Awasi Atacama, Atacama Desert
Jun 5, 2018, 6:22 am
#32
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: USA
Programs: Amex Plat, AA Exec, CITI Prestige, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold and all ever changing
Posts: 218
I personally was interested in Awasi, but the rustic feel is not my wife's cup of tea. Also, I have heard mixed feedback on the use of air conditioning there (hence my earlier question on it) and am glad they have them. Seemed in the past they did not or had issues with them. With the high temps, I need reassurances of air conditioning (even if they would not be needed), that's my basic requirement (at any price range, but, definitely at this one).
Jun 6, 2018, 5:46 pm
#34
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 35
I would certainly never suggest someone visit Awasi Atacama as a hotel destination, but if you're interested in visiting the Atacama desert (which I thought was amazing, and in some ways preferred to Patagonia, even though the Awasi hotel there is superior), I'd strongly recommend. The hotel itself is luxury enough, and having a private guide makes all the difference. The scenery and excursions are amazing – here's a picture in "Mars Valley":
Also – if you make it all the way up to Atacama, I'd recommend combining with a trip into Bolivia to see the Salar de Uyuni (and the lagoons along the way). There's definitely nothing that would remotely qualify as luxury along the way, and you spend a lot of time in a car, but the landscapes are spectacular:
Also – if you make it all the way up to Atacama, I'd recommend combining with a trip into Bolivia to see the Salar de Uyuni (and the lagoons along the way). There's definitely nothing that would remotely qualify as luxury along the way, and you spend a lot of time in a car, but the landscapes are spectacular:
Jun 7, 2018, 9:59 am
#37
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 35
Sorry - to be clear, it’s a great (probably the best) hotel option if you’re visiting Atacama (which anyone who enjoys nature should!). But it’s not what I would call a “hotel destination” - it’s not in the class of hotels that one would travel specifically to stay in.
Jun 8, 2018, 5:03 pm
#38
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: NJ
Programs: UA LTG, AA LTG, Bonvoy LTP, IHG Plat, LHW Sterling
Posts: 2,405
Excellent stay in April 2012
My wife and I stayed at Awasi Atacama for 5 nights in April 2012. Overall it was an exceptional stay. We had the same round room as the OP and it looked pretty much the same 6 years ago. I would like to note that some properties do not photograph well and are far better in person... I think Awasi Atacama is one of these properties.
My stay pretty much echos the comments of the OP. Our private guide, and for longer trips guide and driver, was excellent and tailored everything to our needs.
Food was always enjoyable, but not spectacular. I got the impression the Awasi tried to tailor their service level to each individual guest (based on input from you guide).
In 2012 the Awasi did not have AC. I do not like heat and often have a difficult time in tropical locations with comfort, but I did not have any problem at Awasi. One big advantage of having no AC was not having to listen to all of the compressor units buzzing incessantly. The combination of lower overnight temperatures and very low humidity made for a comfortable stay. Apparently they have now added AC...
My stay pretty much echos the comments of the OP. Our private guide, and for longer trips guide and driver, was excellent and tailored everything to our needs.
Food was always enjoyable, but not spectacular. I got the impression the Awasi tried to tailor their service level to each individual guest (based on input from you guide).
In 2012 the Awasi did not have AC. I do not like heat and often have a difficult time in tropical locations with comfort, but I did not have any problem at Awasi. One big advantage of having no AC was not having to listen to all of the compressor units buzzing incessantly. The combination of lower overnight temperatures and very low humidity made for a comfortable stay. Apparently they have now added AC...
Last edited by schriste; Jun 12, 2018 at 4:19 pm Reason: Added photo
Jun 10, 2018, 6:56 am
#39
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
atacama and patagonia have "4x4 vehicle" per room
iguazu apparently / unacceptably didnt open that way >
awasi publish free night (at awasi) & combo discount
atacama and patagonia areas can be VERY cold
iguazu apparently / unacceptably didnt open that way >
atacama and patagonia areas can be VERY cold
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Jun 10, 2018 at 7:36 pm
Feb 18, 2023, 12:36 pm
#40
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 316
Any recent stays? Trying to decide between awasi tierra or alto for 3 or 4 nights in Nov. Location looks a bit questionable vs the other two. Depending on basic room availability the price difference is substantial, could easily cover some private excursions at tierra/alto I think Will be doing a 5/6 night trip in torres del Paine beforehand. Have selected explora for this as location is best. Hopefully they have some fitter group hiking options as I've read. But might be inclined for private excursions by the time we get to atacama
Feb 18, 2023, 12:46 pm
#41
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 106
Any recent stays? Trying to decide between awasi tierra or alto for 3 or 4 nights in Nov. Location looks a bit questionable vs the other two. Depending on basic room availability the price difference is substantial, could easily cover some private excursions at tierra/alto I think Will be doing a 5/6 night trip in torres del Paine beforehand. Have selected explora for this as location is best. Hopefully they have some fitter group hiking options as I've read. But might be inclined for private excursions by the time we get to atacama
Thanks
Feb 18, 2023, 1:31 pm
#42
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: NYC
Programs: virtuoso & all other luxury hotel agent programs. Private jet broker
Posts: 29
Feb 18, 2023, 1:34 pm
#43
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 316
yeah save time on drive, and I get the feeling they have the most dialed hiking program, read about special boat for one of the day hikes etc. We are doing this instead of W circuit basically so don't need over the top pampering
Feb 18, 2023, 3:43 pm
#44
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 316
maybe I should be thinking of doing 3 nights awasi 3 nights explora in patagonia. My thinking was for the popular day hikes we want to do there will be crowds anyway as far as provate guiding goes... it is annoying that rates between explora and awasi are similar for our dates
Last edited by tdiddy23; Feb 18, 2023 at 3:49 pm
Feb 18, 2023, 3:56 pm
#45
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: NYC
Programs: virtuoso & all other luxury hotel agent programs. Private jet broker
Posts: 29
maybe I should be thinking of doing 3 nights awasi 3 nights explora in patagonia. My thinking was for the popular day hikes we want to do there will be crowds anyway as far as provate guiding goes... it is annoying that rates between explora and awasi are similar for our dates