Overview
In the driest desert in the world you’ll find an oasis surrounded by chañar and carob trees at the foot the Altiplano, Alto Atacama appears like an adobe village clustered around an oasis.
Inside the hotel itself, the décor is inspired by the village and natural surroundings. It is rustic, yet elegant, and carefully chosen local artworks add to its character.
There are over dozens of adventure and cultural activities for you to fill your days with. Head out on bike rides and volcano treks, or visit the high-altitude salt lakes and geyser fields. You can also spend time in the workshop of a local artisan, or meet with a shaman.
The hotel’s stunning surroundings also offer you unique spots to stop for lunches and truly memorable sunsets while out exploring. And once the daylight has faded, the observatory is the perfect place for star gazing experience.
Facts
At a glance
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42 rooms
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Restaurant
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Puri Spa
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Pool and bar
Experiences
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![Alto Atacama Chile 18]()
Mountains and salt flats
This corner of the Atacama is a geological marvel with truly epic landscapes to explore. Climb towering dunes, marvel at the otherworldly Valle de Luna and mountain bike through red rock canyons.
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![Alto Atacama Chile 15]()
Star gazing
Gaze up at some of the clearest night skies anywhere on earth from the hotel’s observatory for a sensory and cultural discovery of the stars.
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![Alto Atacama Chile 3]()
Tatio geysers
This geothermal field sits at 4,321m above sea level. You’ll head out at dawn to explore the large pools of boiling water and mud. On the way back you’ll stop at Machuca, a traditional shepherd village.
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![Alto Atacama Chile 20]()
Rock art
This excursion begins in the region of Hierbas Buenas where you’ll find ancient petroglyphs representing the way of life of shepherds. After exploring the caves and rock faces, you’ll head to Rainbow Valley.
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![Alto Atacama Chile 6]()
Lagoons and volcanoes
There are a variety of excursions to choose from that take you out to visit some of the most beautiful and notable lagoons and volcanoes in the area. You’ll learn about the landscape, flora and fauna along the way.
Community & Culture
The history of the village and region is showcased in the activities on offer here. Alto Atacama supports the local community by helping to fund student scholarships. They are also committed to sourcing fresh, organic products from authorised local farmers.
Conservation
The gardens at Alto Atacama have been established using ancestral agricultural techniques and are used to grow and reproduce endemic flora from seeds that have been collected in the Altiplano highlands.
Footprint
The buildings on site have been constructed using materials and methods that take the environment, nature and culture of the area into consideration. Energy used for heating a cooling has been minimised thanks to thermal insulation. In a bid to reduce waste, recycling protocols have been put in place. The hotel’s reverse osmosis plant helps to recycle water for use in the gardens.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
