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Explora - Atacama
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Explora in Atacama is VIP's top choice, the Hotel's name is Hotel de Larache, in the oasis of San Pedro. This property puts visitors in the middle of a fantasy where exploration, the leaving and returning, acquires a shape of its own. Close to San Pedro de Atacama village, the hotel is located in Ayllú (neighborhood) de Larache, on ample terrain of more than 42 acres. The Property grounds, formed by twenty small farming lots, are respected and maintained as a historical testimony by explora. Accommodations include all you need for relaxation and the best means for exploring the Atacama lands. Between the Pacific Ocean and the Cordillera de los Andes, Atacama is an immense extension of land and mystery. Desert and oasis have been agents of repose and of change for the pre-Columbian Andean cultures of South America. The remains of their past are landmarks in the area; their present shares with other cultures in the maintenance of their traditions, giving life to small villages. Cordilleras, volcanoes, salt flats and hot springs add natural splendor to human culture.
The Atacama culture had an important agricultural development and produced particularly beautiful textiles and metallurgy. Their lands were the commercial crossroads for the peoples of Bolivia, Argentina and the Pacific coast. In Atacama it is possible to appreciate multiple features of this history, expressed in archeological monuments, cemeteries, churches and villages. The traditions still live in religious festivities, in its crafts and in the local folklore. The Atacama oasis, in the middle of the driest desert in the world, have an altitudinal peculiarity: they are situated at 2,500 meters above sea level, making the Atacama not only the driest, but also the highest desert on earth. For this reason, the year-round climate is pleasant and the transparency of light, unique. The outlandish geography of volcanoes, salt flats and high altitude wetlands, has an unparalleled appeal. But the oasis of San Pedro is simply an introduction. It is the last area where human life is possible; where a visitor can still be harbored. Once you leave San Pedro towards the altiplanos and the volcanoes, you can truly perceive remoteness, where one experiences an entirely different world, an untamed place far from civilization as we know it. The altiplano is more a metaphor than a geographical entity. More than a physical exploration, the trip through the altiplano is a spiritual exploration inside oneself in a unearthly world. The altiplano shows that behind the complexity of life there exists a simplicity that leads us to reconsider our place within the grand scheme of things. And that is what makes the trip to Atacama one of the most magnificent experiences that one can ever realize.
The program at explora en Atacama, is an entire experience including our guided explorations, our gourmet food and what is most important, those unique moments shared with our staff and the local people. At explora, we believe that the Hotel is only a base to regain energy and start fresh the following day. Despite that, the Hotel is a truly enjoyable place! Explorations in Atacama will allow you to become acquainted with the multiple aspects of this region: its geography, history, fauna, and geological features, volcanoes and ancient villages. Explorations have been designed to allow for gradual acclimatization to the altitude. Some excursions take place in the vicinity of San Pedro, 8,200 and 9,850 feet above sea level; others are at intermediate levels between 9,840 and 13,120 feet; and the most demanding reach heights of up to 6,000 meters. (19,680 feet) The Hotel's motto is: "Here each person decides what he does". It is as enjoyable to simply go for a walk, ride a bicycle, or relax at the hotel as conquer the high altitude peaks. The weather in the Atacama is pleasent throughout the year. Consequently there are usually no limitations to taking all the excursions on any given day. Each day explora guests can join a variety of explorations; walking, horseback riding or biking. You can choose from 8 to 10 different options which have been specifically selected according to the weather, guests' desires, the duration and its difficulties. All explorations are accompanied by explora guides and are available at all levels of abilities to explore the nature or the history of Atacama. Be in the Andes experiencing the power of heights of more than 13,120 feet, enjoy the volcanoes and plateaus or visit the small villages with their traditions and folklore.
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