Explora Atacama offers nearly 50 guided hikes, rides, and treks, all included with the stay and tailored to guest preferences. Certified guides lead small groups across salt flats, valleys, volcanoes, and through the exclusive Puritama Reserve, home to wildlife and natural hot springs.
Top Activities:
- Hiking, biking, horseback riding
- Stargazing and hot springs
- Private nature walks in Puritama
Explora Atacama blends comfort, culture, and adventure for a one-of-a-kind desert experience.
EXPLORE BY AREA
Cuenca del Salar
Geometric and seemingly endless, the Atacama Salt Flat sharply breaks the desert’s color palette. The crunch of salt beneath each step is hushed by the wind, inviting deeper immersion into the surrounding terrain.
This zone’s lowest point is the Atacama Salt Flat itself, sitting at 2,350 meters above sea level. It is an endorheic basin that, over millions of years, has collected water and sediments from surrounding volcanoes and mountains. Today, it supports a rich ecosystem, including three of the world’s six flamingo species. Nearby, the Salt Mountain Range rises to the west, where crusted sediment crowns rugged desert peaks in a striking geological display. This zone also includes the Oasis of San Pedro, a vibrant center of life and local traditions preserved by the community.
Quebradas Intermedias
The ravines in this area appear as if carved from the desert itself—formed over millennia by the power of wind and water. These deep cuts in the land resemble natural sculptures shaped solely by time.
These ravines connect the Altiplano and Salt Flat Basin zones, winding through rocky terrain where volcanic walls and seasonal brooks nourish wild grasses, medicinal plants, and flowers long used by shepherding communities. The Domeyko Mountain Range, located in this zone, is home to guanacos, ancient petroglyphs, and important cultural heritage. Among these ravines is the Puritama Natural Reserve, where a series of hot springs feed thriving desert ecosystems and support endemic biodiversity.
Altiplano
Suspended between the mountains and the sky, the Altiplano—or
Puna, as it is locally known—holds an otherworldly beauty that words struggle to capture. This high plateau ranges from 3,800 to 4,300 meters above sea level and is defined by towering volcanoes, geysers, and raw, open landscapes.
Its extreme environment—marked by intense sun, low oxygen, and freezing temperatures—preserves the Altiplano’s pristine condition. Only the boldest explorers venture here, drawn by its silence, solitude, and rare natural wonder.
Cielo
Atacama’s night sky offers a nightly celestial spectacle. After sunset, the heavens glow with the clarity of the Milky Way—known locally as the Celestial River. With some of the clearest skies on Earth, the region offers unparalleled stargazing, where constellations become vivid stories in the sky.
Traditional Andean lore identifies constellations like the
Yakana (Llama) nursing its calf at the center of the Milky Way, along with the Partridge, Frog, and Serpent. These star patterns have long guided local farmers and shepherds, offering seasonal wisdom and protection.
Montaña
Atacama’s mountains rise like ancient guardians, rich in minerals and steeped in cultural meaning. These majestic peaks stand as watchful borders to the desert, filled with mystery and power.
The region’s most breathtaking views await atop peaks such as Licancabur Volcano, Kimal, Toco, Láscar, Corona, Soquete, Sairecabur, and Colorado—many reaching over 5,000 meters above sea level. Though these heights demand stamina and preparation, they reward climbers with unmatched views and a humbling sense of awe at the edge of the world.
EXPLORE BY ACTIVITY
Hike
Explora offers hiking experiences across all destinations. Guests walk at their own steady pace, allowing for full immersion in the surrounding natural and cultural landscapes. Hikes vary in intensity—from beginner to advanced—and in duration, ranging from half-day to full-day outings.
Overland
Overland explorations combine van travel with short hikes, providing access to remote areas of exceptional beauty and ecological value. These journeys balance comfort and discovery, with carefully planned stops to explore key locations on foot.
Bike
Biking enables guests to cover greater distances while observing how the environment shifts throughout the day. Routes vary in difficulty and duration, offering both beginner and advanced options that range from half-day to full-day rides.
Horseback Ride
Horseback riding offers a fresh perspective on the landscape, allowing travelers to connect with their surroundings in a unique and tranquil way. Explora’s specially trained horses and expert guides ensure a safe and enriching riding experience.
Sky
Stargazing at Explora is a journey into the cosmos. Guests explore some of the clearest night skies on Earth, observing constellations and learning about the role astronomy played in the lives of the region’s earliest inhabitants.
Expedition
Expeditions take guests deeper into remote, ecologically significant areas. These multi-day journeys include one or two nights in a temporary camp, allowing for in-depth exploration far from the main lodge.
High Mountain Ascent
High mountain ascents bring travelers to some of the most isolated and awe-inspiring peaks. Each climb presents different challenges and rewards, promising a powerful and revitalizing experience for both body and mind.
