Are you looking through all the Atacama Desert hotels and don’t know which one to pick? Discover the best with this guide. Boutique and luxury stays in San Pedro de Atacama and beyond for a fabulous trip.
Whether it’s the stunning arch of the Milky Way stretching out over the night sky, or the tranquil waters of Laguna Chaxa, there’s no denying the beauty of the Atacama Desert.
It’s no surprise that you want to visit the Atacama, but the real question is where should you stay when you do?
The past decade has seen the Atacama’s choice of accommodation mushroom in size – lucky you. Book your stay at one of these stunning San Pedro de Atacama hotels for the perfect escape.
Best Hotels in the Atacama Desert: At a Glance
| Best Hotels in Atacama – Top Picks | Hotel |
| Best Overall Atacama Desert Hotel | Nayara Alto Atacama |
| Best Atacama Hotel for Location | Explora en Atacama |
| Best Good Value Luxury Hotel in Atacama | Hotel Desertica |
| Best Atacama Desert Hotel for Views | Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa |
Best Hotels in Atacama
Nayara Alto Atacama
£££
Camino Pukara, San Pedro de Atacama
Considering you’re in one of the best stargazing spots in the world, it only makes sense to stay somewhere with an observatory. That’s right, Nayaro Alto Atacama provides the opportunity to gaze at the kaleidoscopic array of stars beyond what the naked eye can see.
Although the Atacama stargazing opportunities here are the showstopper, this all-inclusive resort offers much more. From its pared-back desert chic interiors to the Catarpe rooms with private terraces, to the *excellent* food served in the restaurant, it’s a boutique seekers’ haven.
The six pools (two heated) provide plenty of privacy. Add to that an extensive selection of spa treatments and you have the perfect place to retreat to after long days exploring the surrounding region.
PS: Their all-inclusive private tour package is an incredible way to explore the region, and I rave all about it in my full Nayaro Alto Atacama review.
Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa
£££
Asequitor, San Pedro de Atacama
Want to ogle one of the Atacama’s magical sunsets from the comfort of your private terrace? Book yourself a stay at one of Tierra Atacama’s rooms. Long establishes as one of the best Atacama hotels, Tierra’s reputation is well-deserved.
Your naturally lit private abode isn’t the only place to admire Salar de Atacama in the distance. The infinity pool creates a majestic reflection of the surrounding landscape.
When you’re not dipping your feet in the pool or lounging in your 4-poster bed, the on-site restaurant provides undeniably tasty meals. And in the spirit of an all-inclusive hotel, the sauna awaits. Or perhaps a grounding yoga class may be more up your alley?
Explora en Atacama
£££
Domingo Atienza, San Pedro de Atacama
Sticking with the theme of all-inclusive luxury, Explora en Atacama is yet another Atacama Desert hotel that ticks all the boxes.
For starters, they offer 40 exclusive tour options — their horseback packages are extremely popular. You can also take your Atacama Desert stargazing to the next level at their in-house observatory.
Explora is a lodging that puts comfort at the fore, with day chairs that mould to your body and satin-like linen to make you feel like royalty. And if all this isn’t enough, you’ll have exclusive access to the Puritama Hot Springs during selected hours. Now, is that pure bliss or what?
Hotel Desertica
££
Caracoles, San Pedro de Atacama
Resting in an old Atacama family orchard, Hotel Desertica is a small boutique experience offering standard and superior rooms and was another of my favourite stays during my most recent trip to the Atacama last month.
Where other luxury hotels are located in the surrounding region, Hotel Desertica is a chic escape within the bustling town of San Pedro de Atacama itself.
It offers the perfect blend of contemporary finishings and local woven textiles, adding a splash of vibrancy you won’t forget anytime soon. Did I mention the rooms are massive? Maybe not, but they really are, as each is set within its own standalone turi (rounded lodge).
Although they don’t offer in-house tour guides, they are more than willing to set one up for you. But the hotel’s best feature is its on-site restaurant, offering fresh and contemporary cuisine.
Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama
££
Av. Las Chilcas, San Pedro de Atacama
Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama doesn’t shy away from blending traditional nodes of colour with boutique-chic design. The parquet flooring and timber ceilings create a warm and inviting space, especially when the sun paints the rooms in a honey-coloured glow.
Yes, the interiors are awe-inspiring, but you won’t want to miss the night sky. And you won’t need to with the lavish circular seating arrangements in the courtyard just beyond the ambient on-site restaurant.
