Explora Atacama

Character and identity

Set on 17 hectares of high desert at the San Pedro oasis, Explora Atacama is a 50-room base camp for serious exploration of the world's driest landscape. The architecture is low-slung and pared-back, with airy quarters opening to an expanded outdoor terrace framed by views of Licancabur volcano. The spa runs across four interconnected outdoor pools, a sauna and open-air Jacuzzis, while the Explorer's Bar anchors evenings with Chilean wine and route planning. A private observatory taps into some of the clearest skies on earth. Guiding, by Wilderness First Responder-certified staff trained at Explora's own School of Guides, sets the tone.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What you're paying for is the guiding operation and the access it unlocks, not the room product. The exploration menu, from the Gato Andino trek to the Guatin ride and the private observatory sessions, is the reason to come. Book if you're physically up for altitude and active days; aim for the clearer, drier months and plan on a minimum of four nights to make the programme pay off.