Located in the heart of San Pedro de Atacama, at the edge of the world’s driest desert, NOI Casa Atacama offers a warm, comfortable retreat framed by the most breathtaking scenery in Northern Chile.
Merging home-style ambiance and sustainable design with the amenities and style of a luxury boutique hotel, we welcome you to be inspired by a landscape of mystical salt flats dotted with majestic volcanoes, bubbling geysers and unearthly rock formations.
Relax in bright, spacious guest rooms and suites richly appointed with native artwork and furnishings, 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, plush down bedding and private terraces allowing for quiet moments of reflection.
Savor the bounty of local flavors at our restaurant, be replenished by traditional altiplanico therapies at El Chañar Spa or sink into a designer sun lounger by the outdoor pool. Experience the magic of San Pedro de Atacama with adventure excursions like hikes through the Valley of the Moon, llama caravans and archaeological tours of a Tulor village dating back to 800 B.C.
NOI Casa Atacama is the first sustainable hotel in northern Chile, a unique destination where ecologically responsible tourism is defined by protecting and preserving San Pedro de Atacama’s vital natural resources and respecting the local culture.
Inspired by their surroundings and the bounty of nearby farms, NOI Casa Atacama Restaurant transforms each meal into a delightful local and sustainable culinary experience.
From authentic gourmet Chilean and international cuisine to signature cocktails, we welcome you to our table, where the ambiance is as fresh and invigorating as the food.
Heating and lighting systems are all “low-consumption,” and are connected to a system of solar panels. Clean and elegant guest rooms feature balconies with views of the hotels' landscaping, comfortable amenities and wi-fi access.
The hotel has a swimming pool and is home to the wonderful La Romerria restaurant.
NOI Deluxe Standard Room
Featuring one Queen or twin bed, our 11 Deluxe Rooms offer 30 square meters of living space and a private, natural interior courtyard. They also have a closed bathroom and connecting door, which makes them ideal for families.
Suite
Appointed with a Queen or twin bed, 35-square-meter Suites have a large terrace with wonderful views of the swimming pool and a spectacular marble bathroom overlooking a private garden courtyard.
NOI Suite
The 48-square-meter NOI Suite is the ultimate private oasis with soothing views of the pool, a fireplace for cold days and a spectacular bathroom overlooking a private garden courtyard.
While at NOI Casa Atacama, all meals are included, as well as daily excursions which you choose from a menu of options, divided into 5 basic categories:
Trekking/Hiking
Cornice
After ascending a small dune, we will hike north along one of the cornices bordering the “Mars Valley” also known as “Death Valley”. The stunning panoramic view allows us to appreciate how erosion has molded the Salt Range, revealing the geological processes that shaped it.
Cornice Short Version
There’s a shorter version of the Cornise excursion, specially designed for families with young children and people who don’t want to walk too far.
Type of Excursion: Half-day hike
Difficulty: Easy. The hike may prove difficult for those suffering from severe vertigo.
Altitude: 2,600 meters above sea level
Distance: 3.7 km
Duration: 2 hours
Kari Gorge
The hike begins from the Kari Lookout, which offers a spectacular view of the Moon Valley. We descend from the cornice to a sandy area, and cross a dry lake before entering the Kari Gorge, following the old course of the river.
Type of Excursion: Half-day hike
Difficulty: Moderate. This excursion can present difficulties for people prone to vertigo. A minimum level of physical aptitude is required to cross two rocky stretches, which involve climbing.
Altitude: 2,600 meters above sea level
Distance: 4.5 km
Duration: 2.5 hours
Cuchabrache
First, we head up one of the cornices of the Salt Range, ascending north up an abrupt rocky terrain laden with loose rocks. From the top, there is a spectacular 360º view of the Catarpe Valley and the San Pedro River, which runs underneath the cornices.
In the distance, we can also have an overview of the Occidental and Domeyko ranges, the Catarpe Ayllu and see some archeological ruins. Afterward, we continue towards the cornice to descend into the valley, to reach the Catarpe Ayllu. From there, we walk back until reaching the San Isidro Chapel.
