Explora Atacama & Valle Nevado
If you are looking for something beyond your average ski holiday, combine a few days exploring Atacama, the driest desert on earth staying in the small desert oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. Then after a few days experiencing this natural wonder of the world you will transfer to the Tres Valles where you will be based in a deluxe ski-in/ski-out at Valle Nevado. You will have 2 and a half days to explore this huge ski area and soak up the Chilean ski scene.
Atacama
The small desert oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama springs up out of nowhere after a drive through part of the driest desert in the world. The looming presence of the 5,920 meter-high Lincancabur Volcano provide the perfect backdrop to this experience, and visits to the expansive salt flats are rich in wildlife as many types of birds, including three species of flamingos come to feed on tiny brine shrimp. Couple these experiences with long magenta and orange sunsets over the jagged horizon and some of the clearest skies in the world and you can understand why many people consider this part of the world to be one of its natural wonders.
During your time at San Pedro de Atacama you will be hosted by Explora Atacama who will treat you like royalty and offer you the experience of a lifetime. Explora Atacama offer more than 40 explorations that can be completed hiking, by bike, by van, horseback riding or in their observatory, you’ll be able to discover the deepest mysteries of the desert: its contrasts, geography, the sky, wildlife and culture!
Valle Nevado
By contrast, Valle Nevado ski area is located less than 25 miles from Santiago, Chiles capital city and offer some of the world's best skiing. From here you have access to not only the huge Valle Nevado ski area but also the ski areas of El Colorado & La Parva.
You'll be staying in one of the ski resort's best hotels (either Hotel Valle Nevado or Hotel Puerta Del Sol) where you can ski right to the door, relax in the incredible outdoor pool and partake on great food, wine & other activities the resort has to offer.
Itinerary Snapshot
| Day |
Activity |
Overnight |
| 1 |
Transfer-in/drop-off & Explora Atacama |
San Pedro de Atacama |
| 2 |
Experiences with Explora Atacama |
San Pedro de Atacama |
| 3 |
Experiences with Explora Atacama |
San Pedro de Atacama |
| 4 |
Transfer to Calama Airport / Transfer to Valle Vevado |
Valle Nevado |
| 5 |
Ski day at Valle Nevado |
Valle Nevado |
| 6 |
Ski day at Vale Nevado |
Valle Nevado |
| 7 |
Half-day ski at Valle Nevado / transfer out to Santiago / Airport |
|
Accommodation
For the first 3 nights you will saty at San Pedro de Atacama and then the last 3 nights you have a choice of the 2 Valle Nevado hotels (the cost is the same in each case) however may be subject to availability at the time of booking plus the Hotel Valle Nevado has some timing restrictions at various times during the season.
San Pedro de Atacama - 3 nights
Located on a 42-acre property in an area once inhabited by a native Atacameno community, the hotel has worked to maintain the culture of the space, restoring and maintaining many of the original buildings and pathways. From the hotel's terraces there are beautiful views of the many volcanic mountains lining the Atacama Desert and of the clear skies at night. The Explora Atacama is a top of the line experience, made obvious through its four interconnected, outdoor pools (two are heated by solar panels); fine dining option; and on-site observatory. The hotel is the only in Atacama with its own horses, which are housed in a stable at the front of the hotel.
Option 1 - Hotel Valle Nevado - 3 nights
With 53 comfortable rooms, all with a terrace and direct access to the slopes, Hotel Valle Nevado is the most exclusive luxury accommodation in the Valle Nevado ski resort. All rooms were renovated in 2011 and all have spectacular views of the Andes and the ski slopes. A number of bars and restaurants are within a few minutes' walk, and the best one - Restaurant La Fourchette (French-Mediterranean fare) - that serves Mediterranean cuisine is located within the hotel. The hotel also has an outdoor heated pool.
Notes for Hotel Valle Nevado: Regular season is the two periods from June 28 to July 11, 2019 and from July 26 to August 22, 2019. During this period, bookings must be made on a weekly basis (7 nights from Friday to Friday) or by mini-week (4 nights from Friday to Tuesday or 3 nights from Tuesday to Friday), except for the week June 28 to July 4 which does not require a minimum of nights.
Option 2 - Hotel Puerta del Sol - 3 nights
Hotel Puerta del Sol is a middle-of-the-road lodging option aimed toward families. Some rooms have balconies, and all have incredible views. Half-board includes breakfast and dinner, and guests have access to all of the main hotel's services, including the gym, Kids Care (additional costs apply), cinema, heated outdoor pool, day spa (additional costs apply), and restaurants. The hotel is very kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible.Note: Hotel Puerta del Sol is Half-board only
About Equipment Rental
Ski/snowboard equipment (boots, poles, skis, snowboards) are not included in package price, and Upscape does not rent this equipment. Your driver from Santiago will be happy to take you to one of our recommended ski rental facilities on your way to the mountains. Please note that ski shops are not connected with Upscape and there is no way to guarantee the type or brand of equipment available. Most clients prefer to bring their own equipment.
Ability
As these packages are for private groups they are suitable to beginners up to experts skiers & boarders.
