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EXPLORA ATACAMA
The first humans arrived in this area over 10,000 years ago, giving rise to what later became a rich culture concentrated in and around oases like the one at San Pedro.
Diverse and unusual forms of wildlife have found ways to develop in the midst of high volcanos, salt flats, lagoons and ravines.
The explorations we offer in Atacama have as their base our Hotel de Larache located in the San Pedro de Atacama oasis (22º 55' S and 68º 12' W), an area of surprising natural and cultural wealth.
At explora we offer journeys, rather than simply lodges.
Our lodges form part of a greater experience, as each one is designed to be a central point from which you can explore the natural and cultural surroundings in detail.
Each day you can choose from a wide range of explorations. They may be on foot or horseback, or by bicycle; a couple of hours long or a full day; gentle or more physically demanding.
At the end of each exploration, our lodge is always there waiting for you: a place to enjoy and regain the energy you will need to keep on exploring.
HOTEL DE LARACHE
ARCHITECTURE
The lodge consists of a main building and several units of rooms, all with a broad overhanging roof to provide shade to the interior as well as to the walkways. The central building was designed to provide views of both the oasis nearby and the Andean peaks in the distance.
The texture of the stone pavings surrounding the buildings evokes the color and roughness of the area's salt flats.
Architectural awards for Hotel de Larache
XII Bienal de Arquitectura, Santiago de Chile, 2000. First prize in the Architecture for Travel Services category.
How best to inhabit land that is steeped in history and ancestral traditions and located in a sublime landscape? This was the essential challenge we faced when building Hotel de Larache.
The lodge consists of a main building and several units of rooms, all with a broad overhanging roof to provide shade to the interior as well as to the walkways. The central building was designed to provide views of both the oasis nearby and the Andean peaks in the distance.
The texture of the stone pavings surrounding the buildings evokes the color and roughness of the area's salt flats.
The buildings were constructed of reinforced concrete, hand-made clay bricks, pine and local slate. The green-blue tones of the doors and windows are influenced by the color of the trunk of a local tree, the chañar (Geoffroea decorticans) and evoke the architecture of San Pedro de Atacama. The blue roofs are reminiscent of the color of the water in certain salt flats in the region. These shades of color, combined with the white of the concrete of the building, provide visual refreshment for the traveler arriving from the desert.
The structure is finished by a double roof. The first encloses the indoor space, while the second provides shade. Air circulates between the roofs, keeping the air cool and making air conditioning unnecessary.
The play of light and shade in the daytime gives way to the stars of the night sky, which you can enjoy with the naked eye or from the observatory located near the main building.
ROOMS
Our lodge has 50 comfortable rooms, each designed to maximize silence and privacy. They are tastefully designed with wooden ceilings and floors made of stone and tiles. Each has a small living area, a hydromassage bath and beds designed for deep, pleasurable sleep after a day of exploration. Finally, we provide you with a unique treat: the rooms are television-free.
Catur Suite
4 suites measuring 50 meters2 (538 feet2), all with balconies and views of the countryside.
Yali Room
34 rooms measuring 33 meters2 (355 feet2), all with views of the countryside.
Tulur Room
16 rooms measuring 33 meters2 (355 feet2), all with views of the Cordillera de la Sal.
Family plan
In addition to the Tulur rooms, we have three Tulur family rooms (two interconnected Tulur rooms) available for family groups.
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Swimming pool area
The lodge has an extensive patio area totaling 1,700 meters2 (18,298 feet2). Within this area are four interconnected, outdoor swimming pools, two of them heated by solar panels. In addition, we have saunas, steam baths, heated open-air jacuzzis and a self-service bar. This area has beautiful views. The deep silence is broken now and then by the songs of local birds.
"Turi Puri" massage room
About 200 meters (656 feet) from the lodge is a colonial adobe building which we have restored. After a tiring day of exploration or simply for the pleasure of it, you may come here and place yourself in the gifted hands of our experienced masseuse.
