What are the important details?
Check In: 3.00 pm / Check out: 11.00 am

Currency and Cash: The Chilean currency is the peso. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diner’s Club cards. Unfortunately there is no ATM in the village of San Pedro or at our hotel but travellers checks can be changed.

Type of electricity voltage: The electricity is 220v and the plugs are European two pin (round) ones. An international adaptor is needed for all other types of plug.

Rooms: Rooms are equipped with wireless internet access, central heating, safe, hair drier and telephone. We do not have televisions in our guest rooms, but guests may watch TV programming in the hotel common area.

Mobile Phones: Chile has one of the most developed mobile phone infrastructures in South America, however in San Pedro de Atacama service is limited to the village only. Some cell phones may not operate. For those that do, the signal is the same as in the USA, travellers with European phones may need to adjust their phone’s frequency before travelling.

Internet connections: Wireless internet access is available at Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa.

Languages: Our staff speak Spanish and most of them also speak English. We have Spanish, English and French speaking guides and can hire guides who speak other languages as needed.

Hotel Address: Camino Sequitor s/n, Ayllú de Yaye, San Pedro de Atacama
Hotel Telephone: + (56 55) 55 59 77 or + (56 55) 55 59 76

How do I get there?
Santiago Chile is reached by many international airlines. From the USA or Canada, this is an overnight flight and the time zone change is minimal. Europeans, Asians, and Africans should note that San Pedro is in the same time zone as New York City, or 2 hours ahead, depending on which half of the year.

From Santiago to Calama (the nearest airport to San Pedro) there are several daily flights by several airlines including LAN Express and Sky Airlines. The flight takes approximately 2 hours. Transfers from Calama airport to the hotel are included in our all-inclusive packages. Simply advise us of your flight number and arrival time and we’ll be there to pick you up.

There are also flights to Calama from La Paz, Bolivia, via Iquique or Antofagasta, Chile. There are also connections by road with nearby Bolivia and Argentina.

VIEW MAP
What is the best time of the year to come?
The weather is mainly pleasant and dry all year so that any month is a good month for travel to Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa in San Pedro de Atacama. Some rains may fall from January to April, but this rainy season rarely affects the travel experience as it mostly consists of distant clouds hovering over the mountains.

Can I drink the water?
The water in the hotel is treated via our modern osmosis treatment plant and is perfectly safe.
However the water in the area generally has high levels of minerals and we suggest that you drink bottled water at all times in order to avoid problems. In the hotel and on the excursions we supply bottled water free of charge.

What should we pack?
Temperatures in San Pedro vary depending on the time of day and the altitude – we recommend that you dress in layers, with a good warm jacket or fleece for the colder times of day. Dress code is nice casual for dinner and casual at all other times. Suggested packing list include swimsuit, walking or hiking shoes, shorts, sun cream, sun hat and sunglasses as well as warmer trousers, sweaters or polar fleece, windbreaker, gloves and hat. (Temperatures at El Tatio Geisers in the early morning can be as low as -8°C/17°F.) Bring binoculars to watch the birds and animals and camera equipment to capture the local culture and landscapes. A small day-pack is a good idea to carry some personal items during the excursions.Please note that on the high altitude excursions, temperatures can be extremely cold, and you will need a good jacket, warm gloves and a hat.

How athletically challenging are the excursions?
The excursions are varied and there is something for every level of fitness. Our experienced guides meet with guests during their stay to advise them on the best excursions depending on the guest’s personal interest and fitness level. Not everyone has to climb a volcano, but those who want to experience the extreme, can do!

Will the altitude be a problem?
San Pedro de Atacama is at a height of 2.400 m / 7.920 feet and it is possible for people to feel a little lightheaded at first. We suggest that guests take it easy on the first day and try to eat light foods and avoid alcohol. The excursions are available at differing levels of altitude and difficulty and our guides will advise guests on the best order to do them, making the most of their stay without putting them at risk of altitude sickness. For guests who plan to climb the volcanoes, we recommend a stay of at least 3 nights in order to acclimatize adequately.

Are there special rates for groups?
For groups of more than 16 people we can offer a special discount. Please contact us for more information at info@tierraatacama.com.

How would I organize a conference there?
Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa is a good place to hold conferences or special events. Please contact us at info@tierraatacama.com and we’ll be pleased to help you organize your event.

Do we need medical shots or vaccinations?
No shots are necessary to visit Chile. Nevertheless, we suggest that you ensure that all your shots are up to date and that you check with your medical advisor before you travel.

What medical facilities are there?
An emergency first aid clinic is in the village of San Pedro and there is a local doctor for nonurgent conditions. The nearest hospital clinic is in Calama an hour away. We advise all guests to travel with a comprehensive insurance policy.

Is this a good place for families?
Families will find Tierra Atacama a fun place to stay, especially thanks to the swimming pool and daily excursions. We have family rooms that sleep six, plus we can provide cribs and cots for babies and smaller children, and can arrange babysitters from the village. We do not have nursery or daycare facilities within our hotel. Our excursions are designed to be enjoyed by children over 10 or 12 years.