Excursions

In one of the driest landscapes on Earth, the Atacama Desert reveals its many wonders. Vast salt flats stretch for miles and host high-altitude lagoons that shimmer in vivid turquoise, home to flourishing flamingo colonies. Ancient petroglyphs etch stories onto the desert canvas and a wide array of nature’s marvels awaits discovery, including energetic geysers, hot springs, kaleidoscopic cliffs and snow-draped volcanoes.

Sample itineraries

Tierra Atacama offers an extraordinary encounter with the ethereal beauty and rich culture of the Atacama Desert, offering unforgettable excursions from a luxury base to create an enriching connection with this remote outpost. Our expert guides ascertain each guest’s physical activity level and personal interests to build a bespoke itinerary to suit.

Tierra Atacama offers an extraordinary encounter with the ethereal beauty and rich culture of the Atacama Desert, offering unforgettable excursions from a luxury base to create an enriching connection with this remote outpost. Our expert guides ascertain each guest’s physical activity level and personal interests to build a bespoke itinerary to suit.

  • Four Night Best of Atacama

    The following represents an indicative experience over four nights. Many factors influence the delivered itinerary, including length of stay, flight arrival and departure times, weather conditions and seasonality. Any special arrangements made at the hotel will be choreographed by our team and your itinerary customised to ensure the very best experience of both hotel and destination.

    Day 1 Welcome

    Day 1 Welcome

    Arrive at Tierra Atacama to a warm signature welcome. After settling in and enjoying a leisurely lunch, meet with one of our expert guides for an introduction to the Atacama Desert and to plan your tailor-made excursion itinerary.

    Day 1 Afternoon

    Day 1 Afternoon

    After a satisfying lunch, the adventure begins! Visit the village of Toconao before heading to The Salar de Atacama – a landscape of vast open skies, imposing peaks and flamingos flocking on the shimmering Chaxa Lagoon.

    Day 1 Evening

    Day 1 Evening

    On your return to the hotel, take a moment to unwind in your suite, before kicking off the evening with a delicious rica rica cocktail at the bar. Indulge in a celebration of North Chilean cuisine as the sun sets over the desert, revealing a canopy of stars.

    Day 2 Morning

    Day 2 Morning

    Following breakfast, head out to explore the Domeyko Mountains and the kaleidoscopic Rainbow Valley before traveling to the town of Hierbas Buenas to behold intricate pre-Columbian petroglyphs – a geological and archaeological treat.

    Day 4 Afternoon

    Day 2 Afternoon

    Enjoy a leisurely lunch on your return to the hotel. If you’re still up for adventure, why not saddle up for a horseback ride? Enjoy a unique perspective of the Atacama and observations that only an adventure on horseback can offer.

    Day 2 Evening

    Day 2 Evening

    As the day turns to night, share the day’s discoveries over an aperitif fireside – indoors or out – before enjoying a nourishing dinner championing local ingredients such as Chilean beef, succulent lamb and seafood paired with fresh, vibrant salads.

    Day 3 Morning

    Day 3 Morning

    Wake up to beautiful desert views and enjoy a sun-drenched breakfast before heading out for a morning bike ride to the astonishing salt-crusted Cejar Lagoon. Enjoy a refreshing float in the saline-rich waters while taking in the surroundings.

    Day 3 Afternoon

    Day 3 Afternoon

    After enjoying a nourishing lunch, embark on a journey to the mesmerising Quebrada del Diablo. Navigate winding dry riverbeds and encounter historic petroglyphs, ascending to a viewpoint with panoramic views of surrounding mountains and volcanoes.

    Day 3 Evening

    Day 3 Evening

    The perfect end to a magical day, head poolside to witness the sky changing hue as the sun sets, casting a rosy glow over the desert. Choose from one of Chile’s finest wines to complement dinner before retiring to the lounge for a digestif by the fire.

    Day 4 Morning

    Day 4 Morning

    A pre-dawn start is rewarded with the unmissable experience of witnessing the Tatio Geysers at sunrise, a geothermal spectacle. Spot vicuñas, foxes, vizcachas and Andean ostriches on the return journey via the picturesque Machuca village.

    Day 2 Afternoon

    Day 4 Afternoon

    As for the afternoon? Spoil yourself with time out in Uma Spa, either with a relaxing treatment, a leisurely soak in the outdoor infinity pool with a view of the Licancabur Volcano, or drift between the indoor pool and steam room.

    Day 4 Evening

    Day 4 Evening

    Enjoy a final, joyous celebration of fine Chilean cuisine in the restaurant before heading back to the comfort of your suite for the night. Bask in nature’s luxury with an outdoor shower beneath the stars before drifting to sleep.

    Day 5 Morning

    Day 5 Morning

    On your final day in the Atacama Desert, head into the town of San Pedro. As you explore the dusty streets, historic church and market full of handcrafted treasures, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back in time.

    Day 5 Farewell

    Day 5 Farewell

    A chance to take final pictures, say goodbyes (and possibly to plan your return visit!) before transfer to the airport and departure. ‘Hasta luego’ and safe travels!

  • Six Night Atacama Adventure

    The following represents an indicative experience over six nights. Many factors influence the delivered itinerary, including length of stay, flight arrival and departure times, weather conditions and seasonality. Any special arrangements made at the hotel will be choreographed by our team and your itinerary customised to ensure the very best experience of both hotel and destination.

