The Atacama desert

Further south the vast Atacama desert is one of the driest places in the world. From the picturesque oasis village of San Pedro de Atacama, whose church is roofed with cactus wood, many of the desert’s most dramatic sights are within reach. The region can be explored on foot, by bike or horseback.

Visit the geyser fields at El Tatio at dawn as they thaw, blowing plumes of steam into the air. Bathe in the many natural hot springs, or drive through the Valley of the Moon where almost no rainfall has ever been recorded. Here too is the great Atacama salt lake, harsh homeland to flocks of flamingos framed in the distance by smouldering volcanoes.

Our preferred accommodation

means that the hotel is one of our Dream Destinations.

Alto Atacama

Lodge/Hosteria - San Pedro de Atacama
A unique hotel, which blends into its setting, near the Pukara de Quitor ruins, around a 10 minute drive from San Pedro (4km). The living room has a fireplace and there are also some outdoor firepits which are great for stargazing. The hotel also offers six outdoor pools and a spa.
Explora Atacama

Lodge/Hosteria - San Pedro de Atacama
A uniquely-designed hotel within walking distance of the centre of San Pedro (1km). In the main building there are comfortable sitting areas with brightly-coloured textiles adorning the walls. There is a good restaurant and outside there are four pools, two hot tubs, a sauna and Turkish bath.
Hotel Altiplanico

Inn/Posada - San Pedro de Atacama
Just outside town (1km), built in the local Atacameña style with adobe and close to the pre-Incan ruins of Pukara de Quitor. It is very peaceful with good views to the volcanoes. There is a spacious courtyard-garden with an outside pool and small area for serving food.
Hotel Awasi

Lodge/Hosteria - San Pedro de Atacama
A very comfortable boutique hotel in San Pedro, sympathetically designed and constructed using local materials such as adobe. There is a lovely pool, central firepit and a fine restaurant.
Tierra Atacama

Lodge/Hosteria - San Pedro de Atacama
A lovely hotel, 1.5km from the centre of San Pedro. The main building is where the bar, restaurant and living room can be found. Outside, there is a tempting pool, spa and a few firepits. There are plenty of native plants and a kitchen garden, with produce used in the restaurant.