ALTO ATACAMA DESERT LODGE & SPA
ALTO ATACAMA
1. INTRODUCTION
Alto Atacama is a village hotel near the ancient ruins of Pukara de Quitor, just three kilometres from the famous oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. The village enjoys a unique location at the base of the breathtaking Salt Mountains in the beautiful and fertile Katarpe valley. Combining raw nature with comfort and convenience, Alto Atacama offers guests the perfect refuge in which to rejuvenate body and soul.
Alto Atacama has been built in the style of a traditional adobe settlement, complete with llamas and crops typical to the area. Its architecture, its gardens and its interior design – recreates perfectly the ancient Altiplanic village.
Alto Atacama provides an all-inclusive service. Guests can enjoy everything the Atacama Desert has to offer. Our highly trained, bilingual guides make the excursions unforgettable; their knowledge of the local history and culture, flora and fauna, geology and archaeology is unparallel. More than just a tour guide, each one will become a partner in your excursions into the remarkable countryside surrounding the hotel.
2. RATES
ALL INCLUSIVE RATES, SEASON 2013 Validity: January 1st until December 31st, 2013.
Adult Premium 1 NIGHT 2 NIGHTS 3 NIGHTS Adults SGL DBL TPL SGL DBL TPL SGL DBL TPL Quitor 766 511 N/A 1.532 1.022 N/A 2.298 1.533 N/A Catarpe 851 567 482 1.702 1.134 964 2.553 1.701 1.446 Tilo 936 624 530 1.872 1.248 1.060 2.808 1.872 1.590
Premium 4 NIGHTS 5 NIGHTS 6 NIGHTS Adults SGL DBL TPL SGL DBL TPL SGL DBL TPL Quitor 3.064 2.044 N/A 3.830 2.555 N/A 4.596 3.066 N/A Catarpe 3.404 2.268 1.928 4.255 2.835 2.410 5.106 3.402 2.892 Tilo 3.744 2.496 2.120 4.680 3.120 2.650 5.616 3.744 3.180
Av. Apoquindo 3000 Piso 3, Las Condes. Santiago – Chile. - Tel: (56-2) 330 0860 – Fax: (56-2) 3344435 t
Premium Child (3 - 12 years) 1 NIGHT 2 NIGHTS 3 NIGHTS 4 NIGHTS 5 NIGHTS 6 NIGHTS Quitor 383 766 1.149 1.532 1.915 2.298 Catarpe 425 850 1.275 1.700 2.125 2.550 Tilo 468 936 1.404 1.872 2.340 2.808
PREMIUM PROGRAM RATES Rates shown are in US Dollars (USD), per person. All rates shown are subject to change. Rates shown do not include the Chilean IVA tax. Non-Chilean guests without residency in Chile, paying in US Dollars, are exempt from paying IVA as states the law D.L. 825 art.12. Rate Child: 3 – 12 years. Infants 0-2 years free of charge. Cribs subject to availability Mínimum 2-night stay.
Included on the program Reception inside the Arrivals Hall at Calama airport Arrival and departure transfers between Calama airport (CJC) and the hotel Accommodation American Buffet Breakfast at the hotel Lunch and dinner at the hotel Open bar Daily excursions (2 half-day or 1 full-day) Free use of mountain bikes Access to the spa (sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, etc.) Access to swimming pools and outdoor jacuzzi Complimentary transfer service between the hotel and the village of San Pedro (9.00am to 11.30pm)
Not Included The following services entail an additional charge for all guests at the hotel regardless of the program or room category. These charges will appear on the final bill to be settled on the day of departure Spa treatments; massages, reflexology, Reiki, etc. Laundry. Telephone calls. Premium wines and spirits.
Av. Apoquindo 3000 Piso 3, Las Condes. Santiago – Chile. - Tel: (56-2) 330 0860 – Fax: (56-2) 3344435 [email protected] – www.turavion.com
3. EXCURSIONS
VAN
1. LICKANANTAI CULTURE
Length: Half day Difficulty: Easy Altitude: 2440 m.a.sl. Required acclimatization: Not required
Route: We head out from the Alto Atacama to the Pucará de Quitor parking lot. From here we go via Quitor to the municipal parking lot in San Pedro de Atacama. Visit the Gustavo Le-Paige Museum, the Church, main square, and handicrafts market. Ending with a visit to the Tulor Village. Return to the Alto Atacama Hotel.
