Are you planning to visit the Atacama desert in Chile, the driest and highest desert in the world? Then you want to stay at Explora Atacama lodge, an all-inclusive boutique concept in San Pedro de Atacama. Surrounded by volcanoes, salt flats, geysers, and the large desert, you will not only stay in luxury in a unique place on earth but also enjoy culinary experiences by one of the best chefs in the world, make use of comfortable facilities and go on daily explorations led by experts. Explora Atacama lodge is a little heaven on earth, where you only have to worry about the natural beauty around you. In this article I will tell you everything you want to know about staying at Explora Atacama lodge in Chile.
Welcome at Explora Atacama lodge
Explora Atacama lodge is located in San Pedro de Atacama, a village in the north of Chile, a few blocks from the main street. This small oasis consists of a desert estate of 17 hectares, surrounded by large salt flats, hot springs, sand dunes and special rock formations. As soon as you enter Explora Atacama, you will find yourself a piececul property that is spaciously designed, allowing you to truly immerse in your own world.
There is one main building where the restaurant, bar, lounge area and expedition room are located. From here you look out over the surrounding volcanoes, including the 6000 meter high Lincacabur volcano. Stairs lead to a large courtyard, which is surrounded by rooms. Beautiful materials in natural colors are used for the construction, making it fit perfectly into the surroundings. Around the buildings there is a natural area with horses, hiking trails and lovely swimming pools.
The rooms
Explora Atacama lodge in Chile has 46 rooms, which are situated around a large courtyard. The rooms are comfortable and luxuriously furnished with a stylish interior. Here too, light and natural local materials have been used, with a fresh blue colour touch here and there. Something that makes it stylish. You can choose from rooms with a view of the courtyard or the gardens. There are also 4 suites available, which differ in size from the other rooms. Outside you are immediately on the patio, offering great views of the volcanoes.
Do you want to stay at Explora Atacama lodge in Chile? Check the latest prices and availability here.
The facilities
Explora Atacama lodge in Chile consists of a number of facilities that are part of the estate. And as a guest you are lucky and be able to make full use of these.
Main building – Explora Atacama lodge
In the main building there is a stylish bar. Here you can order high-end cocktails and high-end Chilean wines, included in your stay. There is nothing better than watching the sunset from the roof terrace at the end of the day, with a glass of wine in your hands. There are lounge areas with traditional art on the walls, an extensive collection of table books and locally produced furniture. On the large outdoor terrace you can enjoy lunch in the afternoon and have a drink.
The expedition room of Explora Atacama lodge offers every day information about the tours and explorations that you can sign up for. And in the associated shop you will find outdoor gear and handmade souvenirs from Atacama. A great service is that you will find at the entrance a counter with fresh fruit, nuts and other snacks that you can take with you before you go on your exploration.
The spa
Several beautifully landscaped walking paths take you through the unique Atacama vegetation to the spa complex of the lodge. Here you will find four large swimming pools, two jacuzzis, steam baths and saunas, where you can relax at the end of the day or in the afternoon, between tours. At the bar you can order a fresh juice, cocktail or glass of wine. It is the place for the ultimate holiday feeling.
Restaurant Explora Atacama lodge
One of the highlights during a stay at Explora Atacama lodge in Chile is the gastronomical experience. The menu has been put together by Virgilio Martínez, the chef of one of the best restaurants in the world: Central in Lima. Every evening dinner is a surprise again. You choose your own dishes from the menu, but even better is it to just order half portions of everything and taste all the flavors and textures that way. The kitchen works with only local ingredients and traditions from Atacama. Think of trout or fruit ceviches, dishes with Andean grains, corn, llama but also traditional dishes such as chicken soup. The dishes are accompanied by fantastic wines, so make sure to ask the staff for recommendations. During lunch on the terrace, there is a cold buffet and a complementary menu with small dishes that are served at the table.
Do you want to stay at Explora Atacama lodge in Chile? Check the latest prices and availability here.
Explorations/Tours Explora Atacama lodge Chili
At Explora Atacama lodge you can choose from 48 explorations every day. And that is not an easy task. You could stay here for weeks and visit a different area every day. What is nice and special is that in addition to well-known activities in the Atacama desert such as a visit to the moon valley, the Altiplano lakes and the Tatio Geyser, there are countless other options that are less obvious and also less visited. The guides have also all followed a special Explora training in order to be able to offer the best information and service.
You can choose from full-day excursions or half-day excursions. The latter option gives you the opportunity to visit two places per day and have lunch and relax at Explora in the afternoon. You will go out with a maximum of 8 people in a group and with each excursion there are snacks and drinks. Need help with your explorations? There are guides available every afternoon to tell you more about the tours and which ones best suit your wishes. Below you will find a selection of excursions that I selected myself.
Domeyko
Explora has exclusive access to Domeyko, a small mountain range in the desert, with canyons, clay walls and ravines that were created millions of years ago by wind and water. Under the guidance of a guide, you will go on a short walk, with a bit of scrambling here and there, while you learn more about the place. The area is fascinating because of the bizarre rock formations and colors, created by the different minerals that are found in the mountain range.
