Tucked away in a valley of serene beauty, the Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa blends seamlessly into its environment and appears as a part of the terracotta-colored ridge rising behind it. This luxury, one-of-a-kind desert retreat's surroundings are very much like the typical dwellings located 10 minutes away in the oasis village of San Pedro.
Blessed with this spectacular location (flanked by dramatic mountain ranges, iconic archaeological sites and the San Pedro River trickling alongside), the lodge is a superb base for visiting the Atacama Desert.
Geysers, hot springs, volcano climbs, mountain biking through desert canyons, horseback riding on a sand dune, and exploring ancient Incan ruins and "petroglyphs" (rock engravings) are just a few of the 30 adventurous excursions offered - always led by highly trained local guides.
Alto Atacama also encourages guests to get off the beaten track by interacting with the local indigenous culture as well as exploring the desert’s varied and eerily beautiful landscapes by foot or mountain bike. Indeed, more than half of Alto Atacama’s staff is indigenous, and their personal stories and histories enrich a guest's understanding of the region.
At the hotel's on-site spa, visitors can also indulge in a variety of relaxing treatments, including body scrubs, hot stone and deep tissue massages, and hydrotherapy treatments, all complemented by six outdoor pools, as well as indoor and outdoor whirlpool baths.
With accommodations faithful to the local aesthetic, the lodge's 42 guest rooms are rustic yet elegant, with local crafts adding warmth and character. Each of these guest rooms has a private terrace — the perfect spot for absorbing the color and silence of the valley.
Highlights
“We loved every moment of our trip and could not have done it without Ligia and Surtrek. I highly recommend them!”