2. TOCONAO – ATACAMA SALT FLATS (Chaxas Lagoon)
Length: Half day Difficulty: Easy Altitude: 2300 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Not required
Route: Head out from the Alto Atacama Hotel in a van to the small village of Toconao, "Hidden Valley" in Kunza. We visit the church, square, bell tower, and local handicrafts. We continue the route to the Soncor sector of the National Flamingo Reserve. At the Chaxas lagoon, we see a 14 minute explanatory video (optional). We walk a 400 meter circuit in about 30 minutes to observe the flora and bird life of the area. Sunset with appetizers, return to San Pedro de Atacama to the Alto Atacama Hotel.
3. SUNSET IN THE VALLEY OF THE MOON
Length: Half day Difficulty: easy Altitude: 2550 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Not required
Route: Head out of the Alto Atacama Hotel via Quitor, to the crossroads with Licancabur Street following the road to Calama, take road towards Kari Lookout, after we drive to the Tres Marías, central crater, and amphitheatre and continue to the Sunset spot, located in front of the amphitheatre or back to the Kari lookout.
Av. Apoquindo 3000 Piso 3, Las Condes. Santiago – Chile. - Tel: (56-2) 330 0860 – Fax: (56-2) 3344435 [email protected] – www.turavion.com
4. CAVE PAINTINGS
Length: Half day Difficulty: Easy Altitude: 3250 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Not required
Route: Head out from the Alto Atacama Hotel in a van towards the Hierbas Buenas area, where we will see petroglyphs that reflect on the continuous movements of ancient shepherds. We continue to Santiago de Rio Grande (currently a pastoral-agricultural area), where we can observe the architecture, handicrafts, and crops, before continuing on to Matancilla and its Rainbow Valley ( great mineral reliefs made up of copper oxide, sulphur, iron, and gypsum crystals). Return to Alto Atacama Hotel.
5. TATIO GEYSER
Length: Full Day Difficulty: medium Altitude: 4321 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Yes. At least two full days, of having been in San Pedro de Atacama.
Route: Head out from Alto Atacama Hotel in a van towards the Tatio Geysers, easy walk on a trail within the geothermal field, where we can observe the geysers, fumaroles, springs, and local fauna. On the road, we will see beautifully contrasting landscapes. Very low (below zero) temperatures in the morning, on our return, we will visit the small village of Machuca, and then return to San Pedro de Atacama and to the hotel.
TREKKING
6. TREKKING VALLEY OF THE MOON > KAMUR
Length: Half day, 9 km. Difficulty: Medium Altitude: 2600 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Not required
Route: Head out from Alto Atacama Hotel via Quitor to the crossroads with Licancabur Street, take the highway to Calama and detour to the Valley of the Moon, entering the park through main entrance. We will stop at a sand dune where the trek begins. We come down the dune and continue through the canyon to the left, at the first fork, we take the right hand path. We pass the first lookout, which looks upon the central crater in the Valley. We continue our route and at the second fork, we take the left hand path to get to the second lookout. We cross the great crater and continue to the Tres Marías Lookout, where we will see the sunset.
Av. Apoquindo 3000 Piso 3, Las Condes. Santiago – Chile. - Tel: (56-2) 330 0860 – Fax: (56-2) 3344435 [email protected] – www.turavion.com
7. TREKKING VALLEY OF THE MOON > WATERFALL
Length: Half day, 4km Difficulty: Medium Altitude: 2600 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Not required
Route: Head out from the Alto Atacama Hotel via Quitor to the crossroads with Licancabur Street, take the highway to Calama and detour to the Valley of the Moon, entering the park through main entrance. After the Tres Marías, we begin our trek, heading north, and entering a canyon in the Cordillera de la Sal range, where we will be met with fresh juices and chocolate to recover lost energy.
8. LOS COLORADOS
Length: Half day, 6 km. Difficulty: Medium. Not recommended for people with vertigo. Altitude: 2550 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Not required.
