EcoAdventures to Explora Estancia de Larache in Atacama, the Driest Desert in the World

Explora in Atacama Explora guy pg13

Atacama, the driest desert in the world

Atacama, the driest desert in the world, stretches along the Pacific Coast of South America from Northern Peru to south of Antofagasta, Chile. This desert, however, teems with life at numerous, rich oases that are fed by the great fluvial watershed of the Andes.

Ancient pre-Colombian mummy at Fr. LePaige's Museum, San Pedro de Atacama

This was the cradle of civilization in South America, and while the Incas were still an obscure tribe of cave dwellers in the Andes, rich and highly advanced civilizations flourished at these abundant oases. Due to the almost total lack of humidity, the remnants of their past are landmarks in the area in the form of tombs, mummies, beautiful textiles, and huge ground drawings. The maintenance of their traditions gives life to small towns today. "Cordilleras" as the mountains are called, volcanoes, saltpetreses, geysers, and hot springs add splendor to the landscape.

explora Estancia Explora Estancia de Larache lies thirty kilometers (18.6 miles) from San Pedro de Atacama, at an altitude of 3,100 meters (10,170 feet), on a tract of land of 18,500 acres. Its centerpiece is the "Termas de Puritama" with numerous hot springs emanating, where guests can bathe under the blue skies or the night stars of Atacama. The tapestries, wicker and furnishings of the hotel were made by local artisans, to maintain the Atacama flavor and traditions.

Each day, Explora guests can choose to join from 8 to 10 explorations of varying duration and strenuousness, which have been carefully created according to weather conditions. Guests can explore the nature and history of the Atacama by walking, horse trekking, by van or mountain bikes (especially imported from Bedford, Pennsylvania), and are always accompanied by guides specially trained in archaeology and the local environment.

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Tour Rates Per Person 2009*
Length of Stay	4 Days/3 Nites		5 Days/4 Nites		6 Days/5 Nites		7 Days/6 Nites		8 Days/7 Nites		9 Days/8 Nites
Room	Dbl	Sgl	Dbl	Sgl	Dbl	Sgl	Dbl	Sgl	Dbl	Sgl	Dbl	Sgl
Tulur - a room with a view and silence!	$1920	2760	$2560	3680	$3150	4530	$3708	5370	$4249	6181	$4768	6976
Yali	$2070	2979	$2760	3972	$3390	4890	$3996	5790	$4578	6664	$5144	7528
Suite Catur	$2895	4164	$3860	5552	$4750	6835	$5586	8100	$6405	9317	$7192	10520
Family Rates**	$1200		1600		2000		2400		2800		3200
Extra Bed Rate***	$825		1100		1375		1650		1925		2200
Note: Family rates are not applicable on single rooms. Special rates for youngsters (up to 15 years old) accompanying their parents are subject to availability. Explorations suggested for children above 12 years of age. Rates valid January 1, 2009 until December 31, 2009. Applies to youngsters up to 15 years old, accompanying their parents. **Applies to children 4-12 years old, sharing a room with two adults, up to a maximum of one extra bed per room. Children under 3 years old complimentary when sharing a room with their parents. Extra nights are available upon request.

Rates for these programs include:
*Round-trip transfers from Calama Airport to explora™ Estancia, all meals, bottled water and beverages such as juice, soft drinks, complimentary wine and domestic alcohol with lunches and dinners.
*Choice of daily excursions/explorations in the natural area of Atacama, and to the sites of pre-Columbian, colonial and contemporary cultures. Groups no larger than ten, with bilingual guides, equipment, horses, vehicles and food.

Rates do not include:
*Gratuities and airport taxes
*Alcoholic beverages, tips, or food not included in the daily menus.
Note: Rates and programs are subject to change without notice.

Enjoy the natural beauty of the Atacama Desert from the comfort of the explora Estancia.

EcoAdventures, Inc.
16375 Monterey Street, Suite E
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
CST #1011294-10
800-326-5025
408-465-8181
Fax: 408-465-8177