6x lodges/hotels in San Pedro de Atacama - tip!
San Pedro de Atacama is a must-visit spot during a trip through Chile or South America, even with kids. The Atacama Desert offers breathtaking landscapes, while San Pedro itself has a unique vibe that's difficult to describe—a mix of bohemian charm and stylish comfort under a layer of desert dust. The town welcomes families, blending adventure with a warm atmosphere. For accommodations, there are various child-friendly lodges and hotels that balance comfort and local character.
I’ll start with the lodge where we stayed ourselves. It’s a kind of farm in San Pedro de Atacama with guest rooms, meaning there are always animals around. Our lodge also organizes various horse-riding trips, ranging from a few hours to several days, but you need to contact them well in advance. We booked a room here last minute and got lucky. We had a great stay, but a pool would have been nice, as it can get very hot around midday in San Pedro de Atacama. Especially with kids, a refreshing dip is welcome. The price definitely aligns with what you get!
We didn’t stay at the following lodges in San Pedro de Atacama ourselves, but each caught my attention for different reasons. Some hotels were unavailable during our visit to San Pedro de Atacama, others were too expensive, or didn’t offer the same benefits as Lodge Atacama Horse. And honestly? If it had been possible, I might have chosen Hotel Kimal or Casa Luna instead :-)
Casa Luna is a cozy hotel just a five-minute drive from the center of San Pedro de Atacama. It exudes warmth and embodies the typical vibe you'd expect from the Atacama Desert. While the hotel rooms appear relatively basic, the swimming pool is inviting, perfect for cooling off. The kids will appreciate some water fun (and not just the kids ;-)). Casa Luna is possibly one of my favorite hotels in the Atacama region.
One of the more expensive hotel options in the region, but you immediately see why. Everything seems to be in perfect order, and there are even 3 swimming pools! This seems like the perfect hotel for those wanting to combine action (such as a morning excursion) and relaxation, as in the aftenoon you can relax with a book on your hotel room's terrace (how cozy does that look!?) or by the hotel poolside. Another advantage for those who don’t want to search for the best excursion: there’s an excursion desk in the hotel itself. So, no need to go far to arrange everything you want to do in San Pedro de Atacama!
Hotel Kimal has the perfect location in the centre of San Pedero de Atacama. Whenever we headed into the center of San Pedro de Atacama (which was often :-)), we passed by Hotel Kimal and were struck by its relaxed atmosphere. It was already fully booked well in advance of our trip, which says a lot. Located right in the bustling center, it seems to offer a serene atmosphere behind the hotel walls. You can book massages or relax by the pool. And if you think it sounds too fancy and not kid-friendly—think again! The family rooms are very inviting for children too!
"This hotel is a great option in terms of price/quality ratio. It offers nice rooms, a pool, and a solid all-around experience. Located not too far from the center of San pedro de Atacama, you only need to step outside to find yourself in the lively main street of San Pedro de Atacama.
Explora Atacama is a must-mention in this list of hotels, though I wonder how many people would actually choose it. Not because of what they offer, but because Explora comes with a hefty price tag. However, this isn’t without reason. Explora operates on an all-inclusive concept, meaning meals and excursions are included in the price. Upon arrival, you can decide with your personal guide what you’d like to do and at what pace. If you want the ultimate experience with minimal hassle, Explora is the place. If I ever get the chance to stay, I’ll grab it with both hands. They’ve also won several awards for sustainability and contributions to local initiatives
So, is San Pedro de Atacama a place to travel with your kids? 100% yes! The kids should be a bit adventurous, as it’s not your average vacation spot, but there are so many fun things to do with the kids, the atmosphere is great, and you’ll definitely find a hotel that meets your needs and wishes!