Route: Head out from Alto Atacama Hotel via Catarpe to the old tunnel to Calama. Our trek begins here across the ridge of the Cordillera de la Sal range, to the Great Dune of the Mars Valley through which we descend, ending our trek.
9. ALTO KATARPE
Length: Half day, 5 km. Difficulty: Medium Altitude: 2550 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Not required
Route: Head out from the Alto Atacama Hotel via Catarpe to the old tunnel to Calama. Our trek begins here, across the ridge of the Cordillera de la Sal range, almost to the end of the Catarpe Valley where our van awaits.
10. KARI RAVINE
Length: Half day Difficulty: medium Altitude: 2650 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Not required
Route: Head out from the Alto Atacama Hotel via Quitor, to the crossroads with Licancabur Street, taking the road to Calama, then the Kari Ravine detour. From here we walk along the path towards the Kari Ravine, until we reach the Kari Canyon. Return to Hotel.
Av. Apoquindo 3000 Piso 3, Las Condes. Santiago – Chile. - Tel: (56-2) 330 0860 – Fax: (56-2) 3344435 [email protected] – www.turavion.com
11. QUEZALA RAVINE
Length: Half day. 4.2 km Difficulty: Easy Altitude: 2810 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Not required
At the foot of the Lascar volcano, we come to the village of Talabre and south of it is the Quezala Ravine, where we will observe petroglyphs. The trek continues above the ravine for about 1 hour.
Route: Head out from the hotel in the van along the highway to Toconao, after crossing the border station, to the village of Talabre, at the foot of the Lascar volcano, with its constant fumaroles. South of Talabre, we come to the Quezala Ravine which we enter to observe its testimony of human existence more than 12,000 years ago.
12. LOS CARDONES RAVINE
Length: Half day. 6.1 km. Difficulty: Medium Altitude: 3166 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: One night in San Pedro.
Route: From the hotel drive in the van on the shortcut to Puritama highway, stopping at the Guatin entrance. From here, begin the trek down the Vilama river ravine. At the Apacheta, we break from the rivers path climbing to the top of the ravine to finish the trek. 13. TAMBO - KATARPE
Length: Half day. 3 km. Difficulty: Easy Altitude: 2510 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Not required
Route: Drive out in the van from the villa to the Katarpe Ayllu (20 minutes). Visit the church in Katarpe, and afterwards a walk over the plains and ravines up to the ancient Inca tambo of Katarpe. Return to the hotel in the van (10 minutes).
Av. Apoquindo 3000 Piso 3, Las Condes. Santiago – Chile. - Tel: (56-2) 330 0860 – Fax: (56-2) 3344435 [email protected] – www.turavion.com
14. KATARPE - EL DIABLO RAVINE
Length: Half day. 2.8 km Difficulty: Medium Altitude: 2530 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Not required.
Route: Head out in the van from the villa to the Katarpe Ayllu (15 minutes). Visit the church in Katarpe and then walk through the spectacular Cordillera de la Sal range ravines. Coming out of the El Diablo Ravine, we will be in the midst of the high walls of salt, clay, and gypsum for the final 45 minutes of the trek. Return in the van to the Alto Atacama hotel (10 minutes).
15 - JERE VALLEY
Length: Half day, 4 km. Difficulty: Easy Altitude: 2475 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Not required.
Route: Head out from the Alto Atacama Hotel in a van to the village of Toconao, "Hidden Valley" in Kunza. Then we take a detour that reaches the Jere Valley, where we can see small plots with fruits and vegetables being grown... we will also observe the flora and fauna of the area. Return to San Pedro de Atacama and to the hotel.
MOUTAINBIKE
16. QUITOR AYLLU AND SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Length: Half day, 10 km. Difficulty: Easy Altitude: 2460 m.a.s.l.
Route: We leave the hotel on the bicycles crossing the beautiful Quitor Valley, and its colourful cropland. Visit the town of San Pedro de Atacama. We continue to the Quitor Ayllu and back to the Alto Atacama Hotel.
