Atacama Frequently Asked Questions

Awasi Atacama is shaped by its remote desert setting, so a few practical details are particular to this lodge. Here you’ll find useful information about the stay, reservations, inclusions, and preparing for your visit to the Atacama Desert.

Cozy bedroom with a thatched ceiling, wooden floors, neatly made bed, and warm earthy decor seen through open doors.
Two people standing on a desert plain, looking up at towering red and white rock formations.

Location & Access

San Pedro de Atacama sits at approximately 2,450 metres above sea level. Guests are advised to take it easy on the first day, stay well hydrated, and limit alcohol and coffee consumption to allow for proper acclimatisation.

The lodge is located within the town of San Pedro de Atacama, within walking distance of the town centre, allowing guests to experience local life while enjoying privacy within the hotel.

Yes. Private transfers are included from Calama Airport. Your private guide will be waiting for you upon arrival.

Awasi Atacama is located in the town of San Pedro de Atacama, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the Atacama Desert, surrounded by some of the most arid and dramatic landscapes in the world.

From Santiago, there are frequent daily flights to Calama Airport. Upon arrival, an Awasi private guide will meet you and transfer you to the lodge in a private 4WD vehicle.

Experience & Excursions

Yes. Many guests combine Awasi Atacama with our other properties to experience contrasting landscapes across South America. When combining lodges, itineraries are seamlessly coordinated by the Awasi team and include complimentary nights in connecting cities.

Yes. Stargazing experiences are available, taking advantage of the Atacama Desert’s exceptionally clear skies, one of the best environments in the world for astronomical observation.

Yes. Visits to the Atacama Salt Flats, geyser fields, and high-altitude lagoons can be arranged as part of your stay.

Prior to arrival, guests complete a questionnaire outlining interests, preferences, and physical considerations. Based on this information, daily excursions are planned together with your private guide and adjusted throughout the stay according to weather and guest preferences.

All excursions are private. Each villa is assigned its own dedicated guide and 4WD vehicle, ensuring a fully personalised experience.

At Awasi Atacama, excursions are fully tailored to each guest and may include desert walks and treks, visits to salt flats, geysers, and high-altitude lagoons, archaeological sites, and desert valleys, as well as horseback riding, cycling, birdwatching, and stargazing.

Lodging & Amenities

Yes. With its private villas, tailor-made excursions, and personalised service, Awasi Atacama is ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries, and other special celebrations.

We welcome children aged 14 and older. If you are planning a stay with younger children, please contact our reservations team for more information.

Yes, Wi-Fi is available in the villas and main lodge.

The lodge offers Relais & Châteaux cuisine, highlighting local ingredients from the Atacama Desert and northern Chile, with menus adapted to guests’ preferences and dietary requirements.

Awasi Atacama features an outdoor swimming pool for relaxation after excursions. While the lodge does not have a spa, in-room massages can be arranged.

Awasi Atacama has 12 circular rooms in total, including 10 Superior Round Suites and 2 Round Rooms.

Seasons & Climate

Activities at Awasi Atacama can be enjoyed year-round, with excursions adapted to seasonal conditions. Stargazing is available throughout the year, although nights around the full moon offer less optimal visibility.

Pack light clothing for daytime, such as t-shirts, shirts, and shorts, along with warmer layers for the evening, including a sweater or jacket. Comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a windbreaker or fleece, and any personal medication are also essential. A reusable water bottle is provided by Awasi upon arrival.

Rainfall is extremely rare, as the Atacama is one of the driest deserts in the world. On occasion, brief summer showers may occur in the wider region, but they are infrequent and usually short-lived.

While daytime temperatures typically range between 20°C and 30°C, nights can be cold, especially during the winter months from May to August, when temperatures may drop several degrees below 0°C.

The Atacama Desert can be visited year-round. Daytime temperatures are generally mild to warm, and the region’s clarity of light and landscapes remain striking in every season.

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