Hostal Illauca de Atacama

The free tea and coffee all day were a nice touch, and I tried some herbal teas I hadn't come across before. I also used the little cold plunge pool every day. The rooms were nice and the family running the hostel were kind and hardworking, with an almost fanatical daily clean that kept the place spotless despite all the desert dust. It was usually quiet, and there’s a full kitchen to use in the evenings plus a windy roof deck with good views that seemed underused. The location needs thinking through if you don’t have a car. It’s a 15-20 minute walk into town for food and restaurants, and it’s boiling hot and very dusty, with nothing nearby. I only noticed the small sign by the back kitchen door on my last day, offering rides for 3000 pesos, which seemed well worth it. The room also got very hot in the afternoon sun, and there’s no AC. The owners speak only Spanish, so you may struggle if you don’t speak it. Foreign credit cards are charged as debit cards, so they won’t work unless you have a PIN or a debit card. Breakfast starts at 8, just when most tours pick up, though you can ask ahead for takeaway snacks.

We’d definitely come back. The host was polite and accommodating, and both the facilities and service were really nice. The pool felt like a must-have to us, and we could use the bikes at no extra cost. There’s also a rooftop with great views over San Pedro. We had a fantastic stay.

The staff were so relaxed and helpful that it felt like staying with a laid-back friend. We could use the kitchen whenever we wanted, and there was a fridge with water, beer, and soft drinks for purchase. Breakfast was simple but good for a hostel. The beds were big and clean, and the WiFi was great. There’s a laundry machine you can use for a fee. They also have a nice 4x4 available to rent on the property, cheaper than other rentals in town. We just took the keys and drove out to Valle de la Luna on our own, which was super convenient. Would recommend.

We enjoyed the few days we spent here. It was a very quiet place, with friendly staff, great service, and everything was really clean. I recommend it!