Since early January Alto Atacama has a new expeditions guide. Paula Saint-Jean is a multifacetic woman, with 24 years as a business manager specializing in marketing and a passionate sportswoman who has been actively practice swimming, volleyball, hockey, longboarding, riding and has worked as a diving, ski and snowboard instructor with seasons in the United States.
A girl who definitely likes challenges and to be in constant contact with people of which she says she learns a lot. Cheerful and energetic Paula is in charge of registry, she will meet you at your arrival at the Hotel and make you aware of the many tours which you may be provided with and also is part of the youth group who will accompany and instruct your tours of San Pedro and its attractive surroundings.

A delicious syrup, sweet like honey, made from small-sized fruits from the Chañar tree, known for its resistance to drought that flourishes so well in this area of the country. Perfect is the syrup to sweeten drinks and yoghurts, and as sauces for various preparations, as a base for puddings and mousse, among others.

This delicacy that can be found at the fair next to the square in San Pedro is of great contribution to the Atacama kitchen. Well known to our chef Rodrigo Villarroel who daily stresses its flavor in a dish prepared either as steak sauce in parfait or my favorite, chañar homemade ice cream. This, served in a crispy sweet tulip becomes the icing on the cake …me, as a major fan of  desserts, could not stop asking for it at least once a day and neither should you! A unique taste, a jewel of the highlands.

Vacation is a moment needed to survive in the hectic modern life. It is the only fraction of time that allows us to really leave behind the anxiety and lower down our  revolutions, that prevent us from resting, to recharge and get back to the working year.
According to recount stories of European literature of past centuries, the doctor would not only be devoted to prescribing medicines, concoctions and infusions, but was also responsible for sending his patients on their major holidays to. He would carefully choose the most favorable destinations for the recovery of all those who were under his care. Hot springs, mountain villages, life in the countryside and distant lands were some of the options to enter healing physical ailments and psychological ones.

Something like that happened to me when I arrived in San Pedro. Quite eager to rest. I had had three weeks of light  sleep. Always aware of how the night progressed and it became day.

Pamela, the wonderful physiotherapist in charge of Alto Atacama´s Spa:Puri, immediately noticed my situation. Therapy was scheduled for 3 pm. I put on my robe and walked down the ramp leading to this paradise, unknown to me at that moment.
A faint light coming in through small air vents, a soft scent of candle and soft music made the place a default space for relaxing.
In the place were two couches for those who wished to relax with a partner. I took over and I lay face down while listening to the sound of running water in the huge jacuzzi in the room, which begins to form a whirlpool in my head and carried me to a new state of calm, then almost forgotten in my memories and concerns . Meanwhile Pamela ran my back with oil, releasing every muscle.
After that I went to my room and slept. I took an excursion, came home and fell asleep again without interruption until the next day, when the alarm rang to tell me that breakfast in the dining room was already served. The cure was done, I had just turned to the rhythm of my beloved San Pedro and enjoy my vacation to return to work fully recovered from the capital.
To Pamela: Thank you so much!

I stand  at my window, enjoying a sunny day under a sky painted deep blue, the wind making  the fox tails dance and shine under the rays of the intense desert sun showing its graceful and flexible thin elongated structure.
Katarpe Valley looks especially beautiful this afternoon, I like to think that once in Santiago I`ll remember this picture and know that happiness in life is often made of moments like these, full, where the perfect harmony of nature connects us with a spiritual state of peace and gratitude.
Slowly I put my favorite band on my computer, I lie on my terrace bed overlooking the San Pedro River, some riders pass through the valley guarded by two great arms of the Cordillera de la Sal, which is awesome, with its characteristic red color, right in front of me, making me feel small compared to such greatness and majesty. The boulder clay of the desert contrasts with the green of the course of the river and everything seen from this architecture that integrates the landscape turns out to be fascinating, especially for me as an architect.
How fortunate I feel this afternoon, to be enjoying this holiday as well, in my country, three hours from my home in the capital, surrounded by such beauty and warmth. People who works here make this day special, passing on their knowledge either from the flavors of their homeland on their plates and drinks to the data of the nobles local materials used in the construction of sustainable landscaping of the hotel.
A fascinating experience, a perfect vacation in one of the most beloved places of Chile, San Pedro de Atacama, this oasis in the dryest desert of the world, full of natural wonders and relics of past cultures and here, in this Desert Lodge, I can enjoy to the fullest.