Plan Your Trip
Within a stone's throw of snow-capped volcanoes, shimmering salt pans and the Andes, the boutique Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa hotel reflects the magic mood of the world's driest desert. Located in northern Chile’s stunning Atacama Desert – between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, on the edge of the tiny oasis village of San Pedro de Atacama –the Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa experience is that of an “adventure spa,” in that its idea is that guests can experience the outdoors actively and adventurously, later returning to the hotel for pampering at the spa or relaxation on the lodge’s grounds. Such a stay at Tierra Atacama includes access to myriad excursions in the area in groups of no more than eight guests, all led by expert guides. These outings range from driving tours to Altiplano lagoons, horseback riding, hiking through stunning scenery, visiting hot springs, mountain biking and exploring archaeological ruins. These tours range from half-a-day to full-day, and from easy hikes to the more challenging climbs, with a variety of daily options from which you – the guest – can choose. The following 6-day/5-night itinerary is just an example of a tour that can be designed by any guest at Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa Palm, after selecting from the many activities and excursions offered.
“We loved the time at the lodge in Cuyabeno. It was so genuine and natural there and the crew was so knowledgable and helpful. Thank you so much for the recommendation of the real Amazonia-experience.”
AM: Arriving at Chile’s Calama airport, a Tierra Atacama representative will meet you and drive you along the scenic 92km (57mile) stretch of desert to your boutique hotel & spa. After checking in, you will have lunch at the hotel and have a chance to rest up.
PM: Following lunch, we will set out on another excursion, heading west on the highway towards Calama and the town of Matancilla. Here you will find yourself in Rainbow Valley, where you can enjoy its many-colored rocks that are the results of mineral erosion and environmental processes. After this short 30-minute scenic hike, we will ride to the town of Hierbas Buenas and visit a natural shelter made of compacted volcanic ash that was once used by farmers traveling in caravans. Here we will see many petroglyphs of archaeological and historic significance. We will return to the hotel by vehicle.
AM/PM: This morning we will set out south from the hotel for a whole day of hiking that begins at Tilomonte Oasis, where we will hike at the southern end of the Salar de Atacama (Atacama Salt Flat). At an initial elevation of 2,350 meters (7,700 feet) above sea level, we will walk along the Cordón de Lila, a thin range made up of large Palaeozoic- to Cretaceous-era volcanic rocks. We will walk along the Tulan River with a view of the Domeyko Mountains, where you will see old farms and ancient trees. Once we reach the Tulan Ruins, which retains remnants of 6,000-year-old human settlements, we will visit a small cave with unique petroglyphs left behind by the indigenous peoples. We will eat lunch here before going back to the hotel for a sumptuous dinner and relaxation.
AM: The Salt Mountain Range and the surreal landscape of the Valle de la Luna (“Moon Valley”) lie just northeast of San Pedro de Atacama, at an altitude of 2,500 meters/ 8,200 feet. Since most people visit this area in the afternoon, we set out in the morning, which will allow us to have the beauty and silence of the desert almost to ourselves. These strange and beautiful rock formations are the result of water and wind erosion combined with extreme desert temperatures. These will bring you into close contact with the Atacama Desert’s otherworldly dimension.
PM: This afternoon, you can experience a great way to acclimatize yourself to the 2,400 meters (7,900 feet) altitude of San Pedro de Atacama. We will depart from the hotel on bicycles to visit some of the most typical Ayllus (extended-family communities) of the San Pedro de Atacama oasis. After seeing some of the farms, plantations and typical adobe structures in the area, we will return to the hotel for dinner and relaxation.
AM/PM: For today's’ excursion, we will drive to the Putana and Machuca high-altitude wetlands, situated at over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level. This ecosystem gives you the chance to observe birds such as flamingos, caitis, guallatas (Andean geese), Andean seagulls, Giant taguas, Puna teals, Crested ducks, jergóns, pimpollos and Tyrant flycatchers and other local and migratory birds. It is also possible to sight vicuñas and llamas in the area of Machuca. These wetlands are surrounded by beautiful mountains and volcanoes that are part of the Andes Mountains.
AM: Tierra Hotel & Spa provides a selection of rides available with Atacama horses, with Chilean (western) style saddles, hard hats and chaps supplied. The horses are mounted on the hotel grounds and a local guide leads the rides, which range from beginner-level to expert. Your ride will provide you a complete immersion in the desert and its mysteries, as you follow along the tracks of an age-old civilization and that take you through lagoons, dunes, canyons of the Andean foothills.
PM: Following an afternoon of rest and relaxation at the hotel and spa, after dinner, we will leave the hotel in a van and travel away from the town to an area free of any light pollution. There, we will begin a leisurely hike, stopping to contemplate the silhouettes and shadows left by the light of the moon. This scenic hike is a unique way to view the singular desert geography. After walking for about an hour, we will share a campfire and snack, as well as enjoy the peace of the high plains in the moonlight.
AM: Following a rich, early morning Atacama breakfast at the hotel, we will head out to the Tatio Geysers, located at 4,300 meters (14,200 feet) above sea level. This geothermal field includes more than 80 active geysers that spurt 12-meter-high water-vapor columns from their pools of boiling hot water. On the return trip back to the hotel, you will have a chance to spot local wildlife, including vicuñas, foxes, vizcachas and Andean ostrich. We will also stop in the picturesque village of Machuca before reaching the hotel at noon.
PM: Concluding this amazing Atacama experience, we will have a farewell lunch at the hotel before you pack up and are driven back to the Calama airport for your flight home or onward.
| Days |
| Days | ||
| Oriente & Poniente | ||
| Single | Double | |
| 6 | US$ 4,400 PP | US$ 3,500 PP |
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“I was very happy in every way with your booking and Cuyabeno Lodge. It surpassed my expectations in every way. No hitches with flights and transportation. The lodge was beautiful. The staff was professional and friendly.”
