explora Atacama

This was the most amazing experience. Everything was five star., from the excursions which they accommodated upon your level of fitness and desirability, to the level of accommodation, customer service, food and general ambience. It was lovely to meet so many people from couples to families to individuals who are all very much like-minded and generally great fun. I was thoroughly recommend this experience. We stayed for four nights and had the most wonderful days with the tour guides and drivers

“Amazing“ can’t even begin to describe our experience at Explora lodge in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Super comfortable room with a view to the desert… Fantastic food… All meals and snacks and drinks are included in the total package… We hiked in the valley of the moon… We saw flamingos in the salt flats… We climbed through a canyon to a hot Springs… We walked among geysers at 14,000 feet… They offer everything from short van tours to short hikes to half-day hikes to all day hikes to multi day camping and hiking… Horseback riding is available… The staff is fantastic and incredibly knowledgeable and they are always waiting to take care of you… We can’t wait to return to Explora… highly recommend

This was my 3rd visit to the property but the first time as a vacationing guest vs. business retreat. The lodge is comfortable but not plush and the food is nourishing but not over the top. The stand outs are the guides and property staff, multilingual and graciously accommodating. Some excursions are a tad more taxing than advertised due to the high altitude but worth the effort. Confirm in advance suitability - it has nothing to do with fitness but everything to do with altitude adjustment.

Explora Atacama lodge is a fantastic way to experience the amazing Atacama Desert. All guides were hugely knowledgeable about aspects of the geology of the landscape and the flora and fauna of the area. The excursions were well thought out and planned.

We had the most wonderful time at Explora Atacama. We arrived from Calama and were picked up from the airport. The van was new and well maintained, as all of their transport was. The registration seamless and after lunch we signed up for a variety of explorations. We hadn't stayed at an all inclusive resort before but it made the trip so easy. We were concerned about altitude but we had no problems and did many hikes over 4 full days as well as a trip to the altiplano lakes. Explora own a reserve around the Puritama springs and only they have hikes within it. We thought Atacama was a quiet part of the world until we went on a trip to the lakes which was crowded. Who knew there were so many tourists! Nothing was too much trouble for the staff. A huge shout out to them all and particularly Chris (and Max) and Eric. Explora Atacama was quiet, relaxed and restrained luxury at its best.

The worst customer service experience we've ever had and we've traveled to over 100 countries. One week before our scheduled departure, my father experienced a sudden cardiac emergency. He was hospitalized, required surgery, and was explicitly advised by his physicians not to travel for several weeks during his recovery. We provided medical documentation and doctor’s notes promptly. Explora’s response, however, was deeply disappointing. We were initially told that 100% of our payment would be forfeited and that we could rebook only by paying again in full. While that position was later softened, the process was marked by an extraordinary lack of communication: 40 unanswered phone calls and approximately 25 unanswered emails. The only call we received from Explora was to request additional payment - not to respond to repeated inquiries about rescheduling options, timelines, or consideration for an unforeseen medical emergency. This was, without question, the most frustrating and disheartening travel experience our family has ever had. Sadly, based on this experience, we will no longer be recommending the Explora brand.

Explora Atacama was the first stop of our Explora Travesía and it set the bar extremely high. The lodge is beautiful, peaceful, and impeccably run—everything feels intentional, from the design to the service to how smoothly each day flows. What made it special for us:     •    People: Our guide Mattias and driver David were amazing—friendly, capable, and truly cared that we had a great time.     •    Excursions: We did a mix of hikes and scenic outings (geyser area, wildlife viewing, Valle de la Luna) and every single one felt “can’t miss.”     •    Service & comfort: The staff at the lodge were excellent—kind, quick to help, and consistently on top of details.     •    Overall vibe: Luxurious without being stuffy; adventurous without feeling exhausting. It’s hard to describe how effortless Explora makes an experience that could otherwise be complicated. We left Atacama already feeling like the trip was going to be something we’d talk about for the rest of our lives.

We stayed at Explora Atacama as part of the Explora Travesía (Atacama → Bolivia → Uyuni) and it was an incredible start to an unforgettable trip. From the moment we arrived, the lodge felt calm, polished, and deeply thoughtful—beautiful grounds, comfortable rooms, and service that’s both warm and highly professional. A huge shout-out to our guide Mattias and our driver David. They were outstanding: knowledgeable, upbeat, and seamlessly organized. The days were packed with unforgettable experiences—hiking near geysers, spotting wildlife, and exploring Valle de la Luna—and everything ran smoothly without ever feeling rushed. Mattias added so much context to what we were seeing, and David made logistics effortless. The lodge staff also deserves real praise. Meals were consistently excellent, staff were attentive and proactive, and the overall operation felt genuinely world-class. If you’re considering Explora in the Atacama—especially as part of the Travesía—this is one of those rare “worth it in every way” experiences. Ask for Mattias + David if you can.

Absolutely amazing experience. It wasn’t just the setting, the food, and the service, although these were spectacular. It was the model: it’s all about the excursions. We have very different levels of interest and activity in the family, which has made “nature” vacations difficult previously. With Explora we could tailor each day to our individual levels and interests. This really worked for us. The Atacama Desert was awe-inspiring. I will say, though, it's a tough environment. Between the heat, the UV, the dust, the dryness, and above all the altitude, it takes a toll on the body. It's completely worth it, but be prepared and drink a ton of water.

We stayed at Explora Atacama for 4 nights and we had a fantastic time. Here are a few things worth knowing if you want to stay here. 1. For us, this was not a relaxing vacation. When you arrive, they give you a schedule, and your day is full of events. You rarely sleep in, and often need to wake up early. Here is a typical day: wake up at 6AM, eat breakfast at 7AM, morning guided tour at 8AM, eat lunch at 12PM, meet the exploration team at 3PM, afternoon guided tour at 4PM, eat dinner at 8PM. It feels like you are always going from one event to the next. 2. Overall, the food was fantastic. The menu uses fresh ingredients (fruits, vegetables, salads, ceviches), and local plants and fruits that are found in the Atacama region. The dishes were simple, but they were always well prepared. We also really enjoyed the fresh juices and ice creams made with local ingredients. That said, some of the food was a little salty - almost as if two different kitchens were preparing the meals. And both of us got an upset stomach after one meal, but this was just a minor issue. 3. We thought the facilities were beautiful. People complain about "outdated" rooms, but we thought they were very well designed, with remarkable attention to detail. While it is not exactly luxurious, it feels more like staying in a Frank Lloyd Wright house. The beds are very comfortable, and the tub and shower were great. 4. We had mixed opinions about the pool facilities. The hotel has 4 pools, 2 hot tubs, and 4 saunas, which means you can get private (or secluded) access to them. However, the pools and the hot tubs were very cold and very few people used them. This was the first hot tub that I had to leave because the temperature was too cold. 5. The explorations were great. We really enjoyed our trips with Paolu, who was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, but not all guides had the same depth of expertise. It seems like they encourage everyone to do the same set of "popular" explorations. When we wanted to do a less popular one (the Camino del Agua), we couldn't do it because they did not know if the road was open. A few other notes: 1. If you want to see the night sky, check the lunar calendar before you plan your trip! You will not see the stars during a full moon. 2. If you have a late departing flight, it can be quite expensive to eat lunch that day (~$120 per person). Your only other option is to walk into town. 3. If you visit in the spring, the pool and hot tub might be too cold to use. 4. There is no air conditioning. (It seems like it would get hot in the summer)