Visual harmony.

The first step towards a project that can be sustainable in time was to make it be harmonic with its surroundings, Alto Atacama blends with the landscape in a way that doesn’t interrupt the lines and features of the Catarpe valley and the Cordillera de la Sal.

Native plant species.

Alto Atacama’s Andean Park was conceived as a way to restore and revive ancient agricultural techniques that still pulsate in the Altiplano. Veronica Poblete, our landscaper, used only local plant species in the park, the high endemism of the plants of Atacama naturally transform our park into a sanctuary of life.

Water treatment.

Atacama is the driest desert in the world in when it comes to annual rainfall, but due to the special geologic conditions that rule here, there are large amounts of underground water that allow for the oasis of San Pedro to exist. We want our passengers to enjoy the luxury of water in the desert but always with responsibility. The pools in Alto Atacama have a discreet size and all water is treated to achieve maximum purity. Alto Atacama has a modern water treatment plant that allows the water to be re used for our park and that eliminates any trace of organic and non-organic elements when it goes back to the cycle.

Cultural sensitivity

Atacama has a human history of 10.000 years, therefore we encourage our guests to experience and enjoy local culture with respect in mind, understanding and appreciating local ways as an example of a culture that remains robust and proud, that welcomes visitors and that is open to show traditions and to tell stories, not just to be photographed. Humanity is the living conscience and memory of the Earth, let Atacama speak through its people.

Travel Ethics & Guides

Deserts are some of the most static surfaces in the World, eroded only by wind and the rare showers that fall in some parts of the desert. Therefore it is of absolute importance to be respectful with this terrain. Whatever mark is left behind will stay here for a long period of time. At Alto Atacama Hotel we are aware of this and we train our guides with the Leave No Trace principles

One of our top priorities is to minimize our impact on the environment, when we travel by van we only do it on marked roads, never off road and we do the same when mountain biking and hiking.