I stayed at this hotel for three nights in September and found the hotel to be a charming experience. The architecture blends beautifully with the surrounding desert, and has some really interesting and imaginative decorative features. We had one of the newest rooms, which was pleasantly furnished and had a wonderful outdoor rainshower. This was wonderful to use under the brilliant blue sky. The swimming pool area is also a great place to relax during the heat of the day, as they have built-in loungers under a shady pergola.

The breakfast was included in the daily rate and was quite adequate to get you started. Tea and coffee are also on offer to guests at all times of the day. Do drink the Coca tea which helps to avoid altitude sickness, which can be quite a problem at the incredible altitude one is at on various of the day trips. A simple menu is on offer in the restaurant at meal times. The staff were all very pleasant and helpful. The only drawback to this hotel is that it is a good ten minute walk from San Pedro and taxis are a bit scarce. Be sure to get the phone number of a taxi service before venturing out.

San Pedro de Atacama is a fascinating town with a lot of atmosphere and some good restaurants. The whole area is really beautiful, and it is well worth doing as many organised tours as possible. It is quite an adventure and do not expect much in the way of sophistication. We were two women alone and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and did not feel threatened or unsafe at any time.

I stayed five nights at the Altiplano - having extended my stay because I liked it - and having gone to places I liked less I now wish I had stayed longer.

Good things: friendly staff; very relaxed atmosphere in bar/ reception/ cafe area; particularly good breakfast (cereals, fruit, cheese, honey, fruit juice); location on edge of San Pedro and on road to Quitor (where there is an old fort to view); decor - adobe, wood, stone; sitting area outside room where you can watch the sun set on the Andes; cafe with light meals (pizza, soup, sandwiches). Free internet terminals. Hot water. Good laundry service - same-day as standard.

Not so good: no safe in room; road to hotel is not signposted.

Note: pool is for splashing about in, not swimming, and is unheated. Hotel is building ten more cabins. Integrated bar/ cafe/ reception/ lounge area means that you are to some extent dependent on your fellow travellers having the same tastes as you (quiet/ noisy; convivial/ solitary)

We stayed 4 nights in Altiplanico- atacama and it was GREAT!!!

- room: nice, very clean, new, well decorated in a rustic/warm/smart style ( local adobe style with modern decoration)
- heating in the rooms ( we liked it a lot as the nights temperature was around 0 when we were there)
- each room/bungalow is different and has a veranda with a amazing view on the hotel garden and above all an open view on the Andes
- top service : when we had early excursions, the hotel prepared for us a special and substantial breakfast box
- the staff is very friendly, discreet and very efficient
- breakfast with homemade bread and quick lunch are good
- free hot coffee and tea avalaible all day

The hotel is 5 mn walk from the village but it is good as it is quieter, has a better view, a larger space & garden than the other hotels
the restaurant closes between 3pm and 6:30 pm so when coming back from a tour in the afternoon, it is better to have lunch in town.


excellent place to stay and top service

we loved it !!!

We stayed here for 4 nights and LOVED it! Every aspect of the hotel is fitting to the area with a lot of class - very romantic setting. It was impeccably clean and well thought out. The staff was excellent. They helped arrange many tours, etc. The breakfast is outstanding (as well as the dinner). The rooms are nice-sized and done very well. It is slightly outside of town but only 5 minute walk which is preferable especially if you want to "get away". I highly recommend you stay here. You won't regret it.