Campo de Cúcuter
About 7 kilometers (4 miles) south of the lodge in the Ayllu de Cúcuter we have 7 hectares (17 acres) of land with chañar forest, alfalfa fields and a beautiful view of Licancabur volcano. On winter days, after a morning of exploration, we often lunch here so we can continue exploring in the afternoon.
Quincho (barbecue area)
Just 50 meters (164 feet) from the lodge building, we renovated an old adobe house and created a large central patio where on some nights we gather with guests to eat spit-roasted lamb and barbecued meat and fish.
Shop
In the shop located in the lodge building you can purchase a variety of products, special clothing and gear for exploring, as well as books, handicrafts and jewelry.
Services included in the rate
In addition to lodging and the various guided explorations on foot, horseback or bicycle as well as stargazing, our rate includes:
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Three meals a day chosen from a varied menu.
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Open bar for spirits and an extensive wine list
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Transfers to and from the airport at Calama
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Use of outdoor swimming pools
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Use of saunas, steam rooms and open-air jacuzzis
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Talks on various subjects in the Bar de los Exploradores (Explorers' Bar)
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Use of computers with internet
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Wi-fi access in the bar and public areas
Not included in the price
OBSERVATORY
In early 2008 we opened our observatory. Here we share with you the unforgettable experience of exploring the Atacama night sky, one of the clearest on Earth.
The night sky at Atacama is amongst the clearest in the world and therefore one of the best locations for astronomy.
Given these conditions, in early 2008 we opened our own observatory so as to incorporate this experience into our explorations.
Located 100 meters (328 feet) from the central lodge building, the observatory has a powerful telescope, the Meade 16" f/10 LX200R Advanced RD, with advanced optics similar to a professional telescope and a primary mirror that is 40 centimeters (15.7 inches) in diameter with high resolution and great clarity.
In early 2008 we opened our observatory. Here we share with you the unforgettable experience of exploring the Atacama night sky, one of the clearest on Earth.
The night sky at Atacama is amongst the clearest in the world and therefore one of the best locations for astronomy.
Given these conditions, in early 2008 we opened our own observatory so as to incorporate this experience into our explorations.
Located 100 meters (328 feet) from the central lodge building, the observatory has a powerful telescope, the Meade 16" f/10 LX200R Advanced RD, with advanced optics similar to a professional telescope and a primary mirror that is 40 centimeters (15.7 inches) in diameter with high resolution and great clarity.
The telescope is at the center of a dome 5 meters (16 feet) in diameter, from which you can enjoy unforgettable views of the sky and celestial bodies.
ALMA astronomical project: the origin of the universe.
Because of the excellent visibility of the night sky here, the European Organization for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) chose the plain at Chajnantor, in Atacama, to set up a series of radio telescopes which will provide images of the universe with a resolution never seen before. This will enable more accurate study of the origin of the universe and the formation of galaxies, planets and stars.
The ALMA (Atacama Large millimeter Array) project is a collaboration between Europe, North America, Japan and Chile. When it begins operating in 2012, it will be the world's largest radio astronomy observatory.
In early 2008 we opened our observatory. Here we share with you the unforgettable experience of exploring the Atacama night sky, one of the clearest on Earth.
The night sky at Atacama is amongst the clearest in the world and therefore one of the best locations for astronomy.
Given these conditions, in early 2008 we opened our own observatory so as to incorporate this experience into our explorations.
Located 100 meters (328 feet) from the central lodge building, the observatory has a powerful telescope, the Meade 16" f/10 LX200R Advanced RD, with advanced optics similar to a professional telescope and a primary mirror that is 40 centimeters (15.7 inches) in diameter with high resolution and great clarity.
The telescope is at the center of a dome 5 meters (16 feet) in diameter, from which you can enjoy unforgettable views of the sky and celestial bodies.
ALMA astronomical project: the origin of the universe.
Because of the excellent visibility of the night sky here, the European Organization for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) chose the plain at Chajnantor, in Atacama, to set up a series of radio telescopes which will provide images of the universe with a resolution never seen before. This will enable more accurate study of the origin of the universe and the formation of galaxies, planets and stars.
