Awasi Patagonia, Patagonia

rooms

Inspired by traditional Patagonian shelters and estate outposts, the 14 villas on the Awasi private reserve (including one master villa with two suites) are constructed from native wood so they blend in with their natural surroundings. With easy access to the Main Lodge, each villa enjoys privacy and front row views of the surrounding woodland, Lake Sarmiento and the Torres del Paine Mountain Range. Guests are free to walk and cycle along the trails connecting the villas. As well as an enticingly cosy bedroom, the villas offer a living room, wood burning stove and private outdoor hot tub.

facilities & activities

Guests stay on an all-inclusive basis with private transfers from Puerto Natales and Cerro Castillo, all meals, beverages (including premium wine and spirits), private guided excursions and personal 4WD vehicle.

What sets Awasi apart are the private guide and 4WD vehicle appointed to guests on arrival, thereby opening up limitless opportunities to explore this uttlerly beguiling corner of Patagonia at a pace that suits you. You can go on walks from your villa doorstep, enjoying the different trails in the private reserve. Alternatively, arrange tours with your private guide within and outside the National Park – whether horse-riding, hiking, cycling, or 4WD. Choose between full-day excursions with lunch included (from 4 to 6 hours); or two half-day excursions (between 2 and 5 hours) returning to have lunch at Awasi after the first excursion and heading out again in the afternoon. The bilingual guides are professionally trained in archaeology, history, flora, fauna and first-aid and all vehicles are equipped with GPS so you're in safe hands on this trip of a lifetime. Your personal guide will recommend the best activities for you, based on your preferences and fitness levels. Expect to see lakes of various turquoise hues, glacial valleys and imposing geological formations. There are summits galore decorating the landscape and countless view-points from which to enjoy them. Only one hour away from Awasi, you can view the southern side of the Torres massif in its entirity. This is where you will find some of the most iconic images of Torres del Paine, such as the Los Cuernos mountain peaks and the lakes of Lago Pehoe and Lago Nordenskjold.

Awasi Patagonia is also passionate about wildlife conservation and, as part of their Puma Foundation, have returned 6,000 hectares of natural habitat to the native species. There are between 9 and 12 pumas inhabiting the reserve - an area that just a few years ago was devoid of wildlife.  Guides help monitor the puma populations and keep hunters away, even during the off-season. After just two years of active protection in the Awasi Reserve, an increase in animal presence has already been observed. Not only is there a steady puma population in the area, but other species like the Geoffroy's cat (believed to be extinct in the region) have benefited from the protection as well. As a guest at Awasi you can enjoy Puma Spotting or Puma Tracking - sure to be high on the agenda of any naturalist.

After a day exploring, head back to your villa for a soothing in-room massage and/or a relaxing soak in your outdoor Jacuzzi.

There is complimentary Wi-Fi within the Main Lodge.

dining

Guests stay on an all-inclusive basis. The restaurant offers a daily menu using the finest local ingredients, adapted to guests requirements. Despite the isolated location, guests are in for a culinary treat!

family

Children over the age of 10 are welcome (the private guide and 4WD make Awasi a great option for families as you can go at your own pace). Children between 10 and 18 years of age, pay 50% of the regular rate.

location

The hotel is a 40-minute drive from the gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park in southern Patagonia, with views of Lake Sarmiento. For splendid isolation it is hard to beat; the only neighbours are foxes, sheep, gauchos, horses and the odd puma. Overhead eagles and wide-winged condors roam the wide open skies.

LATAM Airline offers several flights from Santiago to Puerto Natales (PNT) which is 2 hours from Awasi Patagonia by car. Punta Arenas (PUQ) in Chile has several daily flights from Santiago (SCL) and is a five hour transfer from Awasi Patagonia. Transfers are included from the Argentina/Chile border crossing at Cerro Castillo, or from Puerto Natales, Chile. Additional private transfers can be arranged at cost price from Punta Arenas or El Calafate.

The region is subject to extreme weather conditions in Winter when travel is not recommended, otherwise you can expect the following:

Spring (October to December): Flowers in bloom, abundant native plants and optimal bird watching - average temperatures range between 2°C and 18°C.
Summer (January to March): Comfortable but still varying temperatures, strong winds – average temperatures between 5°C and 23°C.
Autumn (mid-March to mid-June): Intense reds, oranges, yellows and greens paint the different trees in and around Torres del Paine. Temperatures between 0°C and 10°C.

The Patagonian climate is known for being intense, unpredictable and changeable. This is part of the special charm of this part of the world and it offers a challenge best conquered by packing lots of layers!