Explora Atacama
The 5-, 6- or 7-day Explora Atacama adventure offers over 50 explorations in the Atacama Desert, on foot, bicycle or horseback. Explora Atacama Lodge offers the best base from which to experience the many wonders of the driest desert on Earth.
In harmony with the surroundings and local traditions, Explora Atacama is a lodge-based Atacama Desert trip, near the village of San Pedro. Rising from the Pacific Ocean up to the Altiplano—the foothills of the Andes comprising a vast high plateau at the base of the volcanoes, extending into Argentina, Bolivia and Perú—the Atacama Desert is known as the driest place on earth.
Choose your own adventure over the course of a 5-, 6- or 7- day stay with more than 40 in-depth explorations that range from hikes, bike rides, high mountain ascents and horseback rides, in small groups of eight or fewer guests (4-day stays available; inquire for pricing). This unique style of Atacama Desert travel offers varying degrees of difficulty ranging from easy to expert and different durations, including half day or full day. Your home base is the exquisite Explora Atacama Lodge.
Explora Atacama’s 42 acres were once inhabited by an ancient Atacameño community and the site’s original layout has been preserved. Its terraces provide breathtaking views of the surrounding areas, including mountains and volcanoes. After a full day of activities of your choosing, end each evening with views of one of the clearest skies in the world at the observatory, soak in the Puritama Thermal Baths or even enjoy a massage in a 300-year-old adobe building. Explora offers Atacama Desert travel at its finest!
Read on for details about this Atacama Desert trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Chile tours and Chile trips.
Explora Atacama Itinerary
The Explora Atacama Trip is an in-depth exploration of the Atacama Desert from hikes, bike rides, high mountain ascents and horseback rides, in small groups of 8 or fewer guests.
Staff will greet you at the airport for the beginning of your adventure at Explora Atacama. Explora Atacama is located in the Ayllu de Larache (initially a kin-based community of the ancient Atacameño people). Walk the grounds of this amazing lodge that comprise 20 indigenous parcels, and relax with the included drinks while planning your coming days’ adventures with the guide.
Over the course of your days spent at Explora Atacama you will have over 40 explorations to choose from. Immerse yourself in the natural and cultural wealth of the Atacama Desert on foot, bicycle or horseback. The hikes, horseback rides, bicycle rides, high-mountain ascents and stargazing sessions are the quintessential way to explore and discover the landscapes, people and wildlife of this unique territory. Every evening your guides meet with you at the lodge bar or living room area to explain all of the next day’s available explorations and help you choose the best option according to your interests and abilities.
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, and a bilingual Explora guide leads every exploration. These explorations are off the beaten path and completely unique – you will not witness other travelers experiencing the region or immersing with nature like Explora Atacama does. Below is a sample of how you might spend your days with some top recommended activities. Hikes range from easy to expert high-mountain ascents with elevations of nearly 18,000 feet.
Featured Atacama Overland Exploration: Gran Salar
This easy, half-day, 1.3-mile hike takes about 4.5 hours with a maximum altitude of 8,000 feet. Cruise by van for 35 minutes before entering the town of Toconao to begin your gentle 45-minute hike through beautiful oasis surrounded by vegetable gardens. Then head towards the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos to Laguna Chaxa, where the Salar de Atacama is located, an ideal spot for bird watching (depending on the season). Here, wait until sunset and head back to the lodge.
Featured Atacama Hiking Explorations
Cornisas
This moderate, half-day, 5-mile hike takes about 3 hours. Depart by van towards the Catarpe Valley where you will begin trekking along the edges of the Cordillera de la Sal, with panoramic views of the Oasis, the Salar de Atacama and the Andes. The hike ends with the majestic dunes of Valle de La Muerte.
Peñaliri
This moderate, full-day, 9.9-mile hike takes about 6 hours. Take a van to the Andean Plateau village of Machuca. Explore a wetland and then walk along a creek to the Grande River. See fauna and typical Andean farming terraces. Have lunch at Peñaliri, an abandoned village.
Incahuasi
This expert, full-day, 8.9-mile hike taks about 6 hours. Start by walking in an old farmhouse at the foot of the volcanoes of the Andes mountain range. Enter the Jorquencal gorge to explore the varied vegetation, history and research of the Andean cat in the Puritama reserve. After crossing a varied landscape, arrive at the Puritama hot springs and rest before returning to the lodge by van.
