About Explora Atacama
The Atacama Desert stretches from the rugged Pacific coast of northern Chile to the steep Andean slopes of southwestern Bolivia. Famous for its aridity, Atacama is proof of how life can flourish even in the harshest of conditions.
Our lodge in Atacama is located in the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, on the beautiful Ayllu de Larache, once inhabited by ancient Atacameño families. San Pedro is a beautiful adobe town surrounded by the desert’s most dramatic features: salt-flats, volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, windswept sand dunes and more. See it on the map here.
What’s Included in Your Stay
Explora lodges offer an all-inclusive experience, allowing you to immerse yourself deeply in the territory without any distractions.
Explorations
- Explora offers over 30 options of guided explorations included with your booking.
- Hikes, horseback rides, bike rides, stargazing, overland explorations, and more across 5 unique zones of the desert.
- Options include full-day and half-day excursions: Tailor your options to your interests and energy levels.
- Groups are limited to a maximum of 8 travelers.
- Suitable for all experience levels and ages.
- Led by certified, expert, and bilingual guides from Explora. They are available to help you plan your daily explorations upon arrival and each evening for the following day.
Lodge
- Award-winning architecture and interior design.
- Gastronomy crafted by Virgilio Martínez, from the world’s best restaurant.
- Explora’s owned stables for horseback riding activities at the desert.
- One of the best private observatories in Chile for stargazing.
- Simple yet enchanting rooms.
- Comprehensive spa facilities, including hot tubs, sauna, and four pools surrounded by pampas grass.
Cuisine
At Explora Atacama, we offer a thoughtfully curated menu by Virgilio Martínez, the acclaimed chef behind Central in Lima—recognized as one of the best restaurant in the world—and MIL in Cusco. Experience the distinctive flavors and culinary traditions of the region, crafted with the expertise of one of the world’s top chefs.
Cuisine
At Explora Atacama, we offer a thoughtfully curated menu by Virgilio Martínez, the acclaimed chef behind Central in Lima—recognized as one of the best restaurant in the world—and MIL in Cusco. Experience the distinctive flavors and culinary traditions of the region, crafted with the expertise of one of the world’s top chefs.
Explora Observatory
Immerse yourself in the celestial wonders of Atacama. Our private observatory at Explora Lodge offers breathtaking views of the cosmos. Discover constellations, nebulae, and planets under some of the world’s clearest skies.
Atacama is synonymous with starry skies. The exceptional clarity of its sky has attracted cutting-edge observatories like ALMA, which use the region to make groundbreaking astronomical discoveries.
Explora Observatory
Immerse yourself in the celestial wonders of Atacama. Our private observatory at Explora Lodge offers breathtaking views of the cosmos. Discover constellations, nebulae, and planets under some of the world’s clearest skies.
Atacama is synonymous with starry skies. The exceptional clarity of its sky has attracted cutting-edge observatories like ALMA, which use the region to make groundbreaking astronomical discoveries.
Exclusive Pool at Puritama Hot Springs
Explore the breathtaking Andean landscape and then unwind in the exclusive thermal pool of Explora. Immerse yourself in the warm, mineral-rich waters and relax your senses. Book your stay at Explora and experience the ultimate desert retreat.
Exclusive Pool at Puritama Hot Springs
Explore the breathtaking Andean landscape and then unwind in the exclusive thermal pool of Explora. Immerse yourself in the warm, mineral-rich waters and relax your senses. Book your stay at Explora and experience the ultimate desert retreat.
5.0 Excellent
1,097 reviewsCHILE HIGHLIGHTS
Experience contrasting landscapes, from the driest desert on earth to incredible granite walls and glaciers.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Explore ancient cultures amidst breathtaking landscapes across three remarkable destinations
SOUTHAMERICAN LANDSCAPES
Discover vast South American landscapes, cultures, and history in one unforgettable journey.
