Best hotels in Atacama Desert

With its surreal valleys and sky-scraping mountains, the Atacama Desert is as unique as they come. Tucked between the caramel hills of Catarpe Valley, Hotel Alto is a true oasis, its gardens filled with cacti and pretty shrubs, authentic ceramics and plunge pools that mirror the ever-blue sky. You'll be welcomed with refreshing juices and the promise of an unforgettable stay, whether it's one of open-air spa treatments (hello hot volcanic stones!) and lazy days, or epic excursions to see ancient petroglyphs, flamingo-dotted lagoons, and technicolour valleys. You might have guessed that the sunsets are a dream, best enjoyed with a glass of Chilean wine...

The driest (and one of the highest) deserts on Earth, the Atacama is a revelation in surviving against all odds, from its endemic flora to the Aymara people who made their home in the same area Explora was built. While the hotel isn't far from the town of San Pedro, it has the feel of a true oasis, surrounded by 17 hectares of beautiful gardens alive with native plants and where thermal pools are dotted around for the ultimate al-fresco spa experience. Explora is known for its fantastic guided excursions, which will take you from salt flats coloured pink with flamingos to the surreal Moon Valley.

The gateway to the driest sand desert on Earth, San Pedro de Atacama is a town with such deep-rooted history and scenery, you’ll be reaching for your camera as soon as you arrive. One of the latest additions to this corner of Chile is Our Habitas, a beacon of sustainability that gives a donation to cultural and environmental initiatives for every guest that stays. It is also a wonderful base for exploring the Atacama Desert on hikes across the Valley of the Moon, paragliding adventures above the burnt-orange dunes, and visits to sites of significant pre-Columbian history.

Being immersed in one of the driest places in the world, and at the same time surrounded by colors, flavors, textures and a silence that invites introspection. We want that despite the distance, you feel at home. In the same place you can be part of the desert, be surprised by the immensity of the salt flats, contemplate the strength of its volcanoes, the beauty of the geysers and revitalize yourself in its hot springs. We are waiting for you in San Pedro de Atacama.

Tierra Atacama, situated on the outskirts of San Pedro de Atacama village, was designed by some of Chile’s most renowned architects and has become one of the leading renewable energy hotels in South America. Here, you'll be able to enjoy daily guided activities and excursions to discover local “ayllus” or villages on horseback, moon-like desert scapes on a biking tour or marvel at the geo-thermic activity at the El Tatio Geysers. Whatever your interests and ability level, you will be able to choose excursions which will provide a personalised and unique experience of the Atacama Desert. In the evenings, you can relax by the outdoor pool as you contemplate the majesty of the volcanoes on the skyline or indulge in one of the signature massages at the Uma Spa. It is recommend that guests book the all-inclusive programs which includes accomodation, daily excursions, meals and transfers to and from Calama airport.