The Atacama Desert in Chile seems to be out of this world. Considered the most arid region on Earth, with the strong desert sun during the day and freezing temperatures at night, this tourist destination reserves spectacular colors that can’t be found anywhere else on the planet. In this article, besides convincing you to visit the desert, we will show you the best hotels in the Atacama desert in Chile.
Considered the driest desert in the world, the Atacama Desert in Chile is more than 105,000 km² in area, with scenery that varies greatly from region to region. It is possible to find lagoons over 4,000 meters high, rock formations sculpted over millions of years, archeological sites, and even a salt desert.
Yes, there are many options of tours, expeditions, and incredible scenery waiting to be explored.
San Pedro de Atacama
The Atacama is located in the extreme north of Chile, very close to the border with Peru. It is close to the city of San Pedro de Atacama, the main base for travelers who want to explore the desert.
San Pedro de Atacama looks like a small picture-postcard town, with dirt roads and simple houses built side by side.
The village is more than 2,250 meters above sea level, which means that the air is thinner – but not so thin as to make the trip uncomfortable.
To get to know and explore the beauties of the place, the small town of San Pedro de Atacama should be your home base. This is where the tours that lead to the most beautiful and impressive scenery of the Chilean desert depart from.
So, there are numerous lodging options there. In this article, I’ll tell you about the best hotels in Chile the Atacama Desert.
The best hotels in the Atacama desert
Terrantai Andean Lodge
The Terrantai Andean Lodge is a hotel with architecture and decor that manages to combine refinement with the rusticity of the desert.
The stone walls and indigenous pieces are combined with the comfort of spacious beds and comfortable rooms, from which you will not want to leave. But there are reasons to leave your room, including a pool and spa.
Breakfast is another plus at Terrantai Lodge Andino, a full meal that starts early – if you’re leaving for a tour before 5 am, just let reception know the day before and they’ll have your coffee ready.
Hotel Poblado Kimal
The Hotel Poblado Kimal wants to go beyond the room. There you will have your hut, made of desert clay, the best material for the Atacama climate since it cools the environment during the day and warms it during the cold nights.
The cabins are spacious and have comfortable beds, perfect for couples or families. The structure also has a swimming pool and a cafeteria where a delicious breakfast is served.
The location of this hotel is very central, just a few minutes from downtown San Pedro de Atacama. It is great for enjoying the city during your free time.
Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa
If you want your stay to be a very special experience, Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa is a sure choice of where to stay in the Atacama.
Be prepared to be enchanted by the modern architecture and the view of the volcano – every room was designed to have the best view of the Licancabur volcano.
Although luxurious, this hotel never fails to create the feeling that guests are at home, thanks to the cozy common area, with open fireplaces inside and outside, perfect for you to relax after your walks.
There is also a spa with modern facilities, a heated pool, and excellent showers. Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa is also sustainable, powered by solar energy, and with a large garden and vegetable garden that supplies the kitchen.
The hotel also offers lodging packages with Atacama tours already included. All organized by them, just choose your favorite and enjoy your stay.
Ckoi Atacama Lodge
One of the most cost-effective hotels in San Pedro de Atacama is Ckoi Atacama Lodge. The differential is efficient service in complete and comfortable facilities.
The highlight is the pet llamas that are raised at the lodge, an original touch amid so many lodging options.
The rooms are spacious and some have the capacity for up to five people, but they are not shared, so if you are traveling in a group or with a large family, this is the best option.
The bathrooms are clean and you can use the kitchen if you are tired of eating out or want to save some money.
The decoration is very rustic, both outside and inside, and outside there are some hammocks where you can rest.
Explora Atacama
Explora Atacama is an all-inclusive option in the Atacama Desert.
The architecture is modern and offers cozy spaces, and the pools form a great combination of a boutique hotel and luxury resort.
When you stay here, you can choose a variety of activities to experience, from hiking, biking, horseback riding, game drives, and even astronomy classes at the resort’s observatory. Everything is organized by the resort itself, just relax and enjoy.
How to choose a good hotel in San Pedro de Atacama?
Location: the closer to the main street – Caracoles – the more expensive and not necessarily the better quality.
Book in advance: always good to remember, right?
Prefer lodging that offers an early breakfast: many tours leave very early, so if your lodging offers breakfast earlier, it’s already a nice advance, even if some tours offer breakfast during the tour.
When to go to the Atacama Desert?
If you are planning a trip to the Atacama Desert, when to go doesn’t make much difference. But why? Because it is a tourist destination that can be visited at any time of the year.
There is practically no rain in the region, and the most that can happen is that you may encounter low temperatures at some periods of the year, but nothing that will put the success of your trip at risk.
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With this article, we hope you will get excited about going to the Atacama Desert. Of these hotels, which is your favorite? Tell us in the comments.