The hotel, one of the most exclusive in the country and part of the Tierra Hotels family, reopened its doors on April 1, 2025, after a year-long renovation and a $20 million investment.
Located on the outskirts of the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, Tierra Atacama has just reopened after an extensive year-long renovation that modernized its rooms, common areas, spa, and gardens, aiming to elevate the guest experience and reinforce its commitment to harmony with the environment and sustainability.
Originally opened in January 2008, the hotel was built around a century-old livestock corral and was the first of Tierra Hotels’ sustainable luxury boutique lodge collection. It was designed by architect Matías González and Tierra Hotels founder Miguel Purcell, using traditional adobe walls and rammed earth.

2025: A New Vision for the Hotel
With the goal of creating more intimate and elevated spaces, much of the original creative team returned to bring a contemporary feel while honoring the hotel’s history and location. After the renovation, Tierra Atacama now offers a seamless, unforgettable experience that highlights the stunning natural surroundings of the desert.
The design is inspired by travertine, representing the salt flats, and the midnight blue of the cosmos and night sky. True to Tierra’s spirit, the new color palette is drawn from the surrounding nature, featuring muted greens and earthy browns that reflect desert vegetation, and a deep blue inspired by the nighttime sky. Local materials such as travertine stone from nearby quarries were used, and over 40 local artisans created bespoke pieces, bringing harmony and cultural identity to the design.

Rooms
The total number of rooms—cozy, spacious, and all with breathtaking views of the majestic Licancabur Volcano—was reduced from 32 to just 28, including four new, spacious private suites with exclusive service. These 70 m² suites feature framed king beds, large bathrooms, a living room, fireplaces, and a double terrace with a private pool. Guests booking these suites enjoy private transfers and a personal driver-guide for private excursions.
The hotel also offers two family apartments with three bedrooms each, measuring 97 m², with private south-facing terraces and jacuzzis.
Next are the eight Oriente Rooms, 35 m² and east-facing. These rooms feature indoor and outdoor showers, framed beds, and exterior terraces, ideal for couples.
The renovation also included 14 Poniente Rooms, 35 m² and west-facing, with east-facing windows and terraces overlooking the gardens and the Salt Mountains. These rooms are accessed by a small staircase.

Design
Interior designer Carolina Delpiano was inspired by the local communities of San Pedro to select and curate the décor, which includes artifacts, stone carvings, hand-painted maps, handwoven blankets, and more.

Activities
Tierra Atacama combines adventure and wellness, encouraging guests to enjoy the stunning desert landscape outdoors. Guided activities include hikes, horseback riding, e-biking, and a new stargazing experience.

Uma Spa
Guests return from their adventures to a warm and wellness-focused haven centered around Uma Spa. Treatments are inspired by Andean and Mapuche traditions, and the renovated spa now includes a new double treatment room and expansive relaxation areas. The indoor pool is heated to 30°C, while the iconic outdoor pool, with views of the Licancabur Volcano, is kept at a refreshing 15°C. The spa also includes a steam room, sauna, outdoor jacuzzi, and a full range of treatments and massages, including a new cryotherapy experience.
Yoga classes are offered Monday to Friday, and the gym is equipped with a treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical, multi-gym, abs bench, free weights, and yoga mats.

Gastronomy
New Executive Chef Andrés Donoso has created an innovative culinary proposal based on northern Chilean cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. All dishes are prepared in the new kitchen, delighting the senses of guests dining in the 70-seat restaurant.

Lighting
True to its deep respect for the land and its people, the renovation incorporated energy-efficient systems such as LED lighting and modern insulation. Lighting designer Barbara Greene carefully designed the solar-powered outdoor lighting to eliminate excess brightness and reduce nighttime light pollution.

Landscaping
The landscaping, led by Teresa Moller and Barbara Greene, includes many surprises—such as 1,600 trees that serve as a seed bank for native species. The desert oasis garden will evolve over time, sustained by a carefully managed graywater irrigation system.

Sustainability and Environment
The hotel’s commitment to minimizing environmental impact is reflected in its sustainability strategy, which includes the use of renewable and solar energy, natural resource protection, waste management, and strong relationships with local communities. During the renovation, many pieces of furniture were refurbished and reused, the solar power system was upgraded, and efficient insulation was installed to reduce energy consumption.
Much of the work was carried out in collaboration with the local community, infusing the project with a true Atacameño spirit and supporting small local businesses.