Nayara Alto Atacama Lodge & Spa

Stays of Distinction

SUMMARY

5 Days

Chile

The luxurious Nayara Alto Atacama Deluxe Hotel nestles in the heart of the breathtaking Atacama Desert, providing the perfect haven for exploration. This enchanting region in Chile’s far north celebrates its lunar landscapes, majestic volcanoes, and pristine salt lagoons teeming with elegant flamingos.

At Nayara Alto Atacama, you’ll have access to many exhilarating activities and experiences. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring surroundings as you embark on carefully crafted walks, invigorating hikes, and thrilling biking routes. During the day, explore the region’s rich cultural heritage through guided tours that connect you with local communities. Afterwards, marvel at the captivating night sky with the assistance of Nayara Alto Atacama’s unique open-air observatory.

Embark on cultural tours that trace the path of human history, deepening your understanding of this remarkable land. Choose from a selection of excursions for a contemplative and immersive exploration, regardless of your fitness level. If you seek adventure, indulge in various hiking and biking options designed for those with ample energy. For the most daring adventurers, expedition tours present demanding challenges that require acclimatization and stamina.

The gastronomy at Alto Atacama Deluxe Hotel blends North Chilean flavors with local ingredients, creating fresh and tasteful cuisine. The menu showcases sophisticated techniques and delicious flavors, complementing the desert’s sublime terrain. Indulge in dishes like the Corn Cake with Goat Cheese and Chañar or the classic Charquicán. Pair your meal with Chile’s unique wines, a treat for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Another highlight of this Deluxe hotel is its social responsibility. At Alto Atacama, we are known for providing stable employment opportunities to the neighboring towns. Therefore their team largely consists of individuals from these communities. Additionally, we offer yearly scholarships to young people, enabling them to complete their high school education locally and in other parts of Chile.

Contours Travel recommends immersing yourself fully in the wonders of the Atacama Desert with a minimum four-night stay at Nayara Alto Atacama. Allow yourself ample time to explore and discover the myriad treasures of this extraordinary destination.

HIGHLIGHTS

Alto Atacama is nestled in the Catarpe Mountains and blends seamlessly into the environment.
Its 42 rooms are a lesson in understated luxury, with local textiles, native timbers, and muted colours reflecting the desert landscape.
Its unique setting and wonderful outdoor spaces make Alto Atacama a destination in its own right.
Learn about and interact with the local indigenous people with excellent cultural excursion options.
Explore the desert’s eerily beautiful landscapes by foot or bike with more than 30 adventurous excursions.

ITINERARY

Day 1 San Pedro de Atacama

On arrival into Calama you will be met by an English speaking representative of the hotel and transferred to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 2 San Pedro de Atacama

Alto Atacama offers a wide array of tours, each falling into a conceptualised category based on the type of experience on offer. Some popular options include:
– Lican Antai culture: the first stop is the archaeological site of Tulor. At 2400 years old and well maintained, the site has been of great value in understanding many aspects of local history. Then, you will travel to the village of San Pedro to explore the old city and its church. Finally, visit Pucara of Quitor; a Pre- Hispanic village that provides an outstanding example of original native heritage.
– Valley of the Moon: This tour allows guests to enter a sanctuary of nature and geology. The Valley of the Moon is a spectacular geological formation created through the conflicting pressures of the Andes and the Cordillera de Domeyko. As one of the most breathtaking and iconic views in the entire region, travellers from all over the world migrate here to enjoy the sun setting over the Valley.

Day 3 San Pedro de Atacama

Another day to continue exploring this fascinating area. Some of the most popular excursion available are:
– Salt Lakes: The tour of Ojos del Salar takes us to two incredibly deep freshwater pools which emerge unannounced from the arid desert plains. This trip is noteworthy for its conclusion on the banks the Turquoise Lagoon of Tebinquinche; we will arrive just in time for sunset. Tebinquinche is known as a unique location to experience the pallet of colours associated with Andean volcanic waters, and surrounding mountains as the sun sets and the light morphs across the ever-changing landscape.

Day 4 San Pedro de Atacama

Another day to explore. Some of the most popular excursion available are:
– El Tatio Geysers: a geothermal field sitting at 4,321 metres above sea level. Beginning at dawn, you will explore the Geysers, which consist of large pools of boiling water and mud, fumaroles, and natural hot springs. This is also a good chance to appreciate the unique flora and fauna adapted to flourish in this extreme environment. On return, you will stop at Machuca, a traditional village previously used by local shepherds.
– Wetlands & Pecan Monks: The Wetlands tour offers the chance to delve deep into the Andean landscape, observing a variety of wildlife. The first stop is the wetland park of Quepiaco, an important protected area in the region, and a great place to spot native bird species. Next, it is the Salar de Pujsa, the largest reserve of its kind and the migration point for nesting flamingos to lay their eggs. Finally, guests visit the immense rock formations known as the ‘Pecan monks’, noted for their sheer size and sudden emergence from the Desert floor.