Hotel in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Awasi Atacama
Ultra-exclusive boutique hotel with only 12 adobe bungalows, each with private terrace and outdoor shower. Includes private guide and 4WD for personalized excursions. Located in quiet San Pedro de Atacama setting with views of Licancabur Volcano.
Awasi Atacama is one of South America's most exclusive small luxury lodges, comprising just twelve private adobe bungalows set among the salt flats, gardens, and traditional architecture of San Pedro de Atacama in Chile's Atacama Desert — the driest non-polar desert on Earth. The property is located near Tocopilla street on the quiet edge of the village, positioned with views toward the near-perfect cone of Licancabur Volcano at 5,916 meters, which marks the Bolivian border.
Each of the twelve bungalows is a self-contained private retreat featuring a private terrace, outdoor shower, and interior spaces that integrate local materials — adobe brick, local stone, and Atacameño craft traditions — with high-quality contemporary furnishings. The intentionally small scale of the property ensures that each pair of guests has a dedicated private guide and exclusive use of a 4WD vehicle throughout their stay, enabling completely personalized daily excursions customized to individual interests and pace.
Awasi Atacama operates as a fully all-inclusive experience. The rate covers all meals, open bar, and unlimited daily excursions led by the dedicated private guide. The property holds membership in Relais & Châteaux, and the culinary team focuses on contemporary preparations of northern Chilean and Atacameño ingredients including quinoa, locoto peppers, and high-altitude vegetables cultivated in the oasis villages of the region.
Excursions cover the full breadth of the Atacama's extraordinary landscape: the high-altitude Salar de Atacama salt flats, flamingo colonies at Laguna Chaxa, geyser fields at El Tatio at 4,321 meters, the lunar valley landscape of Valle de la Luna, ancient petroglyphs, and the archaeological site of Tulor. Stargazing in the near-zero-light-pollution skies of the Atacama is a regular evening activity supported by the lodge's equipment. The spa offers treatments using Atacameño botanical ingredients, and the pool provides a welcome contrast to the high-altitude desert heat during midday hours.
Amenities
- private guide
- all-inclusive
- outdoor showers
- spa
- pool
- wine cellar
- private excursions
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +56 55 285 1212
Location
Tocopilla s/n, San Pedro de Atacama
-22.9167, -68.2000 — View on map
Highlights
- Twelve private adobe bungalows, each with dedicated private guide and 4WD for fully exclusive personalized daily excursions
- Relais & Châteaux member with all-inclusive dining featuring contemporary preparations of Atacameño and northern Chilean ingredients
- Views of Licancabur Volcano from the property on the quiet edge of San Pedro de Atacama village
- Access to El Tatio geysers, Valle de la Luna, Salar de Atacama, and high-altitude flamingo lagoons on private customized itineraries
- World-class stargazing in the Atacama's near-zero light-pollution skies, one of Earth's premier astronomical observation environments
Tips
- Book at least 6–9 months in advance; with only twelve bungalows, peak season dates from June through August and over holidays fill extremely quickly.
- The high altitude of San Pedro de Atacama (2,438 meters) can affect guests on arrival — plan a gentle first day before committing to high-altitude excursions like El Tatio at over 4,000 meters.
- The daily rate is all-inclusive, so arriving with local currency (Chilean pesos) only for small personal purchases such as artisan market items is sufficient.
- Atacama days are warm but desert nights drop sharply — bring a down jacket or fleece for evening activities and the El Tatio predawn departure.
- The El Tatio geyser visit departs before sunrise around 4 a.m. to arrive at peak steam activity — the private guide arrangement allows timing to be slightly adjusted to preference.
FAQ
How many rooms does Awasi Atacama have, and why does this matter?
Awasi Atacama has twelve bungalows. The extremely limited capacity is integral to the experience — each couple or group has a private dedicated guide and vehicle, ensuring excursions are fully personalized rather than shared with other guests.
Is everything included in the nightly rate?
Yes, the rate is fully all-inclusive covering all meals, open bar, unlimited guided daily excursions in the private vehicle, spa access, and transfers from San Pedro de Atacama village.
What is the best time of year to visit Awasi Atacama?
June through August brings cooler nights and clear skies ideal for stargazing. December through February are warmer but bring the altiplano rain season, which can temporarily close some high-altitude routes. April–May and September–October offer mild conditions and fewer visitors.
How far is the property from San Pedro de Atacama village center?
The lodge is located within or immediately adjacent to the village of San Pedro de Atacama, within a short walk or drive of the central plaza, restaurants, and the artisan market.
Accessibility
Awasi Atacama's traditional adobe bungalow design includes level terrace access and open outdoor spaces, but the property is not specifically equipped for wheelchair use. The high-altitude desert environment and the nature of excursions also present challenges for guests with significant mobility limitations. Guests with accessibility requirements are encouraged to contact the property directly before booking.