Featured Atacama High Mountain Exploration: Corona
This expert, full-day, 3.2-mile hike takes 6.5 hours and reaches an elevation of 16,931 feet. You need about four nights of acclimatization to attempt this trek. The van drops you off at the base of the Corona Hill in Talabre, where your ascent begins by trekking across volcanic rocks and boulders. Once you reach the summit, enjoy amazing views of the entire volcanic arc of the Andes, including Lascar Volcano. Descend through numerous volcanic rock fields to a much-welcomed lunch in the altiplano. There are very few places in the world that allow you to access elevations above 16,400 feet. It’s an experience of a lifetime.
Featured Atacama Biking Explorations
Ayllus
This easy, half-day, 13.5-mile ride takes about 2.5 hours. Visit the archaeological site of Beter, one of the first Atacameño settlements. Move on to ayllus (social and agricultural communities in atacama), to visit the first rural book store in Chile. Return to the lodge by bicycle.
Laguna Céjar
This easy, half-day, 11.2-mile biking excursion takes 2 hours. Depart south by bicycle, crossing the ayllus (old social and agricultural communities) to reach the entrance to the Salar de Atacama area, where you can observe vegetation specially adapted to the salty ground. The trail is flat and easy, full of areas dusted with chusca (powdery soil). Finally, reach a set of lakes where the Céjar Lagoon is located and have the opportunity to float in its salty water (bathing suit and flip-flops required; towels provided). Return to your Atacama lodge by van.
Piedra de la Coca
This advanced, half-day bike over 4 hours covers 20.4 miles. Bicycle from the lodge towards the Catarpe Valley where you will take a detour on an old dirt road that goes up towards the Cordillera de La Sal. Pedal through a historic tunnel before starting a zigzagging descent through dry river beds, which eventually lead to Piedra de la Coca, an area with petroglyphs. Continue down through the Llano de Paciencia riding along more dried river beds and stony off-road terrain. The exploration ends with the van and drinks awaiting you on the road to San Pedro.
Featured Atacama Horseback Riding Explorations
Sequitor
This easy half-day, 4.7-mile, 1.75-hour ride is excellent for novice riders. Leave the stables and head towards the Ayllus de Larache, Yaye and Séquitor. Along the way, see diverse vegetation and local agrarian fields along the Río San Pedro.
Dunas de la Chula
This easy half-day, 5.7-mile ride takes about 2.5 hours. Leave on horseback to Cordillera de la Sal. On the way take in the panoramic views of the ayllus, the salt lake and the Andes Mountains. The trail follows along dunes, rock formations and the pampa.
Valle de la Luna
This advanced, 14.5-mile, half-day ride takes about 4 hours. Travel to the Salt Mountain Range, trotting and galloping through different dunes and rock formations. Ride into the Moon Valley, a site whose lunar landscapes have given Atacama its worldwide fame.
Your amazing time in the Atacama Desert has come to an end, but your unique explorations will have changed you. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and hop aboard the van one final time.
Included
Transfer from and to the Calama Airport on a preset schedule; accommodations; all meals, plus snacks and open bar; two half-day explorations or one full-day exploration with guides daily; horseback and bike riding gear, trekking poles; star-gazing sessions from the hotel’s observatory; entrance to nature reserves, national parks, archaeological sites and Puritama hot springs; access to pools, hot tubs and leisure areas; WiFi in common areas.
Exclusions
International airfare, insurance of any kind, discretionary gratuities, spa or massage service, laundry, premium wines or other items of a personal nature; peak season/holiday surcharges (please contact AdventureSmith for details).