Type of Excursion: Half-day hike
Difficulty: Moderate. A long hike with several slopes.
Altitude: 2,600 meters above sea level
Distance: 6.7 km
Duration: 3 hours
Guatin Punta del Inca
If you need a bit of physical challenge and like cactus Guatin Punta del Inca is the trek for you. You will be walking along the river Vilama through a rugged terrain, crossing waterfalls and seeing our beautiful pre-puna flora and fauna.
Type of Excursion: Half-day hike
Difficulty: Moderate. A degree of physical aptitude is required for traversing rocky stretches.
Altitude: 3,000 – 3,200 meters above sea level
Distance: 3.5 km
Duration: 2 hours
Quezar - Puritama
The excursion begins by descending through a ravine and then follow the Puritama River, through wild pampas grass, cactus and a wide variety of birds until we arrive at Puritama hot springs, where will enjoy a well-deserved relaxing bath.
Type of Excursion: Half-day hike
Difficulty: Moderate. An acclimation hike, at high altitudes, with exposure to the sun, all of which requires a brisk walking pace.
Altitude: 3,200 – 3,500 meters above sea level
Distance: 3.5 km
Duration: 4 hours
*Hot springs ticket not included.
Copa Coya
An excellent acclimatisation trek for people who want to prepare a high mountain ascent. Copa Coya is where the “llaretas” grow, you will see big volcanic formations and it is where the vizcachas live. We start in the famous and third largest geothermal field known as Tatio and then walk around the Copa Coya Hill.
Type of Excursion: Full-day hike
Difficulty: Hard.
Altitude: 3,800-4.300 meters above sea level
Distance: 6.8 km
Duration: 6 hours
Machuca Rio Grande
We start in Machuca, situated 4,000 meters above sea level, with a descent through a desert moor towards a gorge, passing through lands used by shepherd caravans. We will be stopping for lunch mid-way through the hike at an abandoned Peñaliri homestead. After lunch, we trek downriver until
reaching the town of Río Grande, where the van will be waiting for us.
Type of Excursion: Full-day hike
Difficulty: Hard. Walking with no notable obstacles, although you should take into consideration that
this is a full-day, high-altitude hike.
Altitude: 4,00-3,200 meters above sea level
Distance: 12 km
Duration: 6 hours
Salares Del Altiplano
This will allow you to experience the high plateau in its fullest. We will start walking in 4.000 m.a.s.l with an incredible view of the Capur salt flat. This trek is great for everyone who is interested in birdwatching, outdoors activities and/or is preparing for a high mountain ascent. The trek ends after we hike a small but challenging hill and see one of the most spectacular views the high plateu has to offer.
Type of Excursion: Full-day hike
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude: 4,200 meters above sea level
Distance: 10 km
Duration: 5 hours
Purilactis
If you would like to know the Rainbow Valley from a different perspective this trek is something you should consider. We head towards the Domeyko Range by car and we start our walk in no less than 3.000 m.a.s.l. On our way to the valley we might be able to see Guanacos, some birds and pre-puna flora. We will visit archeological sites and finish our trek in a geological wonder rich in minerals that makes this place unique.
Type of Excursion: Half day hike
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude: 3.200 meters above sea level
Distance: 5 km
Duration: 3 hours
Biking / Vehicle
Cejar Lagoon
We leave from NOI Casa Atacama by bike, in this trail will give you a new perspective of the surroundings of the Atacama Basin. We will be riding for 18 km to reach Cejar settlement that is comprised by three turquoise salty cold-water lagoons. Take your bathing suit because one of them is available for bathing and floating due to its high level of salt.
Type of Excursion: Half-day. Biking or by vehicle.
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,400 meters above sea level
Distance: 18 km
Duration: 3 hours
*Not included in full board.
Devil’s Gorge
We departure from the hotel crossing the Catarpe Valley. Then the adventure will rise while meandering through the gorge, riding through tunnels and admiring the uniqueness of our Salt Range with its crystallised salt and soil gypsum.