Av. Apoquindo 3000 Piso 3, Las Condes. Santiago – Chile. - Tel: (56-2) 330 0860 – Fax: (56-2) 3344435 [email protected] – www.turavion.com
17. KATARPE VALLEY
Length: Half day. 15 km. Difficulty: Easy Altitude: 2460 m.a.s.l.
Route: Head out from the hotel riding 500 meters, to the foot of the Quitor Pukara, where we will cross the San Pedro River, to enter the Katarpe valley, to the church 7 km away.
18. CEJAR Lagoon
Length: Half day 21.6 km. Difficulty: Medium Altitude: 2410 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Not required
Route: Heading out from the Alto Atacama Hotel, we cross the Quitor Ayllu, passing by the town of San Pedro de Atacama, the Conde Duque Ayllu, continuing through Yaye and Solcor to the Solor Ayllu, and then to the Poconche Ayllu, taking the detour on a dirt road that takes us to the Cejar Lagoon (1 hour approximately) and returning to the Alto Atacama Hotel.
19. INCA PASS
Length: Half day, 29 km. Difficulty: Hard Altitude: 2600 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Yes, two nights in San Pedro.
Route: Head out from Alto Atacama Hotel to the Katarpe Valley. We take the detour towards the old tunnel, where we will climb until reaching the base of the ridge. First point of interest. Here we begin a descent that takes us to the Coca Rock, second point of interest. We continue the descent to the Llano de la Paciencia, where we connect with the road that takes us back to San Pedro de Atacama through the Mars Valley. We will come down the dunes while observing the geological formations. Return to the hotel via an interior road of the Quitor Ayllu.
20. DESERT VALLEYS
Length: Half day. 43 km. Difficulty: Hard Altitude: 2470 - 2750 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Yes, two days in San Pedro
Route: We pedal out of the hotel at an altitude of 2470 m.a.s.l. heading south east, to cross the San Pedro River after 500 meters and continue up through the Quitor valley, observing foxtails, breas, carob trees, and chañares, among other flora.
Av. Apoquindo 3000 Piso 3, Las Condes. Santiago – Chile. - Tel: (56-2) 330 0860 – Fax: (56-2) 3344435 [email protected] – www.turavion.com
21. DESCENT FROM THE BASE OF THE SAIRECABUR VOLCANO
Length: 4 hours, 44 km. Difficulty: Hard. Experts only Average altitude: Between 2470 to 3800 m.a.s.l.
Route: We leave the Alto Atacama Hotel early, with the bikes loaded onto the van, while we drink water constantly. Drive to the base of the Sairecabur volcano, where we will see an old sulphur mine. We do a final check on our GIANT bicycles, before we go downhill on the Devils Hill to the Puritama hot springs.
FULL DAY
22. HIGH ANDES LAGOONS
Length: Full day Difficulty: Medium Altitude: 4200 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Yes, at least two days prior in San Pedro de Atacama.
Route: We head southwest out of the Alto Atacama Hotel in the van, passing the village of Socaire before reaching the High Andes lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques (Approx 2hrs 30 min.). The beauty of the area is given by the lagoons surrounded by the high points of the Andes mountain range and the flora that lends the wide variety of color. We can also observe local fauna here. A buffet lunch and return to San Pedro de Atacama and the hotel.
23. HIGH MOUNTAIN VILLAGES
Length: Full day Difficulty: Medium Altitude: 3322 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Yes, at least three full days in San Pedro de Atacama.
Route: We head out of the Alto Atacama hotel in the van towards Guatin, taking the detour to Machuca. After doing at water crossing at the Putana Vado, we can observe its bird life; we then take another detour towards the Tocopuri police outpost, and the Chita pass to Caspana. On this road, we will see a large amount of fauna from this area. We will walk through the fields in this agricultural area, and see the liparita stone based architecture. Lunch will be in this village. We continue to the tiny village of Chiu- Chiu, its church, and if there is time, to the Lasana Pukara before reaching the El Loa airport in Calama.
Av. Apoquindo 3000 Piso 3, Las Condes. Santiago – Chile. - Tel: (56-2) 330 0860 – Fax: (56-2) 3344435 [email protected] – www.turavion.com
24. - PUJSA SALT FLAT AND THE PAKANA MONKS
Length: Full day Difficulty: Medium Altitude: 4300 m.a.s.l. (passing to 4690) Required acclimatization: Yes, at least two days in San Pedro de Atacama.
