Over the course of your days spent at Explora Atacama you will have over 50 explorations to choose from. Immerse yourself in the natural and cultural wealth of the Atacama Desert on foot, bicycle or horseback. The hikes, horseback rides, bicycle rides, high-mountain ascents and stargazing sessions are the quintessential way to explore and discover the landscapes, people and wildlife of this unique territory. Every evening your guides meet with you at the lodge bar or living room area to explain all of the next day’s available explorations and help you choose the best option according to your interests and abilities. The maximum group size is 8 travelers, and a bilingual Explora guide leads every exploration. These explorations are off the beaten path and completely unique – you will not witness other travelers experiencing the region or immersing with nature like Explora Atacama does. Below is a sample of how you might spend your days with some top recommended activities. Hikes range from easy to expert high-mountain ascents with elevations of nearly 18,000 feet.
Featured Atacama Overland Exploration: Salar del Atacama
This easy, half-day, 1.3-mile hike takes about 4.5 hours with a maximum altitude of 8,000 feet. Cruise by van for 35 minutes before entering the town of Toconao to begin your gentle 45-minute hike through beautiful oasis surrounded by vegetable gardens. Then head towards the Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos to Laguna Chaxa, where the Salar de Atacama is located, an ideal spot for bird watching (depending on the season). Here, wait until sunset and head back to the lodge.
Featured Atacama Hiking Explorations
Cornisas
This moderate, half-day, 5-mile hike takes about 3 hours. Depart by van towards the Catarpe Valley where you will begin trekking along the edges of the Cordillera de la Sal, with panoramic views of the Oasis, the Salar de Atacama and the Andes. The hike ends with the majestic dunes of Valle de La Muerte.
Peñaliri
This moderate, full-day, 9.9-mile hike takes about 6 hours. Take a van to the Andean Plateau village of Machuca. Explore a wetland and then walk along a creek to the Grande River. See fauna and typical Andean farming terraces. Have lunch at Peñaliri, an abandoned village.
Incahuasi
This expert, full-day, 8.9-mile hike taks about 6 hours. Start by walking in an old farmhouse at the foot of the volcanoes of the Andes mountain range. Enter the Jorquencal gorge to explore the varied vegetation, history and research of the Andean cat in the Puritama reserve. After crossing a varied landscape, arrive at the Puritama hot springs and rest before returning to the lodge by van.
Featured Atacama High Mountain Exploration: Corona
This expert, full-day, 3.2-mile hike takes 6.5 hours and reaches an elevation of 16,931 feet. You need about four nights of acclimatization to attempt this trek. The van drops you off at the base of the Corona Hill in Talabre, where your ascent begins by trekking across volcanic rocks and boulders. Once you reach the summit, enjoy amazing views of the entire volcanic arc of the Andes, including Lascar Volcano. Descend through numerous volcanic rock fields to a much-welcomed lunch in the altiplano. There are very few places in the world that allow you to access elevations above 16,400 feet. It’s an experience of a lifetime.
Featured Atacama Biking Exploration
Ayllus
This easy, half-day, 13.5-mile ride takes about 2.5 hours. Visit the archaeological site of Beter, one of the first Atacameño settlements. Move on to ayllus (social and agricultural communities in atacama), to visit the first rural book store in Chile. Return to the lodge by bicycle.
Laguna Céjar
This easy, half-day, 11.2-mile biking excursion takes 2 hours. Depart south by bicycle, crossing the ayllus (old social and agricultural communities) to reach the entrance to the Salar de Atacama area, where you can observe vegetation specially adapted to the salty ground. The trail is flat and easy, full of areas dusted with chusca (powdery soil). Finally, reach a set of lakes where the Céjar Lagoon is located and have the opportunity to float in its salty water (bathing suit and flip-flops required; towels provided). Return to your Atacama lodge by van.
Piedra de la Coca
This advanced, half-day bike over 4 hours covers 20.4 miles. Bicycle from the lodge towards the Catarpe Valley where you will take a detour on an old dirt road that goes up towards the Cordillera de La Sal. Pedal through a historic tunnel before starting a zigzagging descent through dry river beds, which eventually lead to Piedra de la Coca, an area with petroglyphs. Continue down through the Llano de Paciencia riding along more dried river beds and stony off-road terrain. The exploration ends with the van and drinks awaiting you on the road to San Pedro.
Featured Atacama Horseback Riding Explorations
Sequitor
This easy half-day, 4.7-mile, 1.75-hour ride is excellent for novice riders. Leave the stables and head towards the Ayllus de Larache, Yaye and Séquitor. Along the way, see diverse vegetation and local agrarian fields along the Río San Pedro.
Dunas de la Chula
This easy half-day, 5.7-mile ride takes about 2.5 hours. Leave on horseback to Cordillera de la Sal. On the way take in the panoramic views of the ayllus, the salt lake and the Andes Mountains. The trail follows along dunes, rock formations and the pampa.
Valle de la Luna
This advanced, 14.5-mile, half-day ride takes about 4 hours. Travel to the Salt Mountain Range, trotting and galloping through different dunes and rock formations. Ride into the Moon Valley, a site whose lunar landscapes have given Atacama its worldwide fame.
