In the so-called Great North of Chile, after flying over the rugged Andes mountain range and its infinite plains like slates drawn by lines, you land in Calama. The city that is left behind to immerse yourself in the magic of the Atacama and let yourself be trapped by the driest desert in the world.
A journey of adventure and nature among hypnotic landscapes of volcanoes, ravines and the Gran Salar basin framed by mountain ranges of earth, sand and salt, where the best proposals for water and desert architecture designed by the great Chilean architect Germán are found. del Sol. And its oasis of San Pedro de Atacama, San Pedrito as the locals call this small, quiet city of adobe houses and dirt streets, although for them it is already bustling as it has become the center of operations of this remote universe. and privileged that attracts foreigners so much.
It is the cradle of the original Lickan Antay culture and the heart of the Andean populations as it is a blessed cosmic place located in the center of the perfect triangle formed by the three “wise” and sacred volcanoes: Licancavur, Lascar and Kimal. The environment is infinite, powerful, extreme, pure. So beautiful.
At this crossroads of grazing routes and highland trade since the ancestors, the date with seduction is in Explora Atacama, a lodge conceived as a base camp more than as a hotel. “The luxury of the essential” although surrounded by the organic architecture of Del Sol and surrounded by an orchard of carob and chañar trees with mirror pools and heated jacuzzis among native orchards or ayllus protected by the FAO as agricultural heritage and adapted as a garden. A network of wooden walkways run through it, the hallmark of the architect. It is without a doubt, one of the great values ??of the complex.
And if that were not enough, we add the gastronomic proposal reviewed by the best chef in the world Virgilio Martínez, who has a weakness for high altitude regions and extreme climates. The Peruvian prioritizes local local products in his slow food philosophy, inviting you to explore these landscapes with your palate.
To the list of excellences is added an extraordinarily clear sky to delight under one of the best possible firmaments with nights carpeted with an infinite number of stars. There is a reason ALMA, the world’s largest restricted scientific observatory and astronomical project, is located here.
On this journey to the silence and sublime beauty of these arid landscapes with all possible colors dotted with herds of vicuñas and wild donkeys, the gaze seems to irresistibly seek the iconic Licancavur until reaching the Puritama ravine. A pit also enabled by del Sol with wooden walkways that follow the course of the agitated waters with entrance to the chain of natural pools where you can dive surrounded by reeds and fox tail feathers.
A precious enclave guarded by guards from the local communities that is located in the Puritama conservation reserve, created and managed by Explora with 7,000 hectares to preserve the Atacama natural heritage and recover the habitat of the endangered Andean cat.
Exploring, knowing and preserving living unique sensations tailored to each person is the objective of this Chilean group specialized in exploration trips to remote and inaccessible places in South America, with the understanding of local culture and the preservation of natural spaces.
And to end the day, what better way to enjoy the sunset in these waters than to have a pisco sour or a mojito with rica rica, the desert mint, at the lodge -Explora all-inclusive formula- sharing experiences with other guests and colleagues adventure. There is much more to discover in the valleys of the Moon, the valley of Mars or the valley of the Rainbow to name just a few of the many wonders nearby. A cosmic place that never disappoints.