The hotel is also happy to organise tours to the region’s top attractions, like the El Tatio geysers or a San Pedro de Atacama tour.
Hotel Kimal
££
Domingo Atienza, San Pedro de Atacama
There’s no shortage of Atacama Desert luxury hotels, and the Kimal Resort is an ambient stay gushing with rustic beauty. From traditional terracotta tones in the architecture to the piercingly bright woven bed throws, your room will surely tick all the boxes.
When you’re not resting or walking through the property’s indigenous gardens, how about diving into the tranquil circular pool? You can also dig into the gourmet dishes at the on-site Paacha restaurant.
What about ticking yoga in the Atacama desert off your bucket list? Kimal offers this stunning service and much more at the wellness centre.
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás
££
Tocopilla Sitio, San Pedro de Atacama
Of the hotels San Pedro de Atacama offers, La Casa de Don Tomás is a trendy option for several reasons. If you’re looking for Mediterranean inspiration in Atacama, Tapián is the hotel’s culinary secret weapon.
The rooms are fairly modern and use ambient lighting to create a calming atmosphere. It’s also an absolute pleasure watching the carefully thought-out shadows dance on the terracotta-toned walls of the communal lounge.
While they don’t include tours in your lodging, you can book something at the tour desk. Or, simply enjoy the cooling embrace of the infinity pool in your downtime.
Casa Solcor Boutique Bed & Breakfast
££
Antonio Leon, San Pedro de Atacama
The simple pleasure of a comfortable bed and hearty breakfast may sound like a given at the hotels in San Pedro de Atacama. But none can truly compare to a boutique stay at Casa Solcor.
From the luxury Damana toiletries to the complimentary bicycle rentals, Casa Solco considers your every need. Some rooms even have a private courtyard where the crisp Atacama air will be a welcome embrace.
You can also walk through the tamarugo tree-lined garden or gaze at the starry sky while enjoying a bonfire near the communal pool — the possibilities are endless.
Hotel Pascual Andino
££
Gustavo le Paige, San Pedro de Atacama
For a small and intimate stay in the heart of San Pedro de Atacama, look no further than Pascual Andino. It oozes rustic charm, from the contemporary terracotta rooms to the inviting circular plunge pool.
As it’s at the heart of town, exploring the best bits of Atacama is a given. The best aspect of this cosy stay has to be the hidden courtyards leading off the rooms. If you’re feeling romantic, you can order a bottle of wine from the hotel and soak up the night sky.
Terrantai Lodge
££
Tocopilla, San Pedro de Atacama
Terrantai Lodge is the perfect example of affordable luxury. Picture yourself resting in the deluxe bedroom with exposed stone walls as the views lead to your semi-private patios.
How about a gentle stroll through the lush gardens with quirky sculptures at every turn? Sound like your vibe? Then, you’ll adore the communal library, where you can grab a book or two during your stay.
Plus, the two crystal-clear pools offer a relaxing environment after a stunning complimentary breakfast.
Lodge Quelana
£
Quelana, San Pedro de Atacama
Now, there are some budget-friendly options that still compare with all the Atacama luxury hotels, and Lodge Quelana is a great example. It’s a boutique stay, with every room overlooking the communal pool.
On the other side of your spacious and chic room is a private patio for those romantic wine-fueled nights. As it’s an adults-only stay, you can truly let loose and indulge in all that Atacama and Quelana offers.
PS: It even has a Booking.com Review Award if you need more convincing.
Hotel Jardin Atacama
£
Gustave le Paige, San Pedro de Atacama
Hotel Jardin Atacama is a space where minimalism and local flare blend seamlessly in one affordable stay. The rooms are simple, and the cute messages in the bathrooms are a lovely touch.
This lodging truly comes alive in its ferry-lit indigenous gardens and courtyards. You can also kick your feet up in a hammock and watch the dazzling spectacle of the night sky.
And if you can pull yourself away from the stunning on-site restaurant, there’s a refreshing plunge pool calling your name.
Best Hotels in Atacama: Frequently Asked Questions
Practical Tips to Consider Before Booking Your Atacama Desert Hotel
- Try booking an all-inclusive stay to maximise your time and money. The Atacama Desert has plenty of options anyway.
- If you don’t choose an all-inclusive stay (which usually includes all transport), then you will most likely need to rent a car to get around or book a variety of tours. You’ll most likely fly into El Lao Airport (CJC), and you can rent a car from there.
- Statistically, the cheapest time to visit the Atacama Desert is in June. So if you want to save some cash, try to visit then.