Route: We head out in the van from the Alto Atacama Hotel towards the Andes Mountains, passing the Quepiaco Vegas, and the rock formations known as the Pakana Monks. Afterwards, we go back 9 kilometres to the Pujsa Salt Flat where we can observe the flora, fauna, and landscapes of this area of the Andes. A buffet lunch and return to San Pedro de Atacama and the Alto Atacama Hotel.
25. - AGUAS CALIENTES SALT FLAT AND TUYAJTO
Length: Full day Difficulty: Medium Altitude: 4300 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Yes, at least two days in San Pedro de Atacama.
Route: From the hotel, we take the van on the highway towards the Sico Pass, passing Toconao and Socaire, then a dirt road about 70 kilometres to the Aguas Calientes Salt Flat, where a buffet lunch is prepared, while we enjoy the Andean scenery.
26. ROUTE OF THE SHEPHERDS (Trekking)
Length: Full day 5 hours. Difficulty: Hard Altitude: 4015 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Yes, at least two days in San Pedro de Atacama.
Route: We head out of the Alto Atacama Hotel to the village of Machuca, from where we descend alongside the river of the same name. The return to the hotel is from Rio Grande.
27. THE ROUTE OF THE LLARETAS (Trekking)
Length: Full day. Walking 4.5 to 5.5 hours 8 km. Difficulty: Hard Altitude: 4000 m.a.s.l. Required acclimatization: Yes. At least two days in San Pedro de Atacama.
Route: Copa Coya is a hill 5000 m.a.s.l. west of the geyser area, which we will go around in a trek lasting 4 to 5 hours, passing through sandy ravines and in between native high mountain flora. The trek begins with a descent through a stony area, with a barely marked trail, which is in essence animal track. We come to the lowest point of the walk, in the ravine, to start back up a moderate uphill which becomes stepper near the end. The van will be waiting at the end of the walk with a picnic sandwich lunch.
Av. Apoquindo 3000 Piso 3, Las Condes. Santiago – Chile. - Tel: (56-2) 330 0860 – Fax: (56-2) 3344435 [email protected] – www.turavion.com
MOUNTAINEERING
28. LICANCABUR VOLCANO (5916 m.a.s.l.)
Length: Three days Difficulty: Hard Altitude: 5916 m.a.s.l. (from 4.900 up to 5.916.) Required Acclimatization: Yes (at least 4 full days and having participated in at least one trek over 4000 m.a.s.l.)
Route: The classic route to climb the Licancabur Volcano is up the southwest side of Verde Lagoon (4350 m.a.s.l.) under the east slope of the Juriques Volcano, neighbour of the Licancabur, in Bolivia.
29. TOCO VOLCANO (5604 m.a.s.l.)
Length: Half day. Walking 2 to 3.5 hours. Difficulty: Hard Altitude: 5612 m.a.s.l. Elevation change: 365 mts. (5212 to 5612 m.a.s.l.). Acclimatization Required: Yes (at least 3 full days and have done at least one trekking excursion over 4.000 m.a.s.l.).
Route: Head out from the Alto Atacama Hotel in the van to the abandoned sulphur mine (1 hour 15 minutes approx). It begins the rise through a steep trail all the way to the summit. Beautiful panoramic views of the Bolivian lagoons and of the volcanoes in the Andes Mountain range.
30. MOUNT KIMAL (4280 m.a.s.l.)
Length: Half day. Walking 2 to 3.5 hours. Difficulty: Difficult Altitude: 4280 m.a.s.l. Elevation change: From 3430 m.a.s.l. to 4280 m.a.s.l. Acclimatization Required: Yes (at least 3 full days and have done at least one trekking excursion over 4000 m.a.s.l.)
Description: We leave early from the hotel, on the highway towards Calama, taking the detour to the Valley of the Moon through the Llano de la Paciencia. At kilometre 5, taking the road that goes right, through the antennas on the Domeyko range, following through to the base of Mount Kimal, where we can see the vestigial remains of old mountain camps, which is where we begin our ascent.
