Tour Overview
Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa is the only lodge in the San Pedro region that is totally enveloped by natural surroundings. Located in the lush Catarpe Valley of the Salt Mountain Range, just over a mile from the plaza of San Pedro, the Alto Atacama’s design was influenced by local village architecture and conceived to blend seamlessly into its environment and appear as a part of the terracotta-coloured ridge that rises behind it. The setting, the sweeping views, the tranquillity and silence, and the hotel’s wonderful outdoor lounge spaces make the Alto Atacama a destination unto itself, and unlike any other hotel property in the region.
Environmental sustainability and a strong connection with the local culture have put the Alto Atacama in a category of its own, as has its “Andescape” concept of decorative flora and stable of friendly llamas and alpacas, local cuisine, and Leave No Trace-schooled guides.
The Alto Atacama seeks to open a traveller’s eyes, to explore, to feel, to connect, and to return revitalised and changed by a truly authentic experience one will never forget. Rather than simply taking photos as a passive traveller, Alto Atacama encourages guests to get off the beaten track, interact with the local indigenous culture and explore the desert’s varied and eerily beautiful landscapes by foot or bike. More than half of Alto Atacama’s staff is indigenous, and their personal stories and histories enrich a guests’ understanding of the region. Geysers, hot springs, volcano climbs, mountain biking through desert canyons, and exploring ancient Incan ruins and petroglyphs are just a few of the 30 adventurous excursions offered, always led by highly trained local guides.
Room Types
Excursion Options
Each day, guests will meet with our excursion manager to discuss and set their new day activities. See below for sample excursions.
Ideal for the first days in the desert, to help with the acclimatization process, our Van trips will introduce you to the beauty and magnitude of Atacama. We will visit high mountain lakes and witness the Andes in full display of power; the Tatio geysers, the highest and third largest geothermal field in the world. And, as in all of Alto Atacama’s excursions we are in no rush. Take all the pictures that you want, talk to the curious children that approach us in every town, walk through the local markets, make moments last.
Ideal for the first days in the desert, to help with the acclimatization process, our Van trips will introduce you to the beauty and magnitude of Atacama. We will visit high mountain lakes and witness the Andes in full display of power; the Tatio geysers, the highest and third largest geothermal field in the world. And, as in all of Alto Atacama’s excursions we are in no rush. Take all the pictures that you want, talk to the curious children that approach us in every town, walk through the local markets, make moments last.
The geography of Atacama is perfect for mountain biking. We will fully equip and guide you while exploring stunningly beautiful trails and paths that enter pristine territories. We approach everything that we do with evolution in mind, therefore seasoned mountain bikers will be among our team of guides, no matter if you are a beginner just wanting to pedal for fun & sights, or a person looking to improve your skills on a bike, we have a journey ready. As in all of Alto Atacama’s excursions, our guides will help you choose the most suitable trails for the day.
The Northern skies of Chile are famous for being some of the clearest in the World. The combination of an extremely dry climate, high altitude and the distance from any source of environmental pollution makes them a perfect and clear window into the Universe. The experience of viewing the Atacama skies is truly impressive, visible even with the naked eye.
Astronomy Tour
After meeting the guide in the reception the group will walk to the observation point, just five minutes away, along a dirt trail before reaching the steps that lead to the observation deck. There are some 50 stone steps to the top, and the trail is illuminated with hand rails on each side. The observation deck has six lounge chairs and the telescope. Once the group has assembled on the deck, the guide will give a 15-minute introductory briefing, before indicating planets, galaxies and the major stars and constellations of the southern sky, with the aid of a professional laser pointer. The guests are free to explore the galaxy as they wish, which is the advantage of a manually-operated telescope. Hot and cold drinks will be served during the experience. The return walk to the hotel takes the same route. Note: The Astronomic tour is suspended six days before and three days after Full Moon period. This is because luminic conditions aren’t set for stargazing.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration: 1 hour (approx.) Intensity: Medium Altitude: 2.490 meters above sea level Acclimatization Required: None Maximum Participancy: 6 guests per tour Timetable May-September: 18:30-19:30 (Before dinner) Timetable October-April: 21:00-22:00 (After dinner)
Tour Inclusions
- Full accommodation at the lodge
- Meals provided by the Lodge (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
- Return road transfers between Calama Airport or Bolivian border and the lodge
- Expert led twice daily or full day excursions
Tour Exclusions
- Any flights
- Items not listed in the inclusions
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