Faqs



1. Which is the best time of the year to visit Atacama?
The weather in Atacama is pleasant all year long. The scarcity of rainfall provides bright sunny days that are perfect for active time. In winter (June, July and August) temperature averages between 22 degrees in the day, to 4 degrees at night.
Summer (January, February and March) averages 27 degrees during the day and 16 degrees at night. This months see occasional rainfall due to the so-called Bolivian Winter, a time of renewal for the vegetation and animals that live here.
2. Do I need a Visa to enter Chile?
Citizens of countries that don’t need a Visa.
Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, Spain, France, Guatemala, The Netherlands, Italy, Japan, Norway, New Zealand, Paraguay, United Kingdom, Singapour, Switzerland, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Citizens of the United States of America, Canada and Mexico are only requested to pay an administration fee at the airport, for reciprocity on tourist visas.
Citizens of the following countries need a visa to enter Chile: Saudi Arabia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, India, Popular Republic of China, Popular Democratic Republic of Korea, Rumania, Ukrania.
3. What is the time lag in Chile?
Winter GMT 4hrs. Summer GMT 3 hrs.
4. What is included in the all inclusive programs?
·Transfer from the Calama airport to the hotel and vice versa on departure day.
·Accommodations, full board and beverages.
·Full use of the Spa.
·Daily excursions in Atacama, they are classified between half day and full day excursions; (groups are 10 people max.)
·Bilingual guides, (WFR trained and expert sources of knowledge about the different aspects Children until 4 years of age are free of charge at Alto Atacama.
5. What kind of clothing do i need?
We recommend to bring the following items:
Backpack (20 – 35 litres).
Swimming Gear
Sandals
Layers of clothing: thermals, fleeces etc.
Trainers or trekking boots.
Trekking shorts or detachable trousers.
Sun block, UV sunglasses and sun hat.
Gloves, hat and good quality jacket for excursions at altitude.
6. Do rooms include a television?
There is no television in our rooms.
7. How do I get to Alto Atacama?
The closest airport is the Calama – Loa airport, a two hour flight from Santiago. (Lan airlines averages 4 flights a day between Santiago and Calama). For guests with all- inclusive package Alto Atacama will provide airport transfers. The journey to San Pedro is a one hour van ride.
8. How far is Alto Atacama from the San Pedro square?
Alto Atacama is located in the Catarpe valley, very close from the pre Columbian Pucara of Quitor, 3 kilometers to the north east of San Pedro. The road is great for talking a walk into the town, with great views of the Andes and of the local farms along the way. There is a transfer service provided by Alto Atacama that operates between 9 am and midnight (needs to be previously arranged by the passenger).
9. Will the altitude be a problem?

San Pedro is 2450 meters above sea level, some excursions will take guests above 4000 meters of altitude. Acclimatization is key, expect mild activities in the first 2 days of your stay.
When undertaking strenuous activities at altitude, guests should take the following precautions:

Consult your doctor before leaving home if you have a history of cardiovascular illness or hypertension.

Avoid heavy foods before an excursion.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.

Avoid alcohol