This accommodation is highly recommended by Aracari Travel
ARCHITECTURE
Our base is a hotel built for linking man to temporary space- present and past- and the mysteries of nature. explora Atacama 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.
The 17-hectare (42-acre) grounds comprise 20 indigenous parcels, some with timeworn pathways and buildings that explora is committed to preserving out of a profound respect for the area’s original inhabitants.
SPA
Surrounded by pampas grass and other local flora, our four pools are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the quiet of the desert after a demanding exploration. The temperature of one of the pools ranges from 25°C to 28° C / 77°F to 82°F. In the nearby area are the sauna, steam baths, and outdoor hot tubs.
QUINCHO (BBQ AREA)
Just a short walk from the hotel is our Quincho – an inviting BBQ area that includes a renovated, old traditional adobe house and its patio.
Here, on special occasions, we get together with our guests for a traditional spit-roasted-lamb, beef and fish, as well as other local dishes – all accompanied by Andean music, song and dance performances by accomplished local artists.
EXPLORER’S BAR
The Explorer’s Bar is the meeting place of our guides for planning explorations. Stocked with liquor and Chilean wines, the bar is frequently the meeting point of returning groups at nightfall.
TURI PURI MASSAGE ROOM
Our massage center is located near the hotel, in a restored Colonial adobe-straw building. Turi Puri, which in Kunza, the language of the area’s early inhabitants, means “House of Water,” invites you to discover a new level of inner peace, outer harmony, and revitalized energy.
HOTEL STORE
Our store carries all the items necessary for taking explorations, along with local artisanal goods and books of the area.
OBSERVATORY
San Pedro de Atacama boasts some of the world’s clearest skies and is, therefore, one of the best places to practice astronomy. For that reason, in 2008 we inaugurated explora’s observatory, which has become 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 40 cm in diameter with extraordinary resolution and sharpness.
We offer nightly viewings, depending on weather conditions.
OUR KITCHEN
Our dishes have been designed to enable guests to perform various explorations and still feel light, agile, and healthy.
Furthermore, based on our luxury of the essential, we seek to offer pure flavors from quality ingredients. Bringing out the best of each product is our motto.
Our dishes are always accompanied by a superb Chilean wine. We also carry a menu of Premium wines for those that would like to try other alternatives.
STABLES AND HORSES
explora Atacama has over 20 horses raised and trained at a renowned ranch in Central Chile that belongs to the Ibáñez family, the owners of explora. Each has been rigorously prepared for riders of all ages, levels of ability and experience. If you are a beginner, we offer special classes that will enable you to participate in the horseback exploration programs suitable for new riders.
GAELA HOURCQ, HORSE EXPERT
Of French nationality, Gaela has over 15 years of professional equine experience, having worked in prestigious stables in England, Ireland, France, United States, and Japan. She has been with explora for five years supervising the breeding, raising, breaking, feeding and care of the horses.