The ALMA (Atacama Large millimeter Array) project is a collaboration between Europe, North America, Japan and Chile. When it begins operating in 2012, it will be the world's largest radio astronomy observatory.
January 1, 9 p.m.
To the east are Sirius and Canopus, the brightest stars in the sky; you can see the constellation of Orion and two of its stars, Rigel and Betelgeuse, the Orion nebula and the Trapezium cluster; somewhat higher up are the constellations Taurus and the Pleiades. To the south are the Tarantula nebula and the globular cluster 47 Tucanae, satellite galaxies of the Magellanic Clouds.
TERMAS DE PURITAMA
Taking advantage of the warm waters of the Puritama river, we built eight pools fed by hot springs and connected by wooden walkways. This is a very special place and some of our explorations end here.
A 45-minute trip by minibus from the lodge and situated on some 7,500 hectares (18,532 acres) of land is one of our most treasured places: the Termas de Puritama.
Here, at the foot of a large ravine 3,500 meters (11,482 feet) above sea level spring forth the thermal waters of the river Puritama, which in Kunza, the traditional Atacameño language, means "hot water". The water temperature is 32ºC (89.6ºF) and contact with it is a revitalizing experience for both body and spirit.
This facility is open to the public and the entrance fees are used to directly benefit the Atacameño community.
STABLES
Hotel de Larache is the only lodge in Atacama with its own horses, which have been bred and trained specially for our travelers to ride.
Our stables are situated at the lodge entrance in an area of 875 meters² (9,418 feet²). They are home to 26 horses of different breeds and mixes, especially trained by explora for riding in this area. In this arid land with little grass, we have planted 13 hectares (32 acres) of alfalfa to provide food for the horses.
The horses were bred at the stud farm belonging to the Ibáñez family, in Chile's central valley. A team led by veterinary horse specialist Gaela Hourcq is responsible for feeding and grooming the horses. The horses are constantly cared for by Gaela, together with two stable managers, a blacksmith and three stable hands.
Gaela Hourcq, horse expert
Gaela is from France and has 15 years of professional experience with horses, spanning prestigous stud farms and stables in the UK, Ireland, France, the USA, Canada and Japan.
Hotel de Larache is the only lodge in Atacama with its own horses, which have been bred and trained specially for our travelers to ride.
Our stables are situated at the lodge entrance in an area of 875 meters² (9,418 feet²). They are home to 26 horses of different breeds and mixes, especially trained by explora for riding in this area. In this arid land with little grass, we have planted 13 hectares (32 acres) of alfalfa to provide food for the horses.
The horses were bred at the stud farm belonging to the Ibáñez family, in Chile's central valley. A team led by veterinary horse specialist Gaela Hourcq is responsible for feeding and grooming the horses. The horses are constantly cared for by Gaela, together with two stable managers, a blacksmith and three stable hands.
Characteristics of our horses at Atacama
Quarter horse with Argentine criollo: strong, tough, fast, docile and low in stature.
Quarter horse with English: elegant and well-proportioned.
Chilean criollo with English: docile, tough, fast and well-proportioned.
English with Belgian and percheron: tough, strong, firm-footed and large, Patagonian criollo: tough, robust and good-humored.
FOOD AND WINE
Luxury of the essential is the concept behind the food we prepare. We seek to enhance the original flavors of selected ingredients, avoiding excess and alteration.
Our cuisine offers pure flavors based on the best-quality ingredients, many of which are produced locally. It is healthy and well-balanced, ideal for people going trekking, horseback riding or on other explorations.
At explora Atacama we use quinoa to prepare salads, risotto and tabouli. Quinoa is a cereal that grows at 3,500 meters (11,482 feet) above sea level and which has been cultivated since time immemorial by the Atacameño people. We also serve Pataska, a local recipe from the area which consists of a delicious stew of sweetcorn mixed with vegetables.
With the fruit of the chañar (Geoffroea decorticans), a tree native to Atacama which grows in the patios of the lodge, we make a thick, sweet honey which forms the basis of an unforgettable dessert: turrón de Chañar (nougat).
