Awasi Collection

Itinerary Highlights

Perhaps no brand in South American hospitality is more synonymous with luxury and sophistication as Awasi. Best known for their signature properties in Chile, Awasi’s recent expansion into Argentina offers discerning travelers the ability to explore three of South America’s most quintessential destinations in exclusivity. In addition to flawless design and world-renowned gastronomy, Awasi provides guests with private guide and vehicle, ensuring curated excursions customized to your tastes on your schedule. 

Begin your journey in the driest place on earth, the Atacama Desert. Located in the heart of the bohemian town of San Pedro, Awasi Atacama is nestled behind an unassuming adobe wall, nearly impossible to detect from the street. Upon entering the grounds a sensation of oasis is abound; earth tones pair with lush greens reflective of the surprisingly prolific flora of the Atacama as a sprawling pool invites guests returning from adventures in the desert. Suites, constructed from adobe and round in shape, channel authentic local structures. The understated rooms are luxuriously appointed, providing you with the ideal environment for rest and relaxation following days spent exploring the remarkable region. With the help of your private guide you’ll develop a daily itinerary of unforgettable excursions, from swimming at the Tatio Geysers to cycling through the Valley of the Moon to traversing salt flats. 

Your next stop takes you due south to the opposite end of Chile’s borders. Awasi Patagonia is perhaps the most recognizable of the three properties, with the iconic Las Torres peaks serving as a backdrop for the lodge’s luxury container villas. The groundbreaking design of these villas is matched only by the experience afforded by such intimate immersion into nature in its most breathtaking form. Sit in your private hot tub and take in the majestic mountains as your wood stove burns a cozy fire. Patagonia is an outdoorsman’s paradise with some of the best hiking in the world. Your private guide will curate your experiences from horseback riding to mountain biking to the unforgettable Las Torres base trek. 

Quickly stop in Santiago for an evening as you continue onto your final destination: Iguazu Falls, Argentina. As the newest addition to the Awasi family, the lodge has redefined the destination both in terms of luxury and experience. Awasi Iguazu offers an immersion into the region where the waterfalls are merely the beginning. Here you’ll not only have access to both the Brazilian and Argentinenan sides of the Falls, you will have the opportunity to explore largely untouched portions of the Atlantic Rainforest, rich in flora and fauna. In the comfort of your private four-wheel drive vehicle, your private guide can accompany you on kayaking trips or visits to the region’s historic mission ruins. The lodge’s 14 villas embrace their jungle surroundings with rich woods and lush greenery. Each villa boasts a private pool overlooking the forest.

Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival to the airport you will be met by your driver and guide who will transfer you in a private vehicle toward downtown Santiago for hotel check-in. Once you have settled in, you will head with your guide to explore the city of Santiago. Soak up in this impressive city during the private tour which includes visits to historical sites, such as the neoclassical La Moneda Palace, Plaza de Armas and San Cristobal Hill. Don’t miss out on the panoramic views of the mountains (Cordillera de los Andes) by traveling to the top of San Cristobal hill by cable car. Venture beyond the city into the varied neighborhoods like the bohemian artsy Bellavista or the high-end areas of Las Condes and Vitacura.

Overnight at The Ritz Carlton (no meals included)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in Santiago for your flight to Calama, the entrance point to the Atacama Desert. Upon arrival in Calama, your guide and driver will escort you to your vehicle which will take you to Awasi Atacama, located in the ancient trading town of San Pedro de Atacama. Awasi Atacama has just 15 suite villas of which each villa is provided their very own 4x4 jeep and expert local guide for the duration of their stay. Private excursions can be done by jeep, on foot, by bike or on horseback without restrictions. There are no pre-set schedules and no limitations.

With private patios, tall trees providing natural shade and open-air communal areas to enjoy the world’s clearest skies, Awasi is the perfect place to enjoy the very best of the Atacama.

This afternoon and evening is yours to discuss activities with your private guide or simply explore the area at your leisure. The following days are completely up to you, and schedules can be planned with your guide to ensure you include everything you are looking to do during your Atacama Desert experience.

Overnight at Awasi Atacama (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Explore the majestic Atacama Desert with your private guide and 4x4 vehicle, which is equipped with radio and GPS to access remote areas. A few of Craft Travel’s favorite excursions is hiking the Moon Valley and witnessing the different color contrasts of a desert. Traveling to Tatio Geyser is also an unforgettable experience, where underground springs spray out steam and hot water in spurts. Afterwards, you can visit the town of Machuca or stop at the Puritama hot springs for a delicious dip in volcanic pools.

Options include, but are not limited to, nature trekking and horseback riding to Geysers, valleys, canyons; wildlife viewing of flamingos, vicunas, and foxes; cooking classes with a local chef, hot air balloon rides, outdoor picnics and more. Your private guide will review all options depending on your interest and physical capabilities.

Overnight at Awasi Atacama (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After a hearty Chilean breakfast, your driver will be waiting to take you back to the airport for your flight to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales (contingent on flight schedule) via Santiago International Airport. Upon landing, a driver and property representative will meet with you and take you to the stunning Awasi Patagonia property, a ride of approximately 4.5 hours from Punta Arenas or 2 hours from Puerto Natales, through the incredibly varied landscapes of Patagonia.

Inspired by old Patagonian shelters and ranching outposts, there are just twelve villas (one of them with two suites) in Awasi’s private reserve. These are positioned in such a way as to ensure the utmost privacy and also offer the best views of the forest, Lake Sarmiento, the pampas and Torres del Paine. The villas are built on stilts for minimal environmental impact, and each boasts a hot tub, wood burning stove, living room and measures 80 square meters.