Av. Apoquindo 3000 Piso 3, Las Condes. Santiago – Chile. - Tel: (56-2) 330 0860 – Fax: (56-2) 3344435 [email protected] – www.turavion.com
4. TERMS AND CONDITIONS
4.1 PAYMENTS POLICIES
Groups (from 10 rooms) A group reservation is one of 10 rooms or more. The reservation will remain ‘tentative’ until a deposit has been received corresponding to 50% of the total lodging amount, 90 days prior to the check-in date. The balance must be settled 45 days before the check-in date. In the case of reservations made between 45 and 0 days prior to the check-in date, a payment of 100% is required. Group activities, timetables, and menus for meals will be defined prior to the check-in date between executives of Alto Atacama the person in charge of the group. The latter will be responsible for any modification, special request, or additional charges that may exist during the stay. The Rooming List is requested by Alto Atacama at least 10 days prior to the check-in date.
Important In all cases, whether for FIT or group bookings, the final invoice will be sent out once the guests have checked out of the hotel. Alto Atacama will give 1 room free of charge for every 15 paid. 1-14 paid rooms 0 Free 15-29 paid rooms 1 Free 30-32 paid rooms 2 Free
4.2 CANCELLATION POLICY
Individuals (FIT) All cancellations must be requested in writing, via e-mail or fax, indicating the guest’s name. It is the agent’s responsibility to provide this documentation. The following penalties apply, according to the reception of the cancellation request: Up to 46 days: NO CHARGE 45 to 31 days prior to check-in date – 25% of the total reservation 30 to 10 days prior to check-in date – 50% of the total reservation 9 to 0 days prior to check-in date – 100% of the total reservation
Groups (from 10 rooms) All cancellations must be requested in writing, via e-mail or fax, indicating the guest’s name. It is the agent’s responsibility to provide this documentation. The following penalties apply, according to the reception of the cancellation request: Up to 61 days: NO CHARGE 60 to 45 days prior to check-in date – 25% of the total reservation 44 to 31 days prior to check-in date – 50% of the total reservation 30 to 0 days prior to check-in date – 100% of the total reservation
Av. Apoquindo 3000 Piso 3, Las Condes. Santiago – Chile. - Tel: (56-2) 330 0860 – Fax: (56-2) 3344435 [email protected] – www.turavion.com
General The agent/operator will be informed via email of any reservations cancelled by Alto Atacama for non-compliance with the payment policy. Reservations will only be considered cancelled when the written reply has been received from Alto Atacama. Without this written reply the cancellation is incomplete and will therefore remain active within our system, subject to the relevant cancellation penalties.
4.3 NO-SHOWS & CHANGES OF ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE DATE For ‘No-Shows’ a 100% penalty will apply in all cases. An early arrival or departure is considered such when a guest arrives to or leaves the hotel – for whatever reason – before the date stipulated in the original reservation. For early arrivals, accommodation is subject to availability and all additional charges will be settled upon check-in. Alto Atacama will not reimburse the value of services not used by guests who check-in after their original date. If once checked-in a guest wishes to extend his or her stay, a new reservation will be made for the additional night(s). If this reservation is made through an agency or Operator, the usual commission policies will apply. If the guest wishes to reserve directly with the hotel, payment will be direct and no commissions will apply.
4.4 CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT Check-In: 3.00 pm. Check-Out: 12.00 pm. Services for guests on Premium programs commence at 3.00pm on the day of arrival. That is to say, the first services are an afternoon excursion, followed by dinner. Any additional services requested before 3.00pm for guests arriving early (breakfast, morning excursion, lunch, etc.) will be charged separately. Guests on Premium programs must vacate their rooms by 12.00pm on the day of departure. That is to say, the last services are breakfast, morning excursion, and lunch. Any additional services requested (an afternoon excursion, dinner, etc.) will be charged separately.
Av. Apoquindo 3000 Piso 3, Las Condes. Santiago – Chile. - Tel: (56-2) 330 0860 – Fax: (56-2) 3344435 [email protected] – www.turavion.com