Type of Excursion: Half-day of biking
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,400 meters above sea level
Distance: 22 km
Duration: 2.5 hours
Piedra de la Coca
Physically-demanding biking, reserved for experts in excellent physical shape. We depart by bike heading north towards the Catarpe Valley, following the San Pedro River towards the tunnel through a Salt Mountain labyrinth. Here we begin a steep, two-kilometer ride up path.
Then we start our downhill all the way to “ Piedra de la Coca” to see some petroglyphs. We will continue cycling until we reach “el llano de la paciencia” to make our way through dry riverbeds. We finish off by heading back to the
hotel through the “Death Valley”.
Type of Excursion: Half-day biking
Difficulty: Hard
Altitude: 2,400-2,600 meters above sea level
Distance: 25 km
Duration: 4 hours
San Isidro
This intermediate circuit has some physical challenge but it’s a very entertaining option for those who want to feel adrenaline without technical difficulty. We follow narrow paths between impressive walls of Salt Range, admiring its rare formations and silence.
Type of Excursion: Half-day biking
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude: 2,420-2,600 meters above sea level.
Distance: 23 km
Duration: 3 hours
Guatin’s Downhill
In this excursion you will be enjoying panoramic views while going downhill from Guatin (3200masl) all the way to the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama (2420masl).
Type of Excursion: Half-day biking
Difficulty: Medium
Altitude: 2,420-3,200 meters above sea level
Distance: 22 km
Duration: 1 hour
Cultural
Pukara De Quitor - Archaeological Site
The word “Pukará” is used to name those ancient fortifications of the pre- Columbian culture, built in the eleventh century.
*This excursion if it is by vehicle can be combined with Tulor Village excursion without extra cost.
Type of Excursion: Half-day biking or by car
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Altitude: 2,400 meters above sea level
Distance: 4 km
Duration: 2 hours
Tulor Village Archaeological Site
“Tulor” village dates back to 800 b.C. and it is the first settlement in the oasis, when men went from a nomadic life to a sedentary lifestyle. It is known by its typical round houses and is also known as a world monument.
*This excursion if it is by vehicle can be combined with Pukara de Quitor excursion without extra cost.
Type of Excursion: Half-day biking or by car
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,400 meters above sea level
Distance: 10 km
Duration: 2 hours
Ancient Caravan - Atacamenean Culture
A walk along side llamas, travelling back in time through historic landscapes, reliving what local natives (Likan Antai) used to do back in their days.
Type of Excursion: A walk through historic landscapes alongside llamas
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2.400 meters above sea level
Distance: 3 km
Duration: 2 hours
Hierbas Buenas/Rainbow Valley
We departure by vehicle from the hotel heading to the Domeyko Range where we start the excursion at the archaeological site known as Yerbas Buenas. Here we will see different styles of petroglyphs left by the many caravans that used this place as a resting point. Next we will head to the Rainbow Valley to admire its geological formations and colors.
Type of Excursion: Half-day van excursion. It is also available in fullday format.
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 3,200 meters above sea level
Distance: 60 km
Duration: 4 hours (6 hours in fullday format)
Type of Excursion: Half-day
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,400 meters above sea level
Distance: 50 km
Duration: 3 hours
Cejar Lagoon
We go by van to the middle of the Atacama Salt Flat to appreciate three natural salt lagoons. These beautiful lagoons have a buoyancy level higher than that of the Dead Sea and are surrounded by salt crystals. Here you can also enjoy seeing local birds and the panoramic views of the mountains. Here you can have a nice swim and float completely in one of these lagoons. It is an experience that you will never forget.
* The entrance is not included in our rates.
Type of Excursion: Half-day. Biking or by vehicle.
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,400 meters above sea level
Distance: 18 km
Duration: 3 hours
*Not included in full board.
Baltinache-Hidden Lagoons
The hidden lagoons, also known as Baltinache, are a set of seven salty cold water lagoons with properties equivalent to those found in Cejar. You can swim an float in only two of them and the experience will be unforgettable.
* The entrance is not included in our rates.
Type of Excursion: Half-day. Biking or by vehicle.
