The Explora brand began in Torres del Paine in 1993 with an objective to offer those who love the outdoors. Aimed at people who want excursions, and experiences into the natural world, accompanied by educated guides and be able to return to a high-quality lodge each night and sleep in comfort, enjoy good food, good wines and relax in a place offering luxury facilities.
Five years later, in 1998, Explora launched its Atacama lodge. Perhaps ambitiously, the San Pedro building, like its sister lodge in Patagonia, tried to be a pioneering architectural accomplishment. The idea was to have a main building that reflected the immense space of the Atacama Desert with incredibly high ceilings, walls painted white and a minimalist feel. Rooms, too, were designed to mix high-end quality with a minimalist design.
Taking note that many guests did not appreciate the “cavernous” stye of the main building interior and simple guest rooms, Explora adjusted these elements and today the main building is much cosier, rooms are not so minimalist and the overall product is one of the best in San Pedro de Atacama.
Indeed, as with the Explora lodge in Torres del Paine, their Atacama Lodge concept went on to be copied by all the other high-end lodges around the village. However, as pioneers they set the standard and continue to innovate, opening other lodges in key natural areas where guests and enjoy what Mother Nature has provided.
All Inclusive Program
In line with other hotels of this high-end category, Explora offers all-inclusive programs. These include everything you need during your stay, such as all meals, transfers in and out, tours and excursions with educated guides, lodge facilities and, of course, accommodation.
About
Explora Atacama is a uniquely designed set of buildings that are minimalist on the exterior, but full of life and luxury amenities in the interior. The grounds within which the lodge is situated occupies 17 hectares (42 acres), which was originally 20 indigenous fields. Some of these lands still have the original foot paths and buildings from historic times. Admirably, in line with the Explora ethos to respect culture, these interesting and important marks of history are preserved.
Swimming Pools
Around and within the lodge grounds is pampas grass and other local flora. Placed among this natural vegetation are four long swimming-lane pools, and, close by are outdoor hot tubs, steam baths and a sauna.
Observatory
The Atacama Desert is renowned for having the clearest skies on Earth. This is due to the air being dry and the high altitude of the Andes. Consequently, the area is a haven for professional, international observatories, as well as the more “hobbyist” telescopes.
Explora is fortunate to have its own observatory for star gazing. The dome contains an advanced optics telescope offering a high degree of potency for viewing the solar system and stars. It is a Meade 16” f/10 LX200R Advanced RD, and a main mirror of 40 cm in diameter offering extraordinary resolution and sharpness.
Restaurant
In line with the Explora ethos to connect people as much as possible to the natural environment and cultures, the gastronomic offering includes local ingredients and “pure flavours”, within each dish. The chef will provide crafted meals that are light and healthy. In addition, Explora offers top Chilean wines to accompany your meal.
The Explora Lodge is located in an area about 1.5km south of San Pedro de Atacama village centre. The area where the lodge is situated in is known as Ayllu de Larache, which is historically a community occupied by the indigenous Aymara people.
Explora Atacama offers 50 spacious guest rooms designed in a way for guests to enjoy the silence of the desert, and views to either a garden or landscapes beyond.
The room categories at Explora Atacama are:
Tulur (19 rooms offering 33m2), 8 have an interconnecting option, with views to the grounds. Bed configuration is one king matrimonial or two twins.
Yali (27 rooms offering 33m2), these rooms have views to the Atacama landscape. Bed configuration is one king matrimonial or two twins.
Catur Suite (4 rooms offering 50m2), these suites have balconies and views to th
We will include this hotel as part of your itinerary if requested to do so or if required for a logistical reason, or if it suits your itinerary budget.
Should you book, with us, a minimum of 2 people for a minimum of 4 nights under an all-inclusive program, we will include another service or hotel night in another hotel free of charge.
What we can offer always depends on the content of your itinerary, so please, get in touch.
If you're interested in this hotel, please don't hesitate contacting us or fill out our enquiry form below.
