High-desert expedition keep
Guests map daily excursions with guides in the expedition room before trading trail stories over rica-rica pisco sours in the bar.
“Everything at Explora Atacama is offered under the guidance of a Wilderness First Responder-certified team of experts who graduated from Explora’s own School of Guides.”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Wilderness-certified guides tailor daily explorations, supported by responsive altitude care and all-inclusive regional dining.
Remarkable
Over forty guided desert excursions, private stables with seventeen horses, and an on-site astronomical observatory dome.
Remarkable
Culinary menus highlighting native rica-rica and chañar, paired with guided explorations through ancient high-Andean desert ayllus.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – The Americas
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
The architecture and interior design are understated, a sort of rustic modern look, the buildings clinging low to the surface of the earth…
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set just outside San Pedro de Atacama, the estate borders pre-Hispanic irrigation canals with uninterrupted views across the high-altitude desert.
The rooms
Bright, low-tech spaces omit televisions, letting woven artisan tapestries and picture windows framing the Licancabur volcano take focus.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Four interconnected outdoor pools, including one solar-heated lap pool, sit among native desert grasses and shaded loungers.
The hot tubs
Two ten-person hot tubs sit sunken into timber decking, sheltered by stands of pampas grass.
At the table
Dishes developed with chef Virgilio Martínez highlight indigenous desert ingredients, served in the firelit dining room and open terraces.
How it began
Architect Jose Cruz designed the low-slung lodge to hug the desert terrain within Ayllu de Larache, an ancient farming settlement.
Good to know
Stay here
Explora Atacama
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San Pedro de Atacama
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.