Getting There
Take an international flight to Santiago, Chile (SCL), followed by a 2 1/2 hour flight from SCL to Calama (CJC). explora will transport guests, via a one hour van ride, to explora en atacama.

Climate:
In Atacama all months are vibrant. The climate is magnificent throughout the year, with more than 90% of the days being radiant. During winter (June, July and August) the average daytime temperature varies between 9ºC (48ºF) and 24ºC (75ºF); days are very pleasant, inviting you to lay in the sun’s corridors.

In summer (January, February and March) the average daytime temperature fluctuates between 13ºC (55ºF) and 25ºC (77ºF), reaching maximums of 32ºC (90ºF): a warmer climate inviting you to a good "siesta" before the evening explorations begin. Between January and March, the so called Altiplanic Winter comes with occasional showers.

Altitude
San Pedro de Atacama is 2,443 meters (8,015 feet) above sea level. Some of the explorations may take you to over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) for a short while. If you select to go up the peaks you will find yourself between 5,500 and 6,100 meters (18,044 and 20,013 feet).

Best Time to Visit
Year round

Clothing
Explorations require clothing suitable for trekking. Warmer clothing is necessary when climbing heights or for walking early in the morning or during the late afternoon. We recommend bringing all that’s necessary for protection from the sun.

• Fleece and windbreaker or parka. Short- and long-sleeved cotton shirts.
• Trekking pants (preferably ones that can be unzipped into shorts).
• We suggest thermal underwear for high ascents or to visit the geysers, especially during winter.
• Comfortable hiking boots with anti-slip rubber soles and sturdy ankle support to avoid possible sprains.
• Sneakers or sports shoes.
• Swimsuit.
• Flip-flops for use at the Termas de Puritama hot springs or at lakes.
• Sunglasses.
• Hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Hat or headband to protect your ears from the wind or the cold when at the geysers.
• Sunscreen and lip protection.
• Backpack to carry sunscreen, camera, water, etc.
• For inside the hotel: light, informal clothing (the hotel is heated). explora considers elegance an interior virtue.

Terms and conditions

Programs
Programs have a minimum 3 nights available year round at explora en atacama. To facilitate generous time and space available to enjoy this unforgettable experience, we suggest a stay of 5+ nights.

Rates from July1st to December 31, 2008

Rates from January 1st to December 31, 2009

Note: Family rates not applicable on single rooms. Special rates for youngsters (up to 18 years old) accompanying their parents are subject to availability. Extra bed for children (up to 12 years old) sharing their parents’ room.

Programs include:

• Transfer between Calama Airport and explora en atacama. Transfer schedules subject to change without prior notice.
• Accommodation.
• Full board. 3 meals per day.
• Bar.
• Daily explorations through Atacama’s natural environment and to the sites of pre Columbian, colonial and contemporary cultures offered according to occasion.
• Groups no larger than 10, with bilingual guides, equipment, horses, vehicles and food.

Not included: Air fare; gratuities and other items of a personal nature including laundry, telephone calls, Internet, and massage service.

General Conditions
All reservations and bookings should be submitted in writing via fax, e-mail or letter. We will answer the same way. The reservation will be held on a tentative basis until a 30% deposit is received from the client. All reservations will only be guaranteed upon receipt of such deposit. The balance has to be paid 30 days prior to arrival date. Programs at explora are non-divisible and cannot be transferred.

Cancellation Policies
The following are cancellation penalties applicable according to time of cancellation:

Individuals:

• 60 to 30 days prior to arrival at the hotel: US$ 200 per room.
• 29 to 10 days prior to arrival at the hotel: 30% of the total cost of the reservation.
• 9 to 0 days prior to arrival at the hotel: 100% of the total cost of the reservation.

Groups:

• From 151 days prior to arrival: US$ 200 per person.
• From 150 to 121 days prior to arrival: 50% of total reservation cancelled.
• From 120 to 91 days prior to arrival: 75% of total reservation cancelled.
• From 90 to 0 days prior to arrival: 100% of total reservation cancelled.

Christmas or New Year’s:
When making a reservation for Christmas or New Year’s at explora en Atacama , the following conditions apply:

The full amount of the reservation will be required to confirm, payable within the deadline provided by our reservations department.

The penalty for cancellations will be:

• More than 90 days before arrival: No penalty.
• 90 to 61 days before arrival: 30% of the cost of the reservation.
• 60 to 0 days before arrival: 100% of the cost of the reservation.