DJ

Looking for info on the Atacama Desert specifically the Explora Hotel and surrounding area. Any info is appreciated.

jhm

Just came back from 2 weeks in Chile and did not go to Atacama Explora, but went to the one in Patagonia. I heard marvelous things about the one in Atacama from people who had been there. They said that it was (in October) comparatively empty, that the guides were fantastic, and that the hikes were of medium difficulty and upward (i.e. harder).

Rocco

DJ,<BR>I will be going to Atacama in about five weeks. While I initially looked into Explora Atacama, I instead chose more modest lodging at the Tulor Hotel. There is a great website gochile.cl with all kinds of different packages. Although only 3* accomodations, I am staying at the Tulor Hotel for four nights, all daily excursions and airfare included, for about 1/3 the price that the Explora Atacama would have been. Plus, the thing with Explora is that you are only allowed to arrive on certain days and are either on a 3, 4 or 7 night stay.<BR>The package that I put together includes two nights in Vina Del Mar, four nights in Atacama, three nights in Santiago, four nights in Torres Del Paine and one night in Punta Arenas. All of my city stays (Vina Del Mar, Santiago, and Punta Arenas) are in suites and I am still saving about $3,500 by staying at Hosteria Las Torres and Tulor Hotel (excursions and most meals included in package price). I figure I will be out the room most of the time in Atacama and Torres Del Paine and I will recuperate in luxury during my city stays.<BR>If you would like the name and email of my agent, feel free to email me.<BR>Good luck.

DJ

Thank you for your replies. I have also stayed at the Explora in Patagonia a few years back and enjoyed it very much. A wonderful lodge in a spectacular park. We have wanted to visit the Atacama for awhile and didn't do it on our last trip, so I thought that the Explora would be the place to stay.

DJ

P.S. TO ROCCO,<BR><BR>Let me know what you think of the Atacama Region after your trip. I would definitely be interested to hear your overall impressions on the trip including activities, sights, etc. Have a great time.