Enjoy this all-inclusive resort as you wish, utilizing private guide services to craft the perfect Patagonian experience. Your private guide will review all excursion options with you depending on your tiqnerests, for the following few days.

Overnight at Awasi Patagonia (Breakfast & Dinner)

Enjoy this all-inclusive resort as you wish, utilizing private guide services to craft the perfect Patagonian experience. Activities include, but are not limited to, nature trekking to lakes, forests, waterfalls and mountains; wildlife viewing of foxes, horses, sheep and the odd puma; interacting with local gauchos and learning about their traditional lifestyle and more. Maybe today hike around the Grey Peninsula through the dense and enchanting Lengas forest until you reach the peaceful glacial beach. Perhaps finish your journey with the most sought after, challenging journey - the hike to Base Torres and its glacial lagoon, a site 12 million years in the making.

Enjoy your final evening in Chile with a long, delicious dinner in the lodge’s beautiful restaurant.

Overnight at Awasi Patagonia (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After lunch and checkout, it is time to depart to Santiago for an overnight at the airport hotel, before your jungle rainforest adventure begins. Alternatively, an overnight or two can be arranged in Buenos Aires for a cosmopolitan and cultural experience, right before heading to the jungle.

Overnight at The Holiday Inn Airport Hotel (Breakfast & Lunch)

Following breakfast, you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Iguazu Falls, via Buenos Aires, on the Argentinian side. Upon arrival in Iguazu, you will be transferred to your lodge located right in the jungle and on the banks of the river Iguazu. Each villa is assigned a private guide and 4WD, allowing you to explore the uniqueness of this location at your own pace and interests.

After meeting with your private guide, you will have a briefing to review all of the excursions according to your expectations. This is a key aspect in order to make the most of your stay. Among many of the activities offered, we recommend visiting the Brazilian side of the falls today, which offers impressive panoramic views of these thundering falls. Enjoy around 1,200 meters of walkways along the Iguazu River and watch the iconic dusky swifts fly through the cascades as the sun slowly sets on the rainforest’s canopy.

Return to Awasi and end your day sipping on a mate-infused cocktail, enjoy the soothing evening breeze on the terrace and sample some of our chef’s creations using local ingredients.

Overnight at Awasi Iguazu (Breakfast & Dinner) 

Among many activities offered, we recommend exploring the upper and lower circuits of the falls, as well as Devil’s Throat. Set off early to beat the crowds and the heat. Drive 20 minutes to the Argentine Iguazu National Park for a walk along, around and over some of the most magnificent waterfalls of the world. Spend the morning exploring the park’s upper and lower walkway circuits, where you will enjoy breathtaking views and have the opportunity to spot wildlife. As you will have your own vehicle and guide, feel free to decide if you would prefer a gourmet picnic lunch in the park, or would rather return to the hotel for your meal. Nonetheless, in the afternoon, we recommend visiting the famous Devil’s Throat and marvel at nature’s strength.

Overnight at Awasi Iguazu (Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner) 

Experience an original Awasi outing: explore the Alto Parana River on a motorboat, visit the secluded Yasi waterfall and get the change to swim in one of the largest rivers in the region. Afterwards, relax on the shore with a gourmet picnic. In the afternoon, enjoy a hike through a part of authentic Atlantic Rainforest. Return to Puerto Iguazu and, if you still feel like exploring, end the day enjoying a different side of the Parana (“the ocean’s brother”, in native Guarani tongue”). This majestic river connects continental cities and whole countries with the Atlantic Ocean, harboring countless tales of love, commerce and wars. Puerto Iguazu’s strategic location offers the one-time opportunity to watch a sunset in this unique location and learn a bit about Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay’s history.

Overnight at Awasi Iguazu (Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner) 

The Guarani tribes are native to these lands, where they arrived thousands of years ago in search of the “land without evil”. One of their tribes, the Yasi Pora settlement, is just 10 minutes away from Awasi and offers and excellent opportunity to get acquainted with their culture in an intimate manner. Learn about their history and beliefs as you walk through the rainforest that is their home.

You will be transferred to either the IGR or IGU airports for your departing flight home.

(Breakfast)

• 12 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)

• Daily breakfast

• All meals and local spirits at all Awasi properties

• All lodge-based activities with private guides at all Awasi properties

• Scheduled guided touring as specified

• All ground transfers between airports and accommodations (internal flights not included)

• All entrance fees as mentioned on tour

• Traveller Made ® Member Agency benefits at Awasi Iguazu::

  • Complimentary upgrade (subject to availability)

  • Early check-in and late check out (subject to availability)

  • Pre-set traditional meal experience for two

  • Local traditional gift

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international or internal flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

• The best time to visit the Patagonian region is in late September through mid-March. We at Craft Travel Group are huge fans of the early season in late September and early to mid October, as the parks are less crowded. With that being said, the months September and October are great months for visiting the Atacama Desert as well, as rain is less likely and the skies are clearer due to no humidity. 

• To experience the best visibility in the Atacama Desert for stargazing, it is important to schedule the trip around the lunar schedule. Please consult with your Travel Designer on the best dates.

• Patagonia is shared by both Chile and Argentina, making it a perfect excuse to continue the adventure to the Argentinian Patagonian region. The Argentine side features arid steppes and grasslands, while the Chilean side has glacial fjords and temperate rainforest. Just a few hours away and crossing the border by car, visit Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, and for the more adventurous soul, visit the pinnacles of Monte Fitz Roy for a world-class hike.

• For those with a curious palette, consider an extension trip of 2-3 nights to explore the Central Valley of Chile, near Santiago, one of the most important wine-producing regions of all South America.