Luxury of the essential is the concept behind the food we prepare. We seek to enhance the original flavors of selected ingredients, avoiding excess and alteration.
Our cuisine offers pure flavors based on the best-quality ingredients, many of which are produced locally. It is healthy and well-balanced, ideal for people going trekking, horseback riding or on other explorations.
At explora Atacama we use quinoa to prepare salads, risotto and tabouli. Quinoa is a cereal that grows at 3,500 meters (11,482 feet) above sea level and which has been cultivated since time immemorial by the Atacameño people. We also serve Pataska, a local recipe from the area which consists of a delicious stew of sweetcorn mixed with vegetables.
With the fruit of the chañar (Geoffroea decorticans), a tree native to Atacama which grows in the patios of the lodge, we make a thick, sweet honey which forms the basis of an unforgettable dessert: turrón de Chañar (nougat).
To accompany your meal, you may choose from a wide variety of wines from the Gracia , Porta , Agustinos and Veranda wineries. We have varietals from Chile's main wine-producing areas. If you would like to explore Chilean wine in greater depth, you may wish to consult our premium list; these wines are available at additional charge.
LAURENT PASQUALETTO, CHEF
Laurent was born in France, where he studied and began his career as a chef. Like many people, he first came to Chile on holiday and liked it so much that he began working at explora. That was 10 years ago.
He now manages a group of 40 people, from cooks to pastry chefs, and his role involves designing our menus and finding ingredients, as well as training staff.
Laurent is passionate about nature and likes scuba diving and trekking in the mountains.
EXPLORATIONS
TREKS
Trekking makes it possible for you to contemplate your surroundings in an unhurried and meaningful way. It also means you are more likely to meet and talk with the descendents of the ancient Atacameño culture than you would be with other forms of exploration.
On foot, it is possible to get to places which would otherwise be inaccessible, whether through labyrinths of rocky formations or narrow gorges and ravines by which we descend to the very center of this land.
At explora Atacama we offer over 20 different treks which will enable you to get to know the people descended from ancient cultures, salt flats, geysers, archaeological sites and the diverse wildlife of the area.
These treks can take you to altitudes of between 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) and 4,500 meters (14,763 feet). We always seek to adjust to the rhythm of each person, enjoying each step of the journey.
HORSEBACK RIDES
Because of the altitude and climate of this area, horses have not been part of traditional Atacameño culture. It took special efforts for us to introduce horses to this area and create the right conditions for them.
Walking, trotting or galloping along the dunes, valleys and plains will enable you to appreciate the contrasts in landscapes, forms and colors of this extensive area.
At explora Atacama, we offer over 10 different horseback rides, on horses that have been specially trained for explorations. We provide horses, equipment and routes suitable for those who are new to riding as well as children and expert riders. We also offer a basic course for those who wish to learn to ride.
The equipment we use is of the highest quality: Chilean saddles, hand-made by a master craftsman; British saddles; Argentine leather chaps; and helmets.
CYCLING TRIPS
Cycling makes it possible to travel longer distances and experience the contrast between the different ecosystems of Atacama. For instance, you can cycle from the green of the oasis through the brown of the mountains to the white of the salt flats, all in one journey. In a few hours, the landscape can really change radically. By taking advantage of Atacama's altitude with inclines of varying lengths, cycling explorations will enable you to get to know different aspects of this area.
At explora Atacama, we offer more than 10 explorations by bicycle for adults and children. Most of our routes are moderately difficult, but we also have some for more experienced cyclists. We provide all the necessary equipment: Cannondale bicycles with front shock absorbers, helmets and gloves.
MOUNTAIN CLIMBS
High mountain climbs: minimum stay 4 nights
During your first and second days at explora Atacama, you can undertake explorations in San Pedro and the surrounding area at altitudes between 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) and 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) or a little higher. By the third day you will be ready to undertake explorations to 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) above sea level and on the fourth day to 4,500 meters (14,763 feet) above sea level. Only on the fifth day, and if you have not experienced any problems, is it possible to climb to altitudes of 5,000 to 6,000 meters (16,404 to 19,685 feet).
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