Hotel Alto Atacama - Brochure - English

Alto Atacama concept.

We believe in space & amplitude, in open spaces and harmony. We search for the perfect landscape, the perfect trek, the perfect sunset. Our concept is simple, we gathered some of the best chilean architects, designers and landscapers and offered them the opportunity to work together in the creation of an incredible hotel. A place to relax and to start a day full of action, to be able to truly listen to silence and also to listen to local stories. Atacama is a landscape of dramatic contrasts and extremely slow changes, always impressive, rugged, larger than life. Our goal is to be Atacama, to share its beauty and to achieve its patience, to smile and breath freely at the sight of the most beautiful desert in the world.

Atacama Overview

Atacama, one of the greatest Deserts on Earth.

It is extreme in its variety, isolated, beautiful. Its beauty resides in the texture of the land, the starkness of the sky and in how life has found a way to conquer the desert. Atacama is a lunar landscape in places, lush river canyons in others. In some parts, rain has not touched this parched land for the past three hundred years while summer can bring brilliant rainstorms in the mountains that surround the Alto Atacama Hotel. Atacama can be vast empty stretches but it is also a place to see life unfolding. Atacama is the red of the Andes and the glow of the high mountain lakes. Come and experience one of the most pristine places on earth.....the Atacama Desert.

Atacama Overview

Culture

For the past one hundred centuries, the San Pedro area has been an epicenter of human activity. The relative abundance of local fauna and flora has created fitting living conditions for the first inhabitants of our continent, despite the fact that it is such an inhospitable region. The Licanantay, Aymara and eventually Inca cultures left their traces as evidenced by the vast quantity and variety of archeological remains in San Pedro. Fortresses like the Pucara of Quitor and the ancient settlement of Tulor are just a few of the literally hundreds of sites left by the original people. The driest desert in the world has not been an obstacle for the flourishing of these complex cultures and their unique social traits. The most important culture of the area were the Licanantay, direct descendants of the first hunter gatherers that arrived to this area approximately 11.000 years ago. This region of the Atacama Desert chronicles a history that combines the struggle for survival, the adaptation to environment and the comprehension of natural cycles. This, coupled with an interaction with the elements developed a vision of the Cosmos that is deeply based on the amalgam of these factors. Atacama lives through its people, and our mission is to understand their perspective, to embrace their essence and to tell their stories.

Atacama Overview

Life

One of the most surprising aspects of Atacama is the variety of animal and plant species that have been able to adapt to the extreme conditions that dominate the driest desert on our planet. WWF affirms: “The intrinsic value of the Atacama Desert's plant and animal communities lies in the unique nature of their composition, the high levels of endemism and some species' remarkable adaptations for survival in some of the planet's most demanding conditions. The highly rare flora is of particular importance. Atacama is the habitat for three species of Flamingos, mammals such as the Zorro Culpeo, Llama,Vicuña and at lesser altitudes the Guanaco. Rodents including the Vizcacha can be spotted sunbathing in the midday sun. There are dozens of bird species, the most characteristic being the Tagua Tagua which builds its predator –proof aquatic nests, or the Suri, the Ostrich of the Altiplano.

Atacama Overview

Astronomy

The Northern skies of Chile are famous for being some of the clearest in the World. The combination of an extremely dry climate, high altitude and the distance from any source of environmental pollution makes them a perfect and clear window into the Universe. The Atacama Desert has been an important center for astronomic investigation since the opening of the Las Campanas – Du Pont observatory near La Serena in 1977. Other research centers in the area are Paranal, close to Antofagasta and an upcoming project that will include the construction of the world’s largest observatory; A.L.M.A (Atacama Large Millimeter Array) that begins operating in 2012. Once completed, A.L.M.A will have 10 times more spatial resolution than the Hubble space telescope. A.L.M.A.’s complement is Cornell Caltech Telescope, another large project that will be constructed in the Chajnator mountain and it will be focused on the process of galaxy formation. The experience of viewing the Atacama skies is truly impressive, visible even with the naked eye. Man has always been fascinated by the majesty and depth of outer space and Atacama is the perfect place to witness and ponder the structure of our local and distant universe.

