Awasi Hotel, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

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The Awasi is a luxury boutique lodge in the town of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

The hotel operates excursions to various destinations in the area, including the following (altitudes are given because some people need to acclimatize themselves gradually to the mountain air):

Miscanti Miñiques (13.800 ft)
Van trip: 125 miles (round trip)
The trip begins heading south to the towns of Toconao and Socaire (10.600 ft). Then, it follows the road to Sico Pass, up to the detour to Miscanti and Miñique Ponds which are part of Los Flamencos National Reserve (14.100 ft). Its main features are ponds and native birds such as the tagua and the blanquillo. This outing includes lunch and an optional visit to Chaxas pond on the way back. Level of difficulty: Easy, but requires prior adaptation to the altitude

Puritama (11.100 ft)
Duration: 3.5 hours approx.
Van trip: 38 miles (round trip)
The road to the hot springs provides a magnificent view of the Andean Range, with its marked changes of color in the formations and the vegetation, characterized by the appearance of the first high-altitude cacti and bushes. At the hot springs, guests go down the creek to the pools, which are surrounded by native vegetation that also acts as a shelter for birds.
There are seven different pools to choose from, ranging in temperature from 86 F to 92 F, which makes them ideal for relaxation. Water quality is good, as is the natural setting. Guests are served a gourmet appetizer. Level of difficulty: Easy. The hotel offers another version of this excursion with a two-hour hike up to the springs.

Catarpe (8.200 ft)
Duration: 2.5 to 3.5 hours approx.
Car trip: 16 mi
The trip heads north, past Quitor Ayllu -- famous for its pukara fortress -- and across the San Pedro river to the Tambillo and Devil's Creek sector (optional hike here). Then it continues on to the Ayllu at Catarpe, where lunch is served in an old adobe house with a garden orchard. The contrast between its greenness and the unforgiving dessert around it is striking. The excursion continues to an old Inca "tambo" -- a highway resting place -- and the San Isidro church. The trip wraps up at an old Salt Range tunnel, from which there is an imposing view of the valley below. Level of difficulty: Easy. A small 5-minute walk up a trail to visit the Inca tambo.

The hotel also offers more physically demanding excursions, including hikes, mountain bike treks and horse riding.

(edited for objectivity, June 25, 2007)