A luxury oasis set on a pristine 17-hectare desert estate amidst the rugged landscapes of the Atacama Desert.
Explora Atacama offers a front-row seat to the beauty and vast stillness of the Atacama Desert, with fifty rooms designed to take full advantage of the silence, privacy and expansiveness of the surrounding landscapes.
Roam the plains, ride horseback through dusty canyons or hike to nearby geysers, then sink into one of the lodge’s multiple pools or let the heat melt away in the spa. After dark, head to the private world-class observatory where Explora offers one of the finest stargazing experiences on the planet.
What we love about Explora Atacama
- The tranquil design of the rooms, in tune with the silence, privacy, and spaciousness of the surrounding landscape
- The private observatory with astronomical sessions where you can gaze at the world’s clearest skies, taking in the wonders of the universe.
- The four pools (with a temperature 25°C to 28° C / 77°F to 82°), surrounded by pampas grass and other local flora temperature, which are blissful retreat in the stillness of the Atacama Desert. There is also a spa with sauna, steam baths, and outdoor hot tubs.
- The culinary delights on offer, developed by the renowned Peruvian Chef Virgilio Martínez (widely known as Peru’s best chef). Inspired by the Atacama Desert it’s a celebration of Andean region’s unique flavours and ingredients, such as chañar and cachiyuyo.
A stay at Explora Atacama includes dozens of expert-guided full and half-day explorations, customised to your interests and fitness levels.
The altiplano is a spectacular landscape for hiking, e-biking, climbing, horseback riding. Adventure is right on the doorstep, with Altiplanic Lagoons just 2km away, and the pre-Columbian Pukará de Quitor archaeological site 4km from the lodge.
Hiking the Cordillera de la Sal with stunning views of the Valley of the Moon, riding horseback over breathtaking desert dunes and swimming in private hot springs at the private Puritama Conservation Reserve. Just some of the 49 expeditions offered at Explora Atacama.
At night, there is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to stargaze in the stillness of some of clearest skies in the world.
From Santiago, Chile’s capital city (SCL), you will need to take a two-hour connecting flight to the city of Calama. From there it is a one-hour transfer by land to Explora Atacama.
When to travel
September to February
September to December are quieter months, warm weather, and peak stargazing season. Throughout the summer (December to February) the temperatures are higher, there is more flora and fauna, and colourful sunsets.
However, it is a year-round destination, and the advantage of the cooler months is that the skies are clearer and stars even brighter.
ENQUIRE NOWLooking for more inspiration? Learn more about our bespoke holidays and adventures in Chile, or discover our other luxury properties.