Hotel

Rooms

Our rooms are spacious and comfortable, all of them well equipped to soothe your body after an action packed day. The decoration is simple yet elegant, we have local crafts as part of our decoration and also as part of the spirit of our rooms. You can touch the walls and feel its warmth, or have good dreams in our incredibly comfortable beds. All of the rooms in Alto Atacama have a private terrace were to enjoy the colors of the valley, take a nap, read a book or simply relax at the sight of our gardens. The definition of peacefulness aquires a new meaning after a couple of nights here, Catarpe embraces Alto Atacama with silence, let silence embrace you.

Hotel

Main Rooms & Grounds

As the Atacama Desert, Alto Atacama is a place to be explored, to be discovered. Our philosophy is that even though our guests are out exploring one of the most interesting places on earth, the hotel is also a place that beckons to be enjoyed, and that encourages rest. The living room has a great fireplace to provide warmth while paging through the books of our library. The outdoor lounge areas have small fire pits that are lighted every night for our guests to enjoy the crisp air and the colors of the sunset and nightfall. The Main Grounds are a projection of the attention to detail that prevails in Alto Atacama, where you can enjoy a nice walk at sunset or sunrise among our gardens filled with native plants and locally crafted art. Simplicity becomes beauty with ease in Alto Atacama, the principal elements are always nature and space, the Hotel being a place to gather, recharge and share experiences. We have created an ambiance that is intimate and warm, a respectful synchronization with the aesthetics of the Altiplano.

Hotel

Cuisine

Our Chef blends the best of both worlds: Mediterranean-style with local ingredients and recipes. We work closely with local producers who provide fresh organic produce to your table at the Alto Atacama Hotel, and in doing so, we are able to give back to the local economy. Other fresh items, such as meat and seafood are all brought from prime suppliers A simple treat is sampling our locally grown Socaire potatoes, native quinoa and then indulging in Rica Rica Gnocchis, and Chañar- based sweets. All of these local plants can be spotted while we hike, and can be collected along the way. Our Chef, is passionate about discovering and combining flavors, ingredients, and preparations. His menus reflect a simple concept… Where dedication and taste merge with style.

Hotel

Pools

Alto Atacama’s pools blend the luxury of water in the desert and the tranquility of being removed from the rest of the world. The six outdoor pools overlook the beautiful Catarpe Valley and its red mountains. Stones from the surrounding desert form a wall of privacy for each of the pools. The sense of being deeply renewed by the cleansing water as you gaze out into the desert is a unique experience. We treat water with respect and responsibility due to its rarity in this environment. All our water is purified and maintaining it as such is our priority. We also maximize its use to reduce our impact on the environment. An outdoor bar and dining room in our pool area gives our guest the choice of enjoying a leisurely lunch by the water, or simply a chilled glass of Chilean white wine as the sun warms your body.

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Puri Spa

Despite the fact that we are in the driest of all deserts, water from glacial snow is what makes San Pedro de Atacama an Oasis, and it makes our Spa a strongly revitalizing experience. Water, expert hands and aromatic scents are the tools for invigorating your body and spirit after a day of exploring the desert. We invite you to relax, enjoy, and to recharge your body and mind in a peace- filled spa where the natural elements of the land work their own magic. Spa options include Finnish Sauna, Turkish bath, Scottish showers, indoor & outdoor hot tubs, among others. Treat yourself Close your eyes. Alto Atacama will do the rest

Excursion

Excursion concept

We believe that the world has to be walked, be explored, to become known. We are aware that people have different interests and skills, and our guides will help you feel comfortable and safe in whatever activity you choose. We like to see how far our physical strength can take us, always being safe, aware that we are only guests of the immense Atacama Desert. Our expeditions can be physically demanding or relaxed, they can engage you intellectually or simply let you feel the energy of the desert. Whatever excursion you decide to be part of, the sights will stay with your forever, because Atacama is our world, one of purity and space. We travel in small groups, leaving no traces.

