The Atacama Desert, Tailor-made luxury Chile Holidays

Possibly the best place in the world to star gaze, The Atacama Desert is not only the driest, but also the highest dry desert on earth at 2,500m. In this harsh, often eerie, yet starkly beautiful desert landscape there is a lot of sunshine and although the temperature drops below zero at night, generally the year-round climate is pleasant and the transparency of light, unique. The mixture of volcanoes, salt flats and high altitude wetlands is unparalleled.

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Dusty San Pedro de Atacama, at an altitude of 2,450m (you will need a little time to acclimatise), is a tourist town but it retains a bohemian charm and should not be missed. Once you leave San Pedro head into the altiplano and the volcanoes you will experience an entirely different and remote world.

To the south lies the Salar de Atacama, the largest salt-flat in Chile. The Salar contains many smaller lakes, including Laguna Chaxa, home to a large number of flamingos. Another ‘must’ is to admire the beautiful Valley of the Moon. A further 95 kms north of San Pedro you can visit the geyser fields at El Tatio, the world’s highest geyser field at 4,321m.

Or, once you have acclimatized, why not climb some of the volcanoes followed by a bathe in one of the many hot springs such as the Banos de Puritama thermal springs.

The world renowned Explora is a very special resort located in the Atacama Desert between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains. Explora, in the Ayllu de Larache, is walking distance from the oasis and village of San Pedro de Atacama. More…

Awasi is a very special boutique property in San Pedro de Atacama offering somewhere intimate and comfortable to stay. It is unique and in perfect harmony with the culture and nature of the area. There are just eight cottages. Awasi combines desert with simple luxury. More…

The Terrantai Lodge Hotel honours the spirit of traditional Atacamenean custom while providing the creature comforts expected by modern travellers. On offer is an authentic experience in the sacred soils of the Atacama Desert. There are 21 bedrooms. More…

Tierra Atacama , which opened in February 2008 has 32 rooms and 2 suites all styled with atacamenan details and all with mountain views and private terraces. The hotel is a 15 – 20 minute walk away from the centre of San Pedro and an hour away from Calama airport. More…

Hotel Altiplánico is well located in spacious grounds on the edge of San Pedro with 32 ensuite rooms and terraces facing towards the Andes. There is a swimming pool with a great view to the Andes and volcanoes. It offers an ideal place to relax, immersed in the peaceful surroundings of the Atacama Desert. More…

Travesias by explora - 7 and 10 night expeditions Across the Andes and to the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. More...

Contact us by email or contact us by telephone on 0207 622 1116 and ask to speak to a consultant about The Atacama Desert.