauna, outdoor relaxation area) starting at 8:15 AM. Included for all guests as part of the daily experience.
The hotel's own on-property astronomical viewpoint — Ckepi means 'eye' in Kunza. A professional telescope and expert naturalist guides let you explore the night sky. No artificial light pollution at this altitude means constellations, nebulae, and lunar craters are all visible to the naked eye. The night sky changes seasonally. Twice-nightly sessions available. A 3-night minimum stay is required at the lodge.
A sommelier-curated pairing dinner using Chile's top wines, including rare 'Grandes Terroirs' varieties. Available in the Ckelar Restaurant or Bar Puri.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
On-site business center available for guests.
A central living room with a fireplace — ideal for reading, board games, or warming up after a cold desert night.
Outdoor sitting areas dotted with small fire pits for sunset relaxation.
Complimentary Wi-Fi in common areas throughout the property. Speed 50+ Mbps in rooms.
Six outdoor pools fed by underground mineral aquifers, heated to 37–38°C. Arranged along wooden decks with views of the Catarpe Valley and Salt Mountain Range.
Both indoor and outdoor hydro-massage baths at Puri Spa.
On-site solar panel installation designed to mitigate over a ton of CO2 emissions annually. Part of the hotel's S-certified sustainable tourism program.
Included in all-inclusive packages. Hotel meets guests at Calama El Loa Airport (CJC) and transfers to the lodge in approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
On-site free private parking available. Reservation required.
Full dry and wet (steam) sauna facilities at Puri Spa. Lights dimmed, walls covered in natural stone.
BUILD YOUR NAYARA ALTO ATACAMA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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