Destination San Pedro de Atacama - The Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa Experience
​(Tour Report March 2013 - Updated Aug 2017)
​When visiting the  Atacama desert, many travellers choose to do it “backpacker style”, however there is another more inviting option of an all-inclusive package with a new high end property - Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa.   From the moment you arrive at Calama airport you know that you are in for an experience of a different kind.  It is evident when you are personally greeted and guided to the spacious, air-conditioned mini-van where a chilled bottle of water awaits you.  Meanwhile the other passengers from your flight are all clambering into an old van with no air-conditioning for the 1.5 hour drive from Calama to San Pedro de Atacama!
The majority of hotels in this area are located within the village’s bustling centre; Alto Atacama however, sits on an enormous piece of exclusive land located 3kms from the village near the ancient ruins of Pukara de Quitor.  This location also allows guests to experience ultimate privacy and tranquillity away from the tourist throng, whilst still being close enough for those who want to explore the local shops.  The hotel provides a complimentary daily shuttle service for this purpose.  Alto Atacama is built in the traditional style of adobe, but also offers modern state of the art facilities with a minimalist approach.   Each niche invites guests to enjoy a unique and intimate space to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.  

Regarding their all-inclusive concept, it is just that!   Almost everything, from the moment you get off the plane to the moment you get back on the plane, is included in the one price you pay. This includes the return airport transfers, luxury accommodation, daily buffet breakfast, daily 3 course lunches and dinners, an open bar, snacks, daily excursions with expert guides, use of the swimming pools, mountain bikes plus access to the spa.   Only premium wines and spirits, plus spa treatments and miscellaneous services are extra*.
(* laundry services, telephone calls, tips, private tours)​
Centrally located within the property is the restaurant.   It provides a delightful indoor or outdoor setting and serves a daily buffet breakfast plus 3 course lunches and dinners.   Each meal offers guests a gastronomic experience with a mix of Chilean and International dishes.   The bar offers a fine selection of inclusive drinks and cocktails, with their Pisco Sour cocktail being infused with the delicious flavour of the local herb Rica Rica – said to have medicinal properties!  A large living room is filled with comfy couches, a library of nature books, and computers with internet access if required.  An outdoor terrace has small fire pits that are lit every night, keeping the cool desert breeze at bay, allowing for guests to enjoy the sunset or stargaze in warmth.
Overlooking the Catarpe Valley is the pool area also featuring a bar on the open-air wooden deck.   Here you can enjoy an afternoon drink with a cheese platter – just taking in the surrounding scenery.   With 6 different pools and a Jacuzzi to choose from (H2O), each segregated by a wall of stone, you will be guaranteed the ultimate privacy for a dip in the cleansing waters.   At the end of a long day of excursions another way to revitalize the body and soul is by a visit to the Puri Spa which features a Finnish Sauna, Turkish bath, Scottish showers and indoor and outdoor hot tubs. The expert masseuses can assist with releasing any aches and pains or simply enhancing your relaxation, for an extra charge.

​One of the most important aspects of a hotel is the quality of the guest rooms.   Alto Atacama has 42 excellent rooms, in 3 different categories, all with plenty of space and private terraces overlooking the ​Catarpe Valley.  All are decorated in earthy tones designed to compliment the surrounding landscape, with king size beds; large bathrooms complete with rain shower, double vanity, big fluffy towels and bath robes, not to mention Alto Atacama’s very own brand of sumptuous smelling toiletries.  The guest rooms provide such a relaxing atmosphere it is hard to leave them at the end of your stay!
Of course the main reason for coming to San Pedro de Atacama is to experience the remarkable scenery of one of Chile’s major holiday locations.   Alto Atacama has created a program of some 30 different excursions allowing guests to explore as much of the desert’s attractions as they can, in a way that they want.   Each excursion is graded by length of time (half or full day), difficulty, and transport method (vehicle, bike, foot), and group sizes are kept to a minimum allowing guests to interact with the extremely knowledgeable guides.  Each night, you will meet at the bar with the guides to discuss your options for the following day.   Armed with a large map of the surrounding area they will talk you through what they would suggest bearing in mind the weather conditions, altitude, and most importantly, your wishes.
​San Pedro de Atacama is located at 2400m AMSL, where altitude sickness (​siroche​) is a risk if not taken with caution.   Travellers should take at least 24 hours before going on to visit sites at higher altitudes, but there is plenty to see at a similar altitude on arrival, including the classic ​Moon Valley & Sunset ​on your first evening, and Atacama Salt Flats ​on your second day.  Here, with great sites that include the Laguna de Chaxa  and Laguna Cejar​, you can observe the brilliant colours of an evolving sunset creeping towards the distant horizon, set against the majesty of Volcan Licancabur, and watch a host of pink flamingos as they frolic in the shallow waters.   Another great day in San Pedro de Atacama!
Other excursions include an early AM rise to the geothermal fields of Tatio Geysers.   Located at 4300m, these are the highest geysers in the world and their watery craters provide a unique spectacle in the Atacama desert.  Some guests include in this tour a trip to the wonderful natural therms of Puritama.  Other great excursions exist, such as to the Altiplano volcanoes and lagoons of Miscanti and Miniques; also a high altitude trip to the Salar de Tara, and other nearer tours to the Rainbow Valley and Aldea de Tulor.  Each excursion is a distinctive experience and the guides, who are truly passionate about what they do, will ensure you have a memorable experience.   In every case, each guest at Alto Atacama is treated like the only guest.   Truly, a "5 star" hotel providing a "5 star" product!
RATES​:  (see main website for updated Rates)
​NB.  Listed in "Best Press & Travel Guides" including Trip Advisor, Fodor's Top 100, Tatler's  101 Best Hotels, National Geographic Stay List, etc.