Payment & Cancellation
Low, Shoulder & High Season:
25/26 Season: May 1-Dec 21, 2025; Jan 2-Feb 12, 2026; Feb 22-Apr 30, 2026
26/27 Season: May 1-Dec 21, 2026; Jan 2-Feb 4, 2027; Feb 14-Apr 30, 2027
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 30% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special payment and cancellation terms may apply for bookings made under special and last-minute deals. Changes may be made without penalty up to 30 days prior to check-in. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to check-in:
Up to 30 days – full refund
29 to 15 days – 50% of total trip cost
14 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Peak Season:
25/26 Season: Dec 22,2025-Jan 1, 2026; Feb 13-21, 2026
26/27 Season: Dec 22, 2026-Jan 1, 2027; Feb 5-13, 2027
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 50% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special payment and cancellation terms may apply for bookings made under special and last-minute deals. Changes may be made without penalty up to 60 days prior to check-in. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Peak Season cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to check-in:
Up to 60 days – full refund
59 to 30 days – 50% of total trip cost
29 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The Explora Atacama adventure begins and ends in Calama, Chile (CJC). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Calama—about a two-hour flight from Santiago—anytime on Day 1; a representative will meet you within 30 minutes of Noon, 2:00pm, 4:00pm or 6:00pm and transfer you to Explora Atacama. An estimated 10:00-11:00am pick up from your independent hotel in Calama can also be arranged, as can a TBD transfer from San Pedro de Atacama’s hotels and bus terminal. Plan flights to depart Calama anytime after 2:30pm on the final day (a representative will depart the hotel with you within 30 minutes of 8:00am, 10:00am or Noon). (With advanced request, a half-day guided exploration may be available when checking out by 7:00am and leaving bags at the front desk; inquire with your Adventure Specialist for appropriate departure flight timing.) Please inquire for details. Transfers are accommodated in comfortable Sprinter vans. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the guides can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities cover every corner of the Atacama Desert, either by horse, bike, foot or van. Prior horseback riding experience is not required. Hikes range from easy to expert mountain ascents. A bilingual English or Spanish guide will accompany each group of up to eight guests. Provided gear includes walking sticks and leg protectors for hikes; helmet, bike and water bottle for two-wheeled excursions; and all the necessary equipment for horse riding.
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy room may do so at one of the following supplements of the per-person listed rate in select rooms upon availability:
– Low & Shoulder (15%): May 1-Oct 31, 2025; Apr 6-30, 2026; May 1-Oct 31, 2026; Apr 1-30, 2027
– High (34%): Nov 1-Dec 21, 2025; Jan 2-Feb 12, 2026; Feb 22-Apr 5, 2026; Nov 1-Dec 21, 2026; Jan 2-Feb 4, 2027; Feb 14-Mar 31, 2027
– Peak (70%): Dec 22, 2025-Jan 1, 2026; Feb 13-21, 2026; Dec 22, 2026-Jan 1, 2027; Feb 5-13, 2027
Christmas & New Year programs require a 5-day stay.
Families & Children
There are additional beds for children 3 to 11 when sharing their parent’s room. Maximum one extra bed per room and two children per adult. Children under the age of 3 are complimentary when sharing room with their parents. Please inquire for special rates for children ages 3-17 years old accompanying their parents, which are subject to availability. Rates for children aged 3-17 traveling with their parents are not valid during High Season and Peak Season.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the guides’ discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of adventure travel unique. Between mid-December and the beginning of March, occasional rains and snow in higher areas result in what is called the Altiplano Winter. During these months and due to unstable weather conditions in the area, some explorations could be subject to changes or even cancelled in order to protect travelers’ safety.
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Explora Atacama Lodge is located in the Ayllu de Larache (initially a kin-based community of the ancient Aymara people), near the village of San Pedro de Atacama. It is a hotel built for linking man to temporary space—present and past—and the mysteries of nature. With over 40 different guided hikes, bike and horseback rides, guests are sure to have breathtaking views of the driest desert on earth—Atacama.
Explora Atacama Lodge Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Explora Atacama review includes a detailed description and photo gallery. Our adventure travel experts have stayed at Explora Atacama Lodge firsthand and can help compare Explora Atacama with other adventure lodging and Chile land tours.
Choose Explora Atacama Lodge for the finest accommodation and experience available in the Atacama region of Chile, including its world famous equestrian programs and its unique observatory. Explora Atacama's staff exudes a philosophy of up-close, guided exploration, accessed from upscale accommodations rooted in the region's culture; this meshes perfectly with the AdventureSmith Explorations style of travel.
The lodge is located just outside San Pedro de Atacama, close enough to walk into town but far enough to experience solitude only the desert can provide. Upon entering the spacious main lodge, the second thing you notice is the huge guide closet and hydration station where guests and guide prepare for each day’s adventure. Throughout, the airy main lodge bars, lounges and an expansive dining room are punctuated by a guide conference area where guests plan their activities. And an extensive library and educational lecture room stress that the Explora experience is just as important as the accommodations and service. Atacama Lodge is the perfect option if you are seeking an experience in Atacama, Chile, up close and in style.
