Tierra Atacama, New Adventure Spa Opening in Atacama, Chile

Tierra Atacama sits at the gateway to the Atacama Desert, one of the highest and driest places on earth with surreal sandscapes, salt valleys, lush river basins, and massive volcanoes. Built upon an adventure spa concept, Tierra Atacama will offer guests daily excursions through the dramatic Altiplano, and a tranquil hotel and spa experience after a day of adventure.

Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa

Owned and managed by the Purcell family who operate Ski Portillo, the renowned Chilean ski resort, the new, 32-room Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa is an all-inclusive luxury resort. Rates start at US$330 per person, per day and include accommodations, three meals a day and open bar, daily excursions (either two half-day excursions or one full-day excursion), use of the spa facilities, and transfers from the Calama Airport.

Leading Chilean interior designers and architects designed the hotel's interiors and grounds with authentic Atacameñan details, striving to create luxurious spaces complemented by the dramatic desert vistas. The 32 well-appointed guest rooms each has its own terrace and view of the volcanic ring surrounding the Altiplano. Outdoor installations, including a landscaped pool, yoga platform and canopied relaxation beds, allow guests to unwind while surrounded by Atacama’s natural beauty. The Spa will offer a variety of massages, facials and beauty treatments in addition to steam baths, Jacuzzis, quiet spaces for relaxation, and yoga classes.

Intrinsic to the hotel’s concept, there are several “living room” spaces designed for guests to use as they would in their own homes – hanging out, chatting with others, enjoying the collection of books and maps, and planning their Altiplano adventures.

San Pedro de Atacama

The majestic desert oasis and town of San Pedro de Atacama (approximately one kilometre from the hotel) sits at approximately 8,000 feet and is framed by the Andes Mountains to the east and the Cordillera de Domeyko to the west. The Andes Mountains reach over 22,000 feet with eight massive volcanoes visible from the hotel, one of them still active. The diverse terrain ranges from lush canyons and grassy riverbeds to rolling sand dunes and striking salt flats filled with flamingos. San Pedro, with a population of only 1,000 people, is considered the archeological capital of Chile and has a rich cultural heritage.

Outdoor Pursuits

Guests of Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa will enjoy access to the very best of the Atacama desert with half-day or full-day, bilingual, guided tours. Setting out by on foot, bicycle or vehicle, guests will discover geological points of interest, archeological sites, and simply stunning scenery. Area trekking and mountain biking is excellent, as scenic routes for all levels of riders meander through the canyons, peaks and villages, showcasing wildlife and local culture. Sand surfing is another unique adventure offered at the resort as the nearby sand dunes provide a perfect palate for thrill-seekers. Mountaineers enjoy moderate and challenging climbing of nearby volcanic mountains (16,000- 19,000 feet), with views of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. The dry climate and pristine desert air makes Atacama one of the best star gazing venues in the world.

Tierra Atacama Adventures and Excursions include the following:
• Walking and Hiking Adventures
• Archeological Tours
• Mountain Biking Adventures
• Bird-Watching and Wildlife Viewing
• Climbing, including Volcano ascents

Archeological and Anthropological Interest

Pre-Colombian civilizations were established in the area as early 10,000 years ago. Visitors can tour archaeological ruins of the pueblos or pukaras of the original inhabitants, including ancient altars, tombs and places of worship. Current life in the small villages of the Altiplano presents simplicity and a close-to-the-earth lifestyle that inspires visitors coming from fast-paced cities.

Wildlife of the Altiplano

• There are three species of flamingos with populations in the hundreds that inhabit the Salar de Atacama, and over 4,000 flamingos in the Salar de Puxsa.
• Many unusual and rare birds live in the area such as the Horned Coot, Puna Rhea, Puna Tinamou, Black Crowned Night Heron, Andean Goose, Giant Coot, and the Andean Avocet.
• Mammals gracing the hillsides include Guanaco, Llamas, and Vicuña.

Night-time excursions:

Due to the clear air and lack of urban centers, the Altiplano is one of the finest places in the world for star-gazing. Guests from the northern hemisphere will experience viewing the Southern Cross and will notice the missing Big Dipper.

The Portillo Ski Resort Connection

Tierra Atacama and the Portillo Ski Resort are sister resorts, both owned and operated by the Purcell family who are originally from New York but have lived in Chile for decades. Combining a Portillo Ski Week with three or four nights at Tierra Atacama is an excellent way to experience Chile.

Details

• Tierra Atacama is an all-inclusive resort with rates starting at US$330 per person, per day which includes accommodations, three meals plus snacks and open bar, all excursions, and transfers from the Calama Airport (one hour from San Pedro).
• Weather in San Pedro de Atacama permits pleasant travel conditions throughout the year, with summer (December – March) temperatures in the low 80s and Chilean winter (June – September) temperatures ranging from 65 – 75ºC, with cool evenings, often better weather for hard-core adventurers.
• There are several flights daily from Santiago to Calama (2-hour flight). Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta and LanChile offer daily flights to Santiago from North American cities.

For information, visit www.tierraatacama.com or contact Hotel Tierra Atacama at 1.800.829.5325 (US) or 1.800.514.2579 (Canada) or via email info@tierraatacama.com.