Stylish Outpost: Secluded Alto Atacama Desert Lodge

Alto Atacama Desert Lodge is situated in Northern Chile, hidden at the edge of San Pedro de Atacama’s oasis. The cubic architecture contrasts spectacularly with rugged red mountains in the background.

The rural yet stylish decor and a welcoming staff have you immediately feel at home in one of the driest deserts on this planet…

Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa in San Pedro de Atacama

Alto Atacama offers a comfortable pickup service from nearby Calama’s airport. After you check into your room you will want to meet excursion manager Macarena back at the lounge. Excursions to the numerous peculiarities of the Atacama Desert are an integral part of a visit in Alto Atacama and Macarena will help you choose from the many options available. But more about that later…

So after you’ve organized your next excursion you probably have some time left before you venture out into the wilderness. This is the time to check out the hotel’s pool(s)!

Instead of one large pool Alto Atacama boasts several smaller and secluded pools, all with just a few loungers and some with lots of privacy.

Also the garden restaurant is situated in the pool area. Once a week you’ll enjoy a Chilean style Asado, a feast from the grill…

Rooms at Alto Atacama

Alto Atacama hotel offers three different room types with already the smallest category being very spacious… The stylish decor is inspired by the rich heritage of local craftsmanship and comes with a modern twist.

The bathroom features some small details that can make all the difference between a profane functional room and (almost) a little private spa. All rooms enjoy of a private terrace, some even have a private outdoor shower.

Restaurant, Lounge and Bar

The restaurant once again is decorated in the same warm and sandy tones that prevail throughout the resort. A bed & breakfast plan is available, but probably it’s more convenient to go for the full board since the village of San Pedro de Atacama is some minutes away. The food may not compete in the top notch gourmet category but it’s varied and tasty.

The lounge and bar look very cozy. We didn’t hang out there a lot, though, since we were very busy touring the countryside.

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Alto Atacama’s own promotional video:

Excursions at Atacama

Alto Atacama is a perfect hideaway to hang by the pool or even check into the spa. But, you could do that anywhere, really, there’s no need for that to jet to one of the driest places on earth.

Instead, pick your excursions according to your interests and venture into the vast emptiness of the Atacama desert. Because the geographical surprises will pop up every few minutes! We were blown away by how short some drives into the desert were and how diverse nature crafted its shapes and materials.

We most enjoyed the excursions to the

Tatio Geysers

Swimming in the salty Cejar Lagoon

Hiking the Cardones Gorge

Moon Valley

Death Valley

Salar de Atacama

Pukara de Quitor Lookout

If you are short on time skip the Arcoiris mountains and petroglyphs excursion. It’s short, nice and easy, but the other excursions are way more spectacular.

Here are some more impressions from our stay at this stylish hideaway:

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Many thanks to Kristina Schreck from AzurePR for making the visit possible in the first place y un millón de gracias to hotel managers Alvaro and Matias and their nimble staff for making this stay unforgettable!

Well, some other guests like the colorful Lord Daley and Mr. Clive made their marks, too… Thank you guys, what a laughter!