The flight goes by quickly. After 2 hours I arrive in Calama in the middle of the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world.
The airport is manageable. Stone, sand and small houses all around. It’s warm, not hot. A light wind is blowing. And all around… Nothing.
I will be picked up at the airport by the hotel’s shuttle service. They brought a bottle of water with them and explained a lot about what there was to experience here. 3 other guests also got on and off we went to San Pedro de Atacama. An impressive landscape. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Landscapes and Nayara Alto Atacama – a Leading Hotel of the World
Mountains, stones, wind turbines, solar systems and long roads, as we know them from American films. And here and there a llama!
When I arrived at the hotel I can only say: What a beautiful place in the middle of a desert! Hotel Nayara Alto Atacama. It is nestled in a kind of canyon, unexpectedly green on the property. The reception is just great. Everyone introduces themselves, laughs, I laugh. It feels like a perfect match. José explains everything you need to know. Where is the restaurant, spa, swimming pool and sauna (oh yes, sauna in the desert!). The property of the hotel is quite spacious and simply beautifully landscaped. My room is nice and big and has its own terrace with a view of the red stones. I like it straight away and feel good.
Luxury grill – Asado Chilean
I still have some time to freshen up, unpack everything and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. I’ll enjoy dinner at the hotel today. Barbecue with meat, lots of vegetables and bread. Add a glass of red wine and the evening is perfect!
Next to me are Kevin and Steven, two funny Americans who are traveling through South America for 2 months. Kevin is an M&A advisor at Morgan Stanley with a focus on IT startups. Here we are again! The world is small. The second M&A advisor I meet on the trip. What does the universe want to say? I’ll probably have to have conversations 😉
The food was delicious and the service was a dream! Thanks to everyone at https://nayaraaltoatacama.com/!