Sierra Gorda Vacations from $500

Particularly loved the food of the restaurant.

Hotel Desertica blends a prime location, a stellar team, and refined rooms. Communication via WhatsApp was prompt and invaluable. They recommended great tour agencies ahead of time and even saved me from a travel disaster. When I left my passport in my room safe, staff orchestrated a courier to drive it over an hour away to the Calama airport, getting it to me 30 mins after I arrived! It cost 90,000 CLP in cash—a bargain to save my trip. Truly heroic service. Situated right on Caracoles, the heart of the old town, it’s an easy stroll to restaurants and tour operators. It feels very secure and peaceful; a solid adobe wall blocks street noise, and a front gate closes at 10 PM (guests get keys). As I was in Room 1 near the front, I occasionally heard voices/suitcases, but earplugs easily fix that. The made-to-order breakfast is excellent, far better than a standard buffet. Rooms are unique, yurt-like spaces kept immaculate by twice-daily housekeeping, with plentiful filtered water provided. Constructive feedback for winter (June) travelers: Rooms have no A/C (just a fan); while fine for June, my winter timing didn't reveal if this becomes an issue in summer. The evening heat can be quirky: it was 16.8°C after a late tour and struggled to reach my set 21°C. Improving shower drainage/tiling and adding a hot tub for chilly winter nights would take this hotel from great to outstanding. Highly recommended!

If you are thinking of visiting the Atacama desert, this is the place to stay! Hard to describe how wonderful it is - the property is outstanding, the design of the hotel is truly beautiful, the food is fantastic and the staff are all outstanding... Welcoming and knowledgeable, and keen to make your trip unforgettable. The excursions they offer are top class - we booked two private half days through them but we really didn't need to as our other tours were all very small groups. We brought two teenagers and did a range of activities and were truly blow away. Our tour guides were all experienced and engaging and we got to experience so much in just a few days. Finally, special shout out to manager Chris and tour director Pierre who also helped us immediately when my daughter had an allergic reaction as well! Can't say enough about this place - splurge and book it, you won't regret it!

Casa Solcor is like a beautiful oasis in the desert. The entire place is adorably decorated. The staff was extremely helpful with any questions we had about the area or the facility. They helped us plan our daily adventures, set up the hot tub for us, arranged for food delivery... any request they handeled swiftly and kindly. I would love to go back in warmer weather to take advantage of the beautiful pools and common lounge areas. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Location was amazing. I was originally worried that it would be noisy because it’s so central, but it was quiet. The staff were AMAZING! I chatted with Christian a lot which made me change up our itinerary a little bit and it was definitely for the best. The pool was bit too cold for me since we went in May (felt like a cold plunge the one time I went), but it was still nice to lay out. Absolutely recommend this location.