The small town of San Pedro de Atacama stretches back 3,000 years to when it started out as a trading ground for llama caravans. These Andean traders made their way through Bolivia and Northern Argentina to the Pacific Coast, transporting the best llamas for breeding and wool; feathers from the Amazon jungle for ceremonies; and coca leaves and herbs from the Altiplano. Awasi Atacama, our Relais & Chateaux desert lodge, is located in an ancient site surrounded by an ornate adobe wall that historically sheltered shepherds and herders. Using local materials and techniques, we built the lodge with adobe, stone and wood. Awasi Atacama is a place for travellers to call home for a few days as they make memories in the Atacama Desert.

Our Lodge

Awasi is located in the town of San Pedro de Atacama, a short walk from the main square with its market and historic church. This proximity allows our guests to experience authentic “town life”, while enjoying privacy within the hotel. Since opening in 2007, we have continued to offer memorable tailor-,made experiences, sharing the culture, history and landscape of the Atacama Desert with our guests.

Our Rooms

The hotel has 12 Rooms built from adobe, stone and wood. Each room measures at least 50 square meters, has a large bathroom, private patio and is designed with privacy and relaxation in mind. We have 10 Superior Round Suites and 2 Round Rooms.

Our Cuisine

Our restaurant, for the exclusive use of Awasi guests, offers a daily menu using the finest local ingredients, adapted to your requirements. We are proud to deliver levels of culinary excellence that define us as members of Relais & Chateaux. Since Awasi Atacama opened, Chef Juan Pablo Mardones has headed the restaurant team. Devoting much of his time to studying and seeking native staples and local producers, Juan Pablo uses ingredients from the desert – such as different varieties of potatoes, the sweet fruit from the Chilean tree, quinoa and algarrobo (carob tree) – so that our guests can relish in an authentic local dining experience.

Exploring Atacama

Prior to your arrival at Awasi, we will ask you to complete a questionnaire to inform us of your preferences, special interests, physical conditions, dietary requirements, and any other details that will help our team arrange an unforgettable trip, especially designed for you.

Excursions

From the moment you arrive, you will be allocated your own private excursion guide and a 4WD vehicle, allowing you to explore the region at your own pace. This may mean lingering to contemplate a landscape, driving over kilometers of pure, natural surroundings to capture that perfect photograph, or letting yourself be guided through the full majesty of Northern Chile. You may choose between full-day excursions with lunch included (from 4 to 6 hrs.); or two half-day excursions (each one between 2 and 5 hrs.) returning to have lunch at Awasi after the first excursion and heading out again in the afternoon. From pleasant walks to more demanding treks, horseback riding, bicycle riding, bird watching, astronomic tours, visits to archaeological sites, salt flats and geysers, or to incredible valleys hidden in the midst of the desert, the experiences during your stay at Awasi are endless.

Our guides are professionally trained in archaeology, history, flora, fauna and first aid, so you can enjoy trip of a lifetime in a safe, in-depth and pleasant way.
We have guides who speak English, Spanish, German, French and Portuguese, available on request. All our vehicles are equipped with GPS and communication systems.

Our Recommendations

What to pack: Light, summer clothes during the day: t-shirts, shirts, shorts, swimwear.
Warmer clothes for the evening: sweater, jacket, fleece jacket, long trousers.

Sandals, sunscreen, glasses, hat, warm clothes, comfortable footwear, special shoes for hiking, backpack, windbreaker or fleece jacket, water bottle (provided by Awasi upon arrival).
Any medication that you may require.

Altitude: San Pedro is situated at 2,450 meters (8,036 ft.) above sea level. To prevent altitude sickness, it is important that you take it easy on the first day, keep hydrated (drink at least 3 liters of water) and limit consumption of alcohol and coffee.