An oasis beneath the stars in the heart of the Atacama Desert, Nayara Alto Atacama offers a serene escape in one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes. Nestled at 2,500 meters above sea level in Northern Chile, this lodge is surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Andes and the breathtaking beauty of the Atacama, the driest desert on Earth. Located just 3 km from San Pedro de Atacama, the property is a verdant retreat harmoniously integrated into its natural surroundings.
Accessible via a scenic one-hour drive from Calama Airport, Nayara Alto Atacama invites guests to immerse themselves in a world of vibrant colors, endless desert skies, and unparalleled stargazing. Expert local guides lead eco-friendly adventures through salt flats, lagoons, geysers, and more. With small group excursions, including trekking, cycling, mountain climbing, and astronomy experiences with a private telescope, this is a destination that connects you to the beauty and silence of the desert while preserving its magic for future generations.
Rooms
Catarpe
50 m2 (550 sqf) king or twin beds
With view of the Catarpe Valley and the Salt Mountain Range
Large private terrace
Just a few steps away from the Puri Spa and the pool area
Satellite TV
Air conditioning
Tilo Suite
70 m2 (770 sq.ft-) king
Scenic view of the Salt and the Andean Mountain Ranges and their reflection in
the Andean lagoon
Private terrace with an additional outdoor shower
Satellite TV
Air conditioning
Quitor
50 m2 (550 sqf) king or twin beds
Private terrace with garden views
Just a few steps away from the Restaurant and The Ckelar Bar
Satellite TV
Air conditioning
Regular Excursions
Lican Antai Culture
Step back in time along the San Pedro River as you explore the 2,400-year-old archaeological site of Tulor, a key to understanding Atacameñan history. Tour San Pedro’s historic center, its church, and the Pucará de Quitor, a 13th-century fortress that offers a glimpse of early human settlements.
Duration: Half day
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude: 2,480 m
Distance: 500 m (0.3 mi) + 11 km (6.9 mi)
Rainbow Valley Hike (Half Day)
Discover the Rainbow Valley, where multicolored hills and streams shine due to mineral deposits reflecting sunlight.
Duration: Half day
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude: 3,250 m
Distance: 2 km (1.24 mi) + 115 km (71.45 mi)
Atacama Salt Flat & Toconao Village
Visit Toconao, famous for its masonry and agricultural heritage, then head to Tamarugos Forest and the Flamingo National Reserve.
Duration: Medium day
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,300 m
Distance: 64 km (39.76 mi)
Tatio Geysers
Explore the Tatio Geysers at 4,321 m above sea level. See geothermal pools, fumaroles, and unique desert flora and fauna.
Duration: Full day
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude: 4,600 m
Acclimatization: 2 days
Distance: 100 km (62.13 mi)
Pacana Monks
Journey to the Andean wetlands, observe local wildlife, and marvel at the towering rock formations known as the "Pacana Monks."
Duration: Full day
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude: 4,500 m
Acclimatization: 2 days
Distance: 115 km (71.45 mi)
High Plateau Lagoons
Travel the Inca Trail to the villages of Socaire and the high-altitude lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, surrounded by majestic mountains.
Duration: Full day
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude: 4,120 m
Acclimatization: 2 days
Distance: 125 km (77.67 mi)
Ckamur Sunset
Enjoy an unforgettable sunset at the Salt Mountain Range, with stunning lunar-like landscapes and serene beauty.
Duration: Half day
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,650 m
Distance: 45 km (27.9 mi)
Sunset Cactus
Take a peaceful 2 km walk in the Puritama River area, reaching the Guatin viewpoint for a magical desert sunset surrounded by cacti.
Duration: Half day
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude: 2,700 m
Distance: 45 km (27.93 mi)
Cejar Lagoon
Float in the high-salinity waters of Cejar Lagoon, set against a backdrop of emerald hues, the Licancabur Volcano, and the Salt Mountain Range.
Duration: Half day
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude: 2,700 m
Andean Astronomy
Gaze at the stars from the only open-air observatory in the region, using a powerful telescope and learning from expert guides.
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,490 m
Jauna Trek
Hike through the highlands of Jauna at 4,200 m, exploring wetlands and the unique flora and fauna.
Duration: Full day
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude: 4,500 m
Acclimatization: 2 days
Distance: 5.8 km (3.6 mi) + 100 km (62.13 mi)
Cactus Hike
Start in Guatín and trek through stunning landscapes filled with towering ancient cacti, passing remnants of shepherding communities.
Duration: Half day
Difficulty: High
Altitude: 3,166 m
Distance: 45 km (27.9 mi) + 4.5 km (2.7 mi)
Devil’s Throat
Bike through the Catarpe Valley and Devil's Throat Canyon, visiting petroglyphs and the San Isidro Church along the way.
Duration: Half day
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude: 2,500 m
Distance: 18 km (11.18 mi)
Rock Art
Hike through the Plain of Patience, ascending 2 km to discover 1,500-year-old petroglyphs and a panoramic view of the Salt Mountain Range.
Duration: Half day
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude: 2,630 m
Distance: 3 km (1.86 mi) + 40 km (24.85 mi)
Rainbow Valley Hike (Full Day)
Take a full-day hike through the multicolored Rainbow Valley, learning about local agriculture and enjoying a unique viewpoint before crossing the Valley.
Duration: Full day
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude: 3,250 m
Distance: 10 km (6.21 mi) + 115 km (71.45 mi)
Activities
Complimentary Activities (*Add-ons for Dream Program)
MOUNTAIN CLIMB
The mountain range of the Andes presents in this destination the highest peaks in the country. For this reason, tourists who enjoy high summits undertake ascents to hills and volcanoes framed by breathtaking landscapes. Among others, Licancabur, Toco, Lacar, Putana, Lascar, and Tatio Sur stand out. It is important to consider that these volcanoes exceed 5500 meters above sea level, so it is essential to take several days to acclimatize to the altitude. It is also necessary to know that the rainy and snowy period is during the summer months, between January and March.
Duration: Full day | Difficulty: Hard | Altitude: 5.000 m | Acclimatization: 2 days | Distance: Flexible depending on the area
PURITAMA HOT SPRINGS
Located in the middle of a canyon, the Puritama Hot Springs, which means "Agua" (Puri) and "Caliente" (tama), have a total of 8 pools (pools 1 and 2 subject to availability) with thermal waters that have a temperature ranging between 82°F and 88°C, suitable for the whole family. Their water contains a significant concentration of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, and boron, all of which are revitalizing elements for the body and mind.
Duration: Half day | Difficulty: Easy | Altitude: 3.500 m | Acclimatization: None
Inquire
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
