Catalina Balcells

Resident Manager at Awasi Patagonia

From a very young age, I discovered my great passion for people, cooking, and culture, and working in the hospitality industry gave me the perfect opportunity to combine it all. Born in France but raised in Chile since the age of three, I studied Hotel Administration. After graduating, an opportunity came up to work in the United States for a year and a half. However, that year and a half turned into twenty years, during which I had the privilege of working in high-end Country Clubs as the Food and Beverage Manager.

After spending so much time away from Chile, I felt the desire to return to my country, and among all the available options, Awasi was the only project that truly caught my attention. Its service philosophy closely aligns with my own way of working, and that's how I joined the Awasi Patagonia family as the Assistant Manager. Later on, I was invited to be a part of Awasi Atacama, a place I knew nothing about.

However, the variety and freshness of the ingredients completely surprised me, and the blend and richness of cultures won my heart over. The desert turned out to be much more than I expected. Four years later, Awasi brings me back to Patagonia, where it all started. This time, assuming the role of Resident Manager, I feel a renewed passion and carry with me the valuable experience of having worked in two such different destinations. I look forward to continuing to provide unforgettable moments for the guests.

Cristian Lopez

Maitre D’ 

Hospitality has been a constant throughout my life. In my childhood and adolescence, family gatherings at my parents' house were known for creating warm and welcoming atmospheres, where food acted as the thread weaving together intimate and service-oriented and moments.

In my professional role as an Optometrist, my experiences have taken me across Colombia and to reach remote and forgotten corners, providing visual health services. These journeys immersed me in diverse cultures, filled with gastronomic flavors, dances, and exciting anecdotes.

It was precisely these places that awakened my innate desire to explore the world and immerse myself in other cultures. I had the fortune to live in Oceania, Europe, and finally, in the stunning country of Chile, always maintaining strong connections with gastronomy and hospitality.

Today, at Awasi Patagonia, we form a team passionate about gastronomy, holding deep respect for this beautiful place and its breathtaking landscapes. Our mission is to create unforgettable culinary experiences for our guests, offering them a corner in the world where they can enjoy memorable moments for a lifetime.

Nicolás Acevedo - Chief Excursiones

Originating from Chile, my journey has been shaped by a deep passion for geology. Guided by this fervor, I’ve had the privilege of growing up in the Atacama region and sharing its wonders with the world through my career in tourism.

As I now venture into Patagonia, a new exciting chapter begins. This pristine land promises unparalleled opportunities for exploration and discovery. With its rugged terrain, towering peaks and unspoiled beauty, Patagonia offers an inspiring canvas for my geological pursuits. Embracing this fresh start, I’m excited to continue crafting unique, life-changing experiences for all the guests who venture here.