Laguna Chaxa
A short drive takes you to Laguna Chaxa, a salt flat and lagoon in the Los Flamencos National Reserve located at 2300 meters altitude. It is known for its numerous pink flamingos, which parade through the lagoon and fly around in large numbers, every now and then. It is a short walk that you take, where you will be amazed by the structures of the salt along the way. The best time of day to visit Laguna Chaxa is in the afternoon. Then the light is perfect for photos.
Puritama Conservation Reserve
A tour that you should not miss is a visit to Puritama Conservation Reserve, located in the canyons of the Andes in the Atacama Desert. Puritama is an 8000-hectare nature reserve that is managed by Explora for conservation and research. The area contains a unique ecosystem with animal and plant species that have adapted to life at altitude and that you will therefore only find here. It is also the place where the Andes plateau and the driest desert in the world meet in the Great Atacama Salt Lake. Explora is involved in research and monitoring of the endangered Andean cat, puma, foxes and birds, such as the Chilean Blue Eagle, small green-yellow finch, lizards and frogs.
In the Puritama River Valley, the pretty clear Puritama River flows into the Puritama hot springs. A part of the area that you can visit as a tourist. And this place is just too perfect. Explora also pampers you with sun loungers, bathrobes, towels and a table with snacks, fresh juices and wine. You could come here everyday.
You have two options to visit Puritama. A longer walk of 2 hours or a short walk of half an hour, take you through the Puritama reserve and its vegetation to the hot springs. Afterwards you return by car. During this excursion, you not only enjoy the beautiful surroundings, but with your visit and payment you also contribute directly to the preservation of this natural reserve.
Cordillera de Sal
Do you want to get to know the beautiful lunar landscape of San Pedro de Atacama but avoid the crowds? Then go to Cordillera de Sal. Here you get to know different desert landscapes, including sand dunes, reddish clay soils and special rock formations. You go for short walks in a few places, stop at a photogenic bus and then climb to a viewpoint, to look out over the surroundings that are beautiful during sunset.
You can climb volcanoes, go horseback riding, biking and visit salt lakes and geysers. There are so many options. Curious? This is an overview of the different Explora tours.
Observatory Explora Atacama lodge
The Atacama Desert has one of the clearest skies in the world and is therefore a fantastic place to observe stars. Numerous organizations and observatories, including ALMA, conduct research into the universe here with enormous telescopes.
The Atacama desert was even declared the ‘Stargazing Capital of the World’. Explora Atacama Lodge is the proud owner of a private observatory and as a visitor you should definitely visit. Together with a guide you look into the universe through a telescope and learn more about stars and planets. In our case, the presence of the moon prevented us from seeing a magnificent starry sky, but the full moon made up for it completely. The observatory is located on the Explora grounds.
Mini Travel Guide Explora Atacama lodge Chile
How to reach Explora Atacama lodge in Chile
Explora is located in San Pedro de Atacama, an hour’s drive from Calama in Chile, where the nearest airport is located. When you book a full stay at Explora Atacama lodge, your return transport to and from the airport in Calama is included. There are daily flights to and from Calama from Santiago de Chile. Curious about flights? Use Skyscanner to search, compare and book your flight. San Pedro de Atacama is also easily accessible from Uyuni in Bolivia, by going on a multi-day jeep tour where you drive through the breathtaking Eduardo Avaroa reserve, with salt lakes, colored lagoons, flamingos and desert landscapes. You can book this tour via Explora or here.
How long to stay at Explora Atacama lodge in Chile
How long you want to stay at Explora depends entirely on your planning, budget and interests. At Explora Atacama lodge you have to book a minimum of two nights, but my recommendation is to stay at least three nights and preferably even four. That is the only way to get the most out of your experience. There is so much to do and see in the Atacama desert and you also need time to enjoy the Explora Atacama property itself.
Altitude sickness
San Pedro de Atacama is located at 2400 meters above sea level and is therefore the highest desert in the world. If you come from Uyuni in Bolivia, you are completely altitude sickness proof. But if you come from sea level in Chile or Argentina, it is important to first acclimatize before you travel higher. Make sure to take it easy the first few days and drink enough water.
Stay at Explora Atacama lodge in Chile
Explora Atacama lodge offers all-inclusive experiences. Meaning you don’t have to worry about anything and can fully focus on your desert adventure.
- Overnight stays
- Meals
- Drinks (including alcoholic)
- All tours/explorations
- National park entrance fees
- Airport transfers
There are several packages to choose from, starting from two nights. It is also possible to combine your stay with a visit to the Explora lodges in Bolivia, Patagonia National Park, Easter Island and Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and the Sacred Valley in Peru.
Do you want to stay at Explora Atacama lodge in Chile? Check the latest prices and availability here.
About Explora
Explora is known for its beautiful lodges in remote areas. But that’s not all. For 30 years, they have not only put remote areas on the map through high-end tours but also by committing themselves to conservation, education and preservation. At Explora, you will not only have an unforgettable experience but you will also support the Explora conservation projects. Explora owns lodges in Bolivia, Patagonia National Park, Easter Island, Torres del Paine National Park and the Sacred Valley in Peru and offers interesting combination packages. Do you want to stay at Explora Atacama lodge in Chile? Check the latest prices and availability here. More information about Explora can be found on website and instagram.
More about Chile
Did you enjoy reading this article about Explora Atacama lodge in Chile? Let me take you on a journey along the most beautiful destinations in Chile. In the next articles you will find my Chile travel guides with lots of inspiration and tips.
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