Awasi Atacama – Chile
At 2,500m above sea level, and in the heart of the world’s driest desert, the boutique Awasi Atacama enjoys an extraordinary location. Its architecture is based on the dwellings of the indigenous Atacameño people, with adobe walls and cactus and grass thatched roofs, with design detail inspired by local Incan ruins, and the colour palette reflecting the surrounding desert. Service could not be more impeccable, from the moment you arrive, to your tailormade itineraries, to being waited on hand and foot by the pool.
The lodge is an oasis of calm, and there’s no better place to wind down at the end of the day exploring. And no better place to stargaze at night.
At A Glance
Luxury Lodge
Why We Love It:
For its quirky décor and the incredible itineraries created just for you.Style:
Incan desert chic.Location:
In the heart of San Pedro de Atacama, a 1.5 hour drive from Calama AirportRooms:
12 characterful circular rooms and suites, with private terraces and outdoor showers.Swimming:
An inviting heated courtyard pool after a day in the desert.Children:
Children over the age of 10 are welcome, and your guide will create an itinerary to suit your family.Accessibility:
There are no specific facilities for guests with limited mobility.Price:
Available on requestrooms
The circular, rustic chic, adobe, stone and wood-built rooms and suites are wonderfully spacious, with equally large bathrooms. Decorated with Andean textiles and artefacts, they are characterful and welcoming. Outside each is an enclosed private terrace, an outdoor shower and loungers.
food
In keeping with the Awasi brand, the food here is top notch. You’ll dine on Chilean classics with the chef’s individual twist, with ingredients sourced locally, many of which are only found in the Atacama desert. The ceviches are particularly good, and the steaks are delicious. There’s a very comprehensive wine list, and make sure you try a pisco sour or two.
activities
This is a land of big skies and vast horizons. And the colours are almost surreal. Your private guide will create an itinerary just for you to explore this incredible landscape, and at your own pace. For extraordinary views of the Atacama Basin, head for the Chaxa Lagoon, where flocks of flamingos come to feed (December to February are the best months). Picnic in the otherworldly landscape of Rainbow Valley, and see the ancient petroglyphs. Or horse ride through the desert one day, then visit the bubbling El Tatio geysers the next.
Hikers will want to ascend the Licancabur Volcano, and those after something more relaxing will be happy just to bob in the very salty Baltiache Lagoons. Make sure you look up at the night sky, or even better take the stargazing tour. The Atacama desert has some of the best conditions in the world for viewing the cosmos.
family
Whilst there are no specific children’s facilities, those over the age of 10 are made very welcome. And for families who thrive on adventure, this is a great choice for exploring the Atacama desert. Some of the rooms can interconnect, or an extra bed can be added. Your guide will create an itinerary to suit young and old.
sustainability
The lodge is built using local materials; produce is sourced locally, supporting indigenous communities and there’s a robust recycling practice in place. The forestry project at Awasi Patagonia also allows the lodge to be officially carbon neutral.
Location
Awasi Atacama
In the heart of San Pedro de Atacama, a 1.5 hour drive from Calama Airport