CHILE HIGHLIGHTS
Experience contrasting landscapes, from the driest desert on earth to incredible granite walls and glaciers.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Explore ancient cultures amidst breathtaking landscapes across three remarkable destinations
SOUTHAMERICAN LANDSCAPES
Discover vast South American landscapes, cultures, and history in one unforgettable journey.
Explora Passport
Create Your Own Multi-Destination Trip
- Explore multi destinations in 1 trip and get up to 25% off on each additional destination added.
- Discount applies when combining stays in different regions (Patagonia, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Desert & Altiplano, and Easter Island).
Explora Passport
Create Your Own Multi-Destination Trip
- Explore multi destinations in 1 trip and get up to 25% off on each additional destination added.
- Discount applies when combining stays in different regions (Patagonia, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Desert & Altiplano, and Easter Island).
As the World’s Leading Expeditions Company, we craft in-depth explorations to create immersive experiences in some of the world’s most remote and stunning destinations using our award-winning lodges as bases from which to go deeper into each territory.
Territory Expertise
Our long-established presence in remote South America has shaped our knowledge on the territory, on exploration, and on conservation.
Crafted Explorations
We craft one-of-a-kind explorations so you can experience genuine immersion into the remote, from start to finish.
Network of Destinations
We are strategically located across South America’s destinations to foster deep connections with the region’s cultures and natural wonders.
Atacama Lodge
Explora is located in the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, in the middle of the desert, on a 17-hectare site conceived for relaxation.
Conservation Engagement
The Explora Puritama Conservation Reserve protects 7,000 hectares of unique Atacama Desert ecosystems in the Puritama River Valley, a sanctuary where wildlife thrives in one of the driest places on earth.
Reviews
ChristineJuly 2024
ChileLU_ RTTIJuly 2024
Sao Paulo, BrasilAshaApril 2024
Trinidad, VenezuelaChristineJuly 2024
ChileLU_ RTTIJuly 2024
Sao Paulo, BrasilAshaApril 2024
Trinidad, VenezuelaFAQs
CONTACT & IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ATACAMA
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All of our guides are Wilderness First Response (WFR) certified, guaranteeing that they have the necessary knowledge and abilities to aid people in remote locations.
San Pedro de Atacama, the town near the lodge, has a health clinic. More serious emergencies can be treated at the Calama hospital, a one-hour drive from the lodge.
Contact us if you have any questions.
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They can contact you by calling + 56 2 3244 2000, or by sending an e-mail to recatacama@explora.com.
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Yes, both Explora Atacama and the town of San Pedro have good connectivity for all kinds of mobile phones.
About Explora in Atacama
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We recommend a minimum of five nights to have an exploration experience that allows you to deeply discover Atacama, although we are sure that each day of exploration will increase your desire to explore this special territory for more days.
Six nights are a good alternative to achieve a more comprehensive knowledge of the area and explore the high plateau or volcanoes.
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At the time of booking you must select a room with either a king size bed or two double beds. Being in the lodge, if you require, you may change your bed, subject to availability and room type.
-
All of our guides are Wilderness First Response (WFR) certified, guaranteeing that they have the necessary knowledge and abilities to aid people in remote locations.
San Pedro de Atacama, the town near the lodge, has a health clinic. More serious emergencies can be treated at the Calama hospital, a one-hour drive from the lodge.
Contact us if you have any questions.
-
They can contact you by calling + 56 2 3244 2000, or by sending an e-mail to recatacama@explora.com.
-
Yes, both Explora Atacama and the town of San Pedro have good connectivity for all kinds of mobile phones.
-
All of our guides are Wilderness First Response (WFR) certified, guaranteeing that they have the necessary knowledge and abilities to aid people in remote locations.
San Pedro de Atacama, the town near the lodge, has a health clinic. More serious emergencies can be treated at the Calama hospital, a one-hour drive from the lodge.
Contact us if you have any questions.
-
They can contact you by calling + 56 2 3244 2000, or by sending an e-mail to recatacama@explora.com.
-
Yes, both Explora Atacama and the town of San Pedro have good connectivity for all kinds of mobile phones.