Atacama Checar Hostal

so this is not a hidden gem ... its the jewel of Atacama. We came to San Pedro de Atacma tired and jaded after 2 months travel, thru from Cartagena thru Peru into Chile. we were shocked by the friendliness of the host.... She did not just provide us information on where to go over the 3 days we were there but she lent us her office computer to book our entry tickets to Laguna Miscanti and more... this was no longer hospitality this was a Hostal where we strangers from India were welcomed as family... The whole place exuded warmth.. from the restaurant fireplace to the delicious breakfast [ the homeade jams , local cheese and the walnuts were memorable] the host gave us more than directional tips , she recommended to us on what to wear for high altitude colder places like Agua Caliente near Argentina . ..we were even trusted the front gate keys so that we could leave at an unearthly hour for the geysers !! The rooms were well appointed with incredible hot showers, fluffy towels, great linen and warm duvets. this was after suffering the cold showers that we were inflicted with in almost every Peruvian Hotel and Hostal. btw. the terrace is a great spot to watch sunrise. we never had time to use the great open BBq in the patio [ i have to return just for that] Another plus point is its proximity to San Pedro town yet a great night sky. I will definitely return to such a magical spot in this drab world !!! negative// positive feedback -- I just wish they served Pisco Sours :)

We were a group of friends, on the adventure of a lifetime, traveling for nearly two months when we arrived at San Pedro de Atacama, almost towards the end of our adventure. After a strange couple of nights at a different Hostal, we arrived into a warm welcome at Atacama Checar and Aracelli. She was so thrilled to have visitors all the way from India. And we were so thankful for the warm welcome. She allowed us an early check in and, although I had asked to just leave our bags there until check in time, she gave us keys to our rooms the moment we arrived. We had had issues with water at the place we stayed at before our arrival and were so relieved to be able to have hot showers. Aracelli immediately enquired about our plans and made timely suggestions so that we could optimise our time in San Pedro and the Atacama desert. The experiences we had were so incredible, thanks to her input. And we were appropriately warm because of the extent of information she gave us. Breakfast was really amazing with her home made preserves and hot croissant's & nuts. She was kind enough to allow me the use of her microwave so I could eat my hot vegetarian meal before accompanying my carnivorous friends on the nights out. The rooms were super clean, well appointed, had hot showers, electric blankets & amazingly fluffy towels. She conveniently had a laundry service which I was thankful for, and even washed my whites separately. Most importantly, we felt totally at home, and I felt like I had made a new wonderful friend all the way across the world from where I lived. Thank you Atacama Checar, Aracelli & Ivan ♥️