    Day 1 Welcome

    Day 1 Welcome

    Arrive at Tierra Atacama to a warm signature welcome. After settling in and enjoying a satisfying lunch, meet with one of our expert guides for an introduction to the Atacama Desert and to plan your tailor-made excursion itinerary.

    Day 1 Afternoon

    Day 1 Afternoon

    For those eager for adventure, a half-day excursion is the perfect introduction. Visit the village of Toconao before heading to the Salar de Atacama – a landscape of vast open skies, imposing peaks and flamingos flocking on the shimmering Chaxa Lagoon.

    Day 1 Evening

    Day 1 Evening

    As the day turns to night, enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool and witness the sun setting over the Licancabur volcano. Share the day’s discoveries over an aperitif and beneath a canopy of stars before heading to the restaurant for a nourishing dinner.

    Day 2 Morning

    Day 2 Morning

    Enjoy a sun-drenched breakfast before exploring the lunar landscapes of Vallecito and discover desert wonders along the way, including selenite sparkling in the morning light,  a magical singing salt crystal and a giant sand dune.

    Day 2 Afternoon

    Day 2 Afternoon

    After refueling with a delicious lunch, head out on a leisurely bike ride to visit some of the most typical Ayllus (extended family communities) of the San Pedro de Atacama oasis – a great way to acclimatize to a stay in San Pedro de Atacama.

    Day 2 Evening

    Day 2 Evening

    As evening falls, enjoy a glass of one of Chile’s finest wines at the bar before heading to the restaurant for dinner. Indulge in a joyous celebration of North Chilean cuisine as the Milky Way reappears for it’s star-studded nightly show.

    Day 3 Morning

    Day 3 Morning

    Savour a Chilean breakfast with coca tea and local palm honey, then tackle the Guatin-Gatchi Valley hike. Discover a wide array of desert flora in this hidden oasis, wandering along rocky trails through a forest of giant cacti, alongside meandering waterways.

    Day 5 Afternoon

    Day 3 Afternoon

    Enjoy a leisurely lunch on your return to the hotel. If you’re still up for adventure, why not saddle up for a horseback ride? Enjoy a unique perspective of the Atacama and observations that only an adventure on horseback can offer.

    Day 3 Evening

    Day 3 Evening

    As evening falls, relax at the bar or al fresco and enjoy a glass of one of Chile’s finest wines or our signature rica rica cocktail. Be sure to save room for dessert with delicious house-made signature icecream on offer, the perfect end to a long day exploring the desert.

    Day 4 Full Day

    Day 4 Full Day

    Embark on an unforgettable full day tour to experience three surreal and beautiful lagoons, including the iconic Piedras Rojas Lagoon, where vibrant red rocks contrast with the tranquil turquoise waters and colour-shifting mountain ranges on the horizon.

    Day 4 Evening

    Day 4 Evening

    Head to Uma Spa for a massage or body wrap, enriched with local natural ingredients which work in harmony to restore balance and energy. Indulge in a hearty dinner, relishing the flavors of Atacama as night falls, before heading back to your cosy suite.

    Day 5 Morning

    Day 5 Morning

    A pre-dawn start is rewarded with the unmissable experience of witnessing the Tatio Geysers at sunrise, a geothermal spectacle. Spot vicuñas, foxes, vizcachas and Andean ostriches on the return journey via the picturesque Machuca village.

    Day 3 Afternoon

    Day 5 Afternoon

    Enjoy a nourishing lunch back at the hotel and take some time out in Uma Spa, either with a relaxing treatment, a leisurely soak in the outdoor infinity pool with a view of the Licancabur volcano or drift between the indoor pool and steam room.

    Day 5 Evening

    Day 5 Evening

    After dinner, bask in nature’s luxury with an outdoor shower beneath the stars or just drink in the desert views as night falls. An early night spent in the cosy refuge of your suite is a perfectly acceptable way to recharge for tomorrow’s expedition!

    Day 6 Full Day

    Day 6 Full Day

    Conquering the elements, altitude and an early morning start to reach the summit of the Cerro Toco Volcano is a mission that promises all the thrills of a strenuous mountain climb with expansive panoramas from its summit.

    Day 6 Evening

    Day 6 Evening

    Swap stories and snapshots with fellow climbers before enjoying a final, joyous celebration of local produce while watching night fall over the desert. Retire to the warm comfort of your suite and dream of the day’s adventures.

    Day 7 Morning

    Day 7 Morning

    On your final morning, explore the charming streets of San Pedro by bicycle. Absorb the culture and discover beautiful hand-crafted souvenirs including genuine alpaca wool sweaters and copper jewelry.

    Day 7 Farewell

    Day 7 Farewell

    A chance to take final pictures, say goodbyes (and possibly to plan your return visit!) before transfer to the airport and departure. ‘Hasta luego’ and safe travels!

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Destination

The seasons of Atacama

Chile’s Atacama Desert offers a climate of stark contrasts. Days are warm to hot and sunny, yet as night falls, the temperature drops significantly, providing cool relief. Rainfall is exceptionally rare, making the region one of Earth’s driest spots.

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Hotel

Our commitment to the environment

A dynamic environmental management plan featuring cutting edge technologies steers lodge operations and ultimately enhances each guest's experience.

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Destination

How do I get there?

Tierra Atacama is situated near San Pedro de Atacama, a small village in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Chile’s capital city, Santiago is the country’s main international gateway, welcoming flights from Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.

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