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,400 meters above sea level
Distance: 18 km
Duration: 3 hours
*Not included in full board.
Puritama Hot Springs
Deep down a huge Creek you will find eight natural pools. The mineral thermal waters comes from Sairecabur Volcano and brings all its healing properties. Here you will not only swim, relax and enjoy the natural surroundings, but is also a great place for birdwatching.
* The entrance is not included in our rates
Type of Excursion: Half-day. Biking or by vehicle.
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,400 meters above sea level
Distance: 18 km
Duration: 3 hours
*Not included in full board.
Toconao-Chaxa Lagoon
We will visit the town of Toconao and walk through the main square, were we get to see its church and bell tower, all of which have been declared National Monument. Depending on the season, we’ll also explore the orchards before continuing towards the salt flat until reaching Chaxa Lagoon. Here we can admire the flocks of flamingos in their natural habitat, and enjoy the extraordinary scenic beauty.
Type of Excursion: Half-day van excursion
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,600 meters above sea level
Distance: 70 km
Duration: 3.5 hours
Tatio Geysers
We leave at dawn, heading northeast. Upon arriving at the Tatio Geysers, one of the highest geothermal fields in the world, we watch cauldrons of boiling water shooting blasts of water vapor high into the air. We will explore the area briefly on foot and then enjoy breakfast.
On our way back, we will enjoy gorgeous views of the high plateau. Along the way, you can see large bogs featuring plenty of wildlife, and appreciate how the flora and fauna changes as we make our way down. We also stop in the town of Machuca, situated 4,000 meters above sea level.
Type of Excursion: Full-day van excursion
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 4,320 meters above sea level
Distance: 90 km
Duration: 7 hours
Altiplanic Lagoons
Heading south towards the high plateau, we will see the flora and fauna gradually change as we ascend. We’ll pass the Tropic of Capricorn, which intersects with the Inca Trail. After making a stop in Socaire, we’ll continue toward Paso Sico, which marks the border with Argentina.
We’ll stop at the Aguas Calientes Salt Flat and the Tuyajto Lagoon to admire the high plateau landscape and have lunch. On the way back, we’ll stop at the Los Flamencos National Reserve to explore its lovely Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons.
Type of Excursion: Full-day van excursion
Difficulty: Easy, but take the high altitude into consideration.
Altitude: 4,250 meters above sea level
Distance: 360 km
Duration: 8 hours
Tara Salt Flat
Our first stop is at the Quepiaco Bog, which offers a great opportunity to observe local fauna (including birds and vicunas). We continue along to the Monjes de la Pakana, making a second stop to admire impressive, wind sculpted rock formations in the middle of the desert. Finally, we arrive at our
destination, the Tara Salt Flat, where we can walk for 40 minutes to reach its “cathedrals” (spectacular rock walls), before enjoying a delicious lunch.
Type of Excursion: Full-day van excursion
Difficulty: Easy, but take the high altitude into consideration
Altitude: 4,400 meters above sea level
Distance: 260 km
Duration: 7 hours
Type of Excursion: High mountain ascent
Difficulty: Hard (high-altitude excursion, physical exertion)
Altitude: 5,300 – 5,614 meters above sea level
Distance: 400 mts ground drop
Duration: 6 hours
*Ascent subject to availability.
Saciel Volcano (5,740 m.)
We ascend through a pine-laden, sandy terrain, with plenty of loose rocks. From the peak, we’ll take in an astonishing view of the volcano’s crater and the Bolivian side. After a break, we’ll make out way down to the van.
Type of Excursion: Full-day high mountain ascent
Difficulty: Hard (high-altitude excursion, physical exertion)
Altitude: 5,740 meters above sea level
Distance: 9 km
Duration: 9 hours
*Ascent subject to availability.
Type of Excursion: Astronomic tour observing the Andean constellations.
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,420 meters above sea level
Duration: 2 hours
Full Moon Walk
Discover the beauty of a night walk under the moonlight and be seduced by the silence and the marvelous landscapes of San Pedro under the stars.
Available each full moon during the summer season (November to March).
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,500 meters above sea level
Duration: 2 hours
