Chile : Tours : Explora, The Art of Traveling – Atacama

Between the Pacific and the Andes mountains lies Atacama, a vast and mysterious stretch of land. The desert and oasis have seen moments of stillness and change for the pre Colombian Andean cultures of South America. All that is left from their past remains now as landmarks throughout the territory; and the present-day integration of other cultures allows the traditions to carry on and bring life to the small towns. Near the town of San Pedro de Atacama, Explora Hotel is located in the Ayllu de Larache over a large area of land that extends 17 hectares (41 acres). It is formed by 20 small, age-old estates, whose appearance has been respected and maintained as an historical witness that Explora has chosen to preserve. Explora is a philosophy that fosters a new way to travel, gaining more understanding of the world and of ourselves. It is about the unforgettable experience of exploring the natural and cultural environment of the most remote corners of South America. Explora believes that the best way to discover something new about nature, the world, and of ourselves is to simply enjoy the beauty first hand. Count on the experience necessary to organize explorations with a spirit of adventure as well as safety. Explore hotels also possess a certain sophistication that allows you to delight in life’s pleasures. We invite you to become an Explorer among the kind of nature that moves you.

• 3 Nights 4 Days
• 4 Nights 5 Days
  Please request IN/OUT fixed dates.

The Explorations

• The visitors of Explora can participate in a variety of possible explorations, which have been carefully developed.
• Each day you can choose among 8 different explorations. They have been selected according to climatic conditions, the visitors taste, their duration, and difficulty.

The explorations in Atacama will allow you to discover the multiple facets of this territory; its geography, history, fauna, geology and the opportunity to see volcanoes from up close and visit ancient villages.
These journeys have been designed considering a gradual acclimation to the altitude. Some excursions take place in the high oasis of San Pedro between 2,500 and 2,800 m. (8,200 and 9,184 feet) for intermediate levels and the more demanding trips reach taller peaks of over 6,000 m. (19,680 feet).

Throughout your stay at Explora, you will feel challenged to discover more and perhaps reach even higher, even though there is no competition. Our slogan is "Here, everyone sees to what they do" and sometimes taking a walk is just as good as riding a bike or simply staying in the hotel to relax.

The weather is optimal year round and there are practically no limits to participating in all the excursions each day.

Acclimation
Reaching the heights becomes an impulse that one cannot resist, however, one must first acclimate to the altitude. After a full day and night in Atacama, one is much more prepared to ascend to 3,000 meters (9,840 feet) and above.
To participate in explorations higher than 4,000 m (13,120 feet) it is necessary to first experience minimum altitudes and see if you are physically fit to continue higher.
In order to visit the many places and experience the different environments that Atacama exhibits, we recommend a 7-night stay.

Equipment
For your comfort and safety while you explore Atacama we recommend the following gear as a minimum:

• Backpack (8 - 15 lts.)
• Hiking shoes and/or boots.
• Different layers of warm clothing.
• Changeable pants " Thick windbreaker.
• Sunblock (30 SPF), sunglasses, and a hat to shield the sun.
• Hat and gloves for hiking at high altitudes.
• Down parka for reaching heights over 5,000 m. (16,400 feet)
  Hikes from 2,400 - 3,000 m. (7,872 - 9,840 feet)
  These explorations take place beginning on the first day.

Included Excursions

Part of the distinguished stamp of the Explora Hotels is that the passengers, called "Explorers", are able to incorporate themselves into the various possibilities of explorations that have been designed, also taking into consideration a gradual acclimation to the altitude. The explorations in Atacama will allow you to discover the multiple facets of the land, geography, history, fauna, and geology. You will see volcanoes up close and visit ancient villages. Throughout your stay, you will feel challenged to discover more and perhaps reach even higher, although there is no competition in Explore. The weather is pleasant year round and there are not many limits as far as participating in excursions every day. You will be able to choose among a variety of explorations offered each day. We highlight the following journeys as an example:

1. Journey through the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Chain)
Total Length of Time: 7 - 8 hours.
Walking 4 - 5 hours.
Distance on foot: AM: 7.3 kms (4.5 miles) PM: 4.8 kms (3 miles)
Itinerary: Depart from Explora by van (40 mins.) towards the Catarpe Valley. Hike through the cornices of the Salt Mountain Chain with panoramic view. Dead Valley - Picnic Lunch - Afternoon hike in the Kari Gorge inside the Salt mountain chain. Return to Explore by van (15 mins).
Schedule: Full day.
Level: Easy.

2. Quebrada de Nacimiento
Length: 9 - 10 hours.
Walking 5½ - 6½ hours.
Distance: 12.5 kms (8 miles).
Itinerary: Depart from Explora by van (1¼ hrs.) heading south towards Socaire. Uphill hike with views of the volcanoes until reaching the entrance to the gorge. Picnic lunch. Descend along shepherd trails.
Schedule: Full day.
Level: Demanding.

3. Copa Coya
Length: 10 - 11 hours. Hiking 5½ - 6½ hours.
Distance on foot: 12.5 kms (8 miles).
Itinerary: Early departure from Explora by van (2 hrs.) towards the geothermal field (4,321 m/14,172 feet). High altitude hike and breakfast with a view. Descend following the course of an ancient river. Picnic lunch. Take the Llaretero trail ascending once again (350 m. drop) bordering the Copa Coya mountain. Return by van and an optional bath in the Puritama Hot Springs.
Schedule: Full day.
Level: Demanding.

The Program Includes

• Round trip transportation from the Calama Airport and Explora Atacama.
• Accommodations.
• Complete board. 4 daily meals according to the menu, that include wine, national drinks and soft drinks.
• 8 to 10 daily Explorations to choose from of a total of more than 30, in a group of no more than 10 people, with bilingual guide.
• Transfers in van, boat, or horse and picnics.

Notes

• The guestroom check in begins from 17:00 hours (5:00 pm) and can be earlier, depending on the availability of the guestrooms.
• We recommend that you arrive to the hotel early in the morning. Explora will take care of your luggage until you enter your room.
• When you depart from the Hotel, we recommend that you make your flight reservations after 18:00 hours (6:00 pm), in order to take advantage of the whole day in explorations.
• The rates are per person, according to the American dollar.
• The rates do not include taxes nor do they include tips.
• Rates and programs are subject to change without prior notice.
• Children less than 2 years of age sharing a guestroom with both parents are free of charge.
• Consult value for extra bed (in according room type) for children up to 12 years.
• Consult by special rate (in according room type) for persons from 13 to 18 years.
• The guestrooms are acclimatized which make air conditioning unnecessary. The guestrooms do not provide television or cable.

Rates

Rates per passenger in American Dollars.

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Notes

• A 30% deposit of the total reservation charge is required upon confirmation and the total amount must be cancelled 60 days before hotel check-in.
  
• Modifications to confirmed reservations are subject to availability of the Hotel and will be accepted on a term of 30 days or more before check-in date.

Cancellation Policy

Once a reservation has been confirmed and you decide to cancel, the following charges apply:

• 60 to 30 days before the arrival to the hotel, US$200 per room.
• 29 to 10 days before arrival, 30% of the total amount of the reservation.
• 09 to 0 days before arrival, 100% of the total amount of the reservation.