Awasi lodge in Chile

[omegaet]

BJ and O - what do you actually get for value considering the price? I thought it was a bit high for what 4 days? If I am going to Chile or Argentina, I need a package that is a bit longer - usually we go for 10 days or so and I don't want to have to string together a bunch of different packages and then have to use local flights to get around - I would imagine it is expensive to get around locally down there?

[email protected]...sorry, didn't mean to give you the impression we stayed at Awasi Lodge. We did not. Bonniejoy03 stayed there and bought her package through Luxury Link and I believe the price was somewhat lower at that time.

We stayed across the street (road...path) at Tierra Atacama Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa - San Pedro de Atacama - Chile

We were fortunate enough to secure a wonderful promotional package from a South American travel operator which made the five night package quite affordable (it included a choice of a 'free' night at a hotel in Santiago (Hyatt) or in Calama). Luxury Link was not offering Awasi when we made the trip. We did stop by both Awasi and Explora Atacama Atacama Resort, Atacama South America - Explora just to look around.

The Atacama region is a very harsh environment, especially when you spend a full day out in the desert.....and honestly, we looked forward to returning to 'plush' surroundings in the afternoon and evening.

The travel agency also assisted us with securing a LAN Pass at a reasonable, which made the domestic air travel more affordable.

I doubt most people need to spend more than three to five days in The Atacama.....we were happy to move on south into Patagonia for the balance of our trip.

btw....maybe between bonniejoy03 and us, we will be able to persuade you to make a future trip down to Chile and/or Argentina...both are fabulous countries and filled with interesting destinations and affordable adventures.

[bonniejoy03]

We just LOVED Awasi and the Atacama desert. We still talk about the trip. I would definitely go back to this region. We would do five days again. The price is definitely worth it. The price includes driver and guide every day. It is so personalized. Each trip is made around your wishes and desires. The food was fantastic. It was such a personalized get away. Hands down....great experience!

[[email protected]]

Sounds good but the last time I saw it listed it was close to $5000 for just a couple of nights - I can plan a vacation for almost 2 weeks with $5000 including airfare!

[jsattapr2]

Sounds good but the last time I saw it listed it was close to $5000 for just a couple of nights - I can plan a vacation for almost 2 weeks with $5000 including airfare!

[email protected], this is just another example of why we have to shop early and make a quick decision. See it, like it, buy it, before the price goes us!

[omegaet]

j-s-2...couldn't agree with you more on shopping early when new and interesting offers are initially introduced. We have certainly noticed a rapid escalation of starting prices on subsequent auction offerings for a number of properties (and some of which have only been offered for a very limited time and then are never offered again).

We have learned the hard about procrastination here at Luxury Link.

[bonniejoy03]

I am confused. Awasi right now is 2539 for minimum bid. PLUS....there is a 30% discount which brings the price to 1777. I think you can use your VIP GC so that brings the price to 1527 for 3 nights. That is much less than $5000 listed above. I still stick with my opinion. This is an amazing property and worth the cost.
ps-Awasi arranged our inter country fare at a fraction of posted costs. Absolutely amazing service and assistance.

[[email protected]]

was just getting ready to did and the auction closed - darn slow computer

O & BJ - if this comes up again with the 30% off I am going to try bidding again - I bid but the auction closed before my bid went in;-(

Just some questions - is the local airport international or do you have to fly into Santiago and then take a local flight to Awasi area airport?
I think I saw on another thread that you can avoid the Argentina entry fee by going in through chile - true? If we do Awasi, we can add some Argentian onto the package - how easy to crossw the border either into Argentina or Peru?
thanks

[bonniejoy03]

Hi D...YEAH for you. You will still have an