Awasi

Story

Awasi, derived from the Quechua word "wasi," meaning "house," is born in the remote corners of South America, where towering mountains, ancient glaciers, vibrant jungles, brilliant night skies, and crystal-clear beaches create extraordinary settings for meaningful exploration. You discover remarkable destinations through intimate lodges that combine authentic hospitality with immersive experiences inspired by the surrounding landscapes and cultures.

The journey begins in 2007 with the opening of Awasi Atacama, the first of five distinctive, intimate, and exclusive lodges. At Awasi, time and space belong to you. Every lodge feels like the home of an old friend, guiding you through breathtaking landscapes, native flavors, and hidden gems. Friendship, admiration for each destination, and personalized hospitality create a genuine connection with every stay.

Between 2013 and 2018, Awasi expands to Patagonia and Iguazú, strengthening its commitment to tailor-made explorations that create memorable, personal, and authentic experiences. Each new destination builds meaningful relationships with local communities by creating employment opportunities, supporting local growth, and showcasing regional talent.

As the journey continues across South America, Awasi welcomes Awasi Santa Catarina in southern Brazil in 2024 and Awasi Mendoza in western Argentina in 2025, extending the collection while maintaining the same spirit of personalized exploration.

Every stay is fully tailor-made to match your interests, pace, and travel style. You enjoy the dedicated service of a private guide and a private 4×4 vehicle, allowing complete flexibility to explore each destination in a way that feels personal and meaningful. Awasi's collection of lodges spans the Atacama Desert, Patagonia, Santa Catarina, Iguazú, and Mendoza, with each destination offering experiences shaped by its natural environment, culture, and character.

You can combine two or more Awasi lodges to create the ultimate South American adventure. Complimentary stays at carefully selected hotels in connecting cities, refined local cuisine, elegant accommodations, private excursions, and expert local knowledge come together to create seamless, unforgettable journeys centered entirely around you.

Awasi recognizes time, space, and silence as life's greatest privileges. You experience exceptional journeys that protect nature, preserve biodiversity, and create meaningful connections with the landscapes and communities surrounding each lodge.

Conservation Commitment

Awasi protects 145 hectares of virgin forest in the Atlantic Rainforest near Iguazú National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and accessible exclusively to Awasi guests. The company also protects 200 hectares of native woodland in Patagonia. You can visit these protected areas and witness conservation efforts that safeguard native species, restore natural habitats, and support the long-term preservation of the Atlantic Rainforest.

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

As a member of Relais & Châteaux, Awasi supports a global network of hotels and restaurants committed to creating a better world through hospitality and cuisine. Together with UNESCO and fellow members, Relais & Châteaux promotes responsible practices that address environmental and social challenges while advancing shared sustainability goals for the future.

Carbon Neutrality

Awasi protects a total of 340 hectares of native woodland across Iguazú and Patagonia. These protected forests absorb more than 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually—exceeding the combined emissions generated by the lodges in Patagonia, Atacama, and Iguazú, including guest travel.

At Awasi Santa Catarina, eco-friendly villas feature cross ventilation, solar panels, green roofs, and construction using reforested wood. Ongoing reforestation efforts have already introduced more than 10,000 native trees, strengthening biodiversity and restoring the surrounding environment.

Awasi Patagonia Conservation Project

Located on the edge of Torres del Paine National Park, Awasi Patagonia expands wildlife protection beyond the park's boundaries through a private reserve. This protected area creates additional habitat for native species such as pumas, condors, and guanacos, allowing them to move safely across a larger natural landscape.

Nature & Wildlife

Awasi Iguazú is located within one of the last remaining sections of the Atlantic Rainforest, one of Argentina's richest ecosystems for birdlife, butterflies, and native wildlife. To help protect this threatened environment, Awasi supports local organizations dedicated to wildlife protection, rehabilitation, and the reintroduction of native species. Conservation efforts also include monitoring local wildlife populations, protecting natural habitats, and assisting authorities in preventing illegal hunting and poaching.

12 Commitments to Sustainability

Guided by the 12 Sustainability Commitments of Relais & Châteaux, Awasi integrates responsible hospitality into every aspect of the guest experience by:

• Promoting the richness of hospitality cultures through the unique character of each property.
• Preserving local cultural heritage, architecture, decorative arts, landscapes, and gardens.
• Building strong partnerships with local communities, producers, and suppliers while creating shared value and preserving cultural diversity.
• Serving cuisine that reflects local biodiversity, history, traditions, and regional identity.
• Encouraging appreciation for the relationship between the environment, food, health, and exceptional culinary experiences.
• Supporting the regeneration of terrestrial and marine ecosystems in partnership with public authorities, scientists, non-governmental organizations, and conservation partners.
• Promoting regenerative agriculture, responsible animal welfare practices, and sustainable small-scale fishing.
• Contributing to the global effort to combat climate change through progressive decarbonization and responsible operational practices by 2040.
• Pursuing ambitious environmental goals for water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction, plastic elimination, and the use of seasonal, locally sourced products.
• Supporting local communities by preserving cultural and artisan traditions, expanding educational opportunities, reducing inequalities, and creating opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Providing meaningful careers, excellent working conditions, respectful management, and an inclusive workplace that values individual wellbeing.
• Sharing knowledge, craftsmanship, and sustainability commitments throughout the hospitality ecosystem while fostering respectful and harmonious relationships among guests, employees, and surrounding communities.