Excursion

Travel Ethics

Deserts are some of the most static surfaces in the World, eroded only by wind and the rare showers that fall in some parts of the desert. Therefore it is of absolute importance to be respectful with this terrain. Whatever mark is left behind will stay here for a long period of time. At Alto Atacama Hotel we are aware of this and we train our guides with the Leave No Trace principles: 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare 2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces 3. Dispose of Waste Properly 4. Leave What You Find 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts 6. Respect Wildlife 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors One of our top priorities is to minimize our impact on the environment, when we travel by van we only do it on marked roads, never off road and we do the same when mountain biking and hiking. We ask our guests to do the same, and become familiar with these principles.

Excursion

Mountainbike

The geography of Atacama is perfect for mountain biking. We will fully equip and guide you while exploring stunningly beautiful trails and paths that enter pristine territories. We approach everything that we do with evolution in mind, therefore seasoned mountain bikers will be among our team of guides, no matter if you are a beginner just wanting to pedal for fun & sights, or a person looking to improve your skills on a bike, we have a journey ready. As in all of Alto Atacama’s excursions, our guides will help you choose the most suitable trails for the day.

Excursion

Trekking

Atacama by foot is where everything starts. Walk in the same trails that have been used for centuries, breath the air, the contrasts, the essence of Atacama. Witness life unfolding with confidence in a strong territory, and also witness ways of life that remain synchronized with nature, proud. Our trekking excursions have been designed for people with different physical levels; there are very mild walks and more demanding excursions. Considering the features of the Atacama Desert, acclimatization is an important factor to have in mind when choosing a journey, our guides will provide all the necessary information to make this a great experience.

Excursion

Van Trips

Ideal for the first days in the desert, to help with the acclimatization process, our Van trips will introduce you to the beauty and magnitude of Atacama. We will visit high mountain lakes and witness the Andes in full display of power; the Tatio geysers, the highest and third largest geothermal field in the world. And, as in all of Alto Atacama’s excursions we are in no rush. Take all the pictures that you want, talk to the curious children that approach us in every town, walk through the local markets, make moments last.

Excursion

Excursions

Van Trips 1. Licanantay culture tour 2. oconao – Atacama Salt Flat 3. Moon Valley 4. Jere Gorge 5. Petroglyphs 6. Tatio Geysers 7. Lagunas Altiplanicas 8. Villas Altiplanicas 9. Tara Salt Flat Trekking 10. Moon Valley Trek 11. Los Colorados 12. Kari Gorge

13. Los Cardones Gorge 14. Alto Catarpe 15. Tambo Catarpe 16. Catarpe – devil’s Gorge 17. Waillar 18. Quezala Gorge 19. Toco Mountain biking 20. Catarpe Valley 21. Quitor and San Pedro 22. Cejar Lagoon 23. Inca Pass 24. Desert Valleys

San Pedro de Atacama Facts.

Getting there

Climate

Altitude

Recommended clothing

The closest airport is the Calama – Loa Airport, a two hour flight from Santiago. For guests with all- inclusive package Alto Atacama will provide airport transfers. The journey to San Pedro is a one hour van ride.

It is a high desert climate; therefore, expect thermal variation, hot days and slightly cold nights. Winter (June, July and August) 22 degrees Celsius during the day and 4 degrees Celsius at night. Summer (January, February and March) 27 degrees Celsius during the day and 16 degrees Celsius at night. These months see very occasional rainfall.

San Pedro is 2.450 meters above sea level, some excursions will take guests above 4000 meters of altitude. When undertaking strenuous activities at altitude, guests should take the following precautions: • Consult your doctor before leaving home if you have a history of cardiovascular illness or hypertension. • Avoid heavy foods before an excursion. • Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration. • Avoid alcohol.

• Backpack (20-35 litres). • Swimming gear. • Sandals. • Layers of clothing: thermals, fleeces etc. • Trainers or trekking boots. • Trekking shorts or detachable trousers. • Sun block, UV sunglasses and sun hat. • Gloves, hat and good quality jacket for excursions at altitude.

[email protected] | telephone: (562) 4360265 fax: (562) 4360266 | www.altoatacama.com