Nayara Alto Atacama is an oasis that embraces the desert with worry-free stays

Captivating, the Atacama Desert It is one of those destinations in the world where extreme and unparalleled landscapes help to elevate the mystical aura of the region. I’m talking about a mix of volcanoes, dunes, canyons, geysers, lagoons, salt deserts and even a diverse fauna and flora. To do so, suitable accommodation is necessary.

Whoever accomplishes the mission is the Nayara Alto Atacama an ecological resort with 42 accommodations located outside the center of San Pedro de Atacama, a city that is the base for exploring the wonders of the desert.

And that makes all the difference: three kilometers from the main streets, the hotel with no neighbors embraces the landscape and blends in with it. Opening the curtains means coming face to face with rock formations. Death Valley and from Salt Mountain Range with the Devil’s Throat and Pukará de Quitor, an old stone fortress from the 12th century, in the surroundings.

Given this horizon, the hotel was one of my choices for recording the 8th season of CNN Viagem & Gastronomia, whose first two episodes were dedicated to Atacama. Nayara helped with immersion in the desert, where until sunset it is a fascinating program, offering designed activities and tailor-made experiences, including dinners with the best of northern Chile and star observations to remember.

Andean Rooms and Garden

The Nayara Alto Atacama bears the seal of Nayara Resorts a collection of five other properties built amidst lush natural settings. I had already stayed at resorts in Costa Rica, at the foot of the Arenal volcano – there are three in the area –, but there is also the impressive Nayara Hangaroa, on Easter Island, and a property on a private island in Bocas del Toro, in Panama .

As with other addresses, sustainability and the preservation of unique ecosystems are purposes that are gaining strength. This includes everything from strict waste reduction protocols to the reuse of water to mitigate daily impacts.

But the measures go further: the hotel created a Andean Garden which reproduces local life with cacti and native plants, including a small lake where aquatic life flourishes. The result? Bees and birds are attracted to each other in search of shade and food.

Built with help from the community, the hotel follows the adobe technique, typical of Atacama, in which raw earth, straw and water bricks are used, with colors and textures in harmony with the surrounding nature.

The 42 rooms can reach 70 m² and feature private terraces that benefit from the arid landscapes. They also prevent the sun’s radiation from shining directly into the accommodation, helping to reduce heat – the roofs are covered with a local bush that prevents overheating.

Both the rooms and common areas feature decor that values ​​local culture, with lamps, vases, blankets and tapestries made by Andean hands.

Local wines and herbs at the table

Resort rates also include a all inclusive a hand in the wheel between one adventure and another, and the Ckelar restaurant stands out with his creations. To begin with, the walls have replicas of cave paintings found in the region’s caves, indicating that Chilean and ancestral culture sets the tone of the place.

The mission is to promote a journey through the country’s food from local producers, in which the hotel’s own herbs and fruits feature on the plates and glasses. One tasting menu It is served with the best of the region, including preparations with rica-rica, an ingredient that was used as a medicine, but now appears among dishes and drinks.

The basis of northern Chilean food, with corn and meat, appears on the table combined with tubers and grains. Traditional recipes include corn cake with goat cheese and chañar, a typical fruit from the Atacama Desert, and Charquicán, a meat and vegetable stew.

Wines are among the pairing options, including those from the Ayllu winery, made in the desert, with vineyards above 2,500 meters and subject to water stress and wide thermal amplitude, which results in mineral and striking drinks.

Among the gastronomic experiences, a small bar and Quincho Atacameño stand out, a place next to the pools where Chilean asado is served, a relaxed meal offered by the hotel with different cuts of meat, corn and potatoes.

Trails and stargazing

Traveling to Atacama means visiting fascinating places sculpted by the action of time. For the itinerary, the hotel helps us put together an itinerary adapted to our wants and needs, which includes specialized guides and strategic stops for coffee and picnics in the middle of the desert.

During my stay, the curators embraced fascinating attractions, such as the Tatio Geysers where geothermal activity shows its full strength; the Cactus Valley with trails that take us to landscapes dotted with cacti; and the Atacama Salar an oasis where animals arrive early in the morning to drink water and feed.

But you don’t have to go far: trails close to the hotel can show you a taste of Atacama. If you’re lucky, you can even find vicuñas along the way.

After the tours, there is nothing better than relaxing in the Puri Spa which incorporates ancestral techniques and regional herbs into the menu of experiences. Sounds, aromas, hot water, sauna and contemplation area help us to slow down.

However, one of the highlights of our stay is looking up. This is because Nayara Alto Atacama has at its disposal a own observatory with a professional telescope so we can enjoy the night sky.

The total darkness and silence makes us see planets and constellations with the naked eye. It’s another special invitation to be dazzled by the beauty that the desert offers us.

Nayara Alto Atacama
Camino Pukará, Suchor s/n, San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, Chile / More information at website.

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Source: CNN Brasil