Geography of Explora Atacama Lodge
Explora Atacama sits 8,202 feet above sea level in Chile’s Atacama Desert, which rises from the Pacific Ocean up to the Altiplano, the foothills of the Andes. Atacama is known as the driest place on Earth. The 42-acre grounds comprise 20 indigenous parcels, some with timeworn pathways from the original inhabitants.
The oasis is irrigated with the waters of the San Pedro and Vilama rivers, which have their tributaries in the area mountains. To the east, San Pedro is bordered by a volcanic branch of the Andes Mountains. The volcanoes vary in shape and height, rising between 14,764 feet and 19,685 feet above sea level. The most striking are Licancabur, Lascar and Sairecabur. This area encompasses part of the Altiplano, a vast high plateau at the base of the volcanoes, extending into Argentina, Bolivia and Perú.
Towering on the west side of the oasis are the Cordillera Domeyko and Cordillera de la Sal, mountain ranges with an average height of 10,827 feet and 8,366 feet above sea level, respectively. In the latter chain is Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), an otherworldly terrain fashioned from the wind and water erosion of layers of sediment and vertical salt, gypsum and clay rocks.
Common Areas at Explora Atacama Lodge
The award-winning architecture is thoughtful and representative of the area and local culture. Every detail has been accounted for, and the beauty of the lodge and its amenities will be sure to delight all the senses. Surrounded by foxtail plants and lush native vegetation are four interconnected, ambient-temperature pools—ideal for relaxing, building back strength and enjoying the deep desert silence after a day of intense exploration. Near the pools are the sauna and steam bath facilities, and open-air Jacuzzis. The massage center is located near the hotel, in a restored Colonial adobe-straw building. An onsite store carries all the items necessary for explorations, along with local artisanal goods and books of the area.
Dining at Explora Atacama Lodge
Meals are artistic and thoughtfully made with only the finest quality ingredients and authentic flavors. Meals will always be matched by a good wine, while a selection of premium wines are also available.
Just a short walk from the hotel is the Quincho, an inviting BBQ area that includes a renovated, old traditional adobe house and its patio. Here, on special occasions, guests may enjoy a traditional spit-roasted lamb, beef and fish, as well as other local dishes—all accompanied by Andean music and song and dance performances by accomplished local artists.
Activities at Explora Atacama Lodge
San Pedro de Atacama and its surrounding areas are one of Chile’s most enigmatic territories. The diversity of the landscape is one of the most popular attractions. Aware of this, travelers explore every corner, either on foot, horseback riding or bike, including high mountain ascents. Over 40 guided explorations expose travelers to the cultural richness of this fascinating territory.
San Pedro de Atacama boasts some of the world’s clearest skies and is, therefore, one of the best places to practice astronomy. Explora Atacama offers nightly viewings (weather permitting) in its observatory, known as one of the best private Chilean observatories. Its dome houses a potent and advanced optics telescope, the Meade 16” f/10 LX200R Advanced RD, and a main mirror of 40cm in diameter with extraordinary resolution and sharpness.
Explora Atacama is the only hotel in the area with its own horses, bred and trained especially for Explora's horse expeditions. The 20 horses of different breeds and crosses have been raised in the Ibáñez family estate in the central valley of Chile. The team is led by an internationally-trained horse expert, who specializes in their horses' care and trains for riders of all ages, levels of ability and experience. Beginners can take advantage of special classes that will enable participation in the horseback exploration programs suitable for new riders.
Explora Atacama plays host to the Puritama Hot Springs, whose innovative architecture has gained critical acclaim. Covering approximately 19,770 acres of land, this hot springs area is currently in the process of being declared a nature reserve. Guests can enjoy time in the reserve (less than 45 minutes away) based around certain explorations.
Accommodations at Explora Atacama Lodge
Explora Atacama Lodge rooms are quiet and reflect the natural scenery. Relax in the solitude without the distractions of TV or WiFi. Common amenities include individual thermostats for heating and air conditioning, a jetted bathtub and a hair dryer. Rooms are non-smoking and an extra bed or crib for children may be an option (subject to availability).
Current Deals on This Trip
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Learn About the Lodge on Your Itinerary
Explora Atacama is a luxury lodge located in the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama 8,202 feet above sea level in Chile’s Atacama Desert. Exquisite dining, enchanting grounds and over 40 unique explorations are how you will spend your time embracing the area.
Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect
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Expert Review: Explora Atacama
Reach new heights with AdventureSmith founder Todd Smith as he explores the Atacama Desert and climbs the 18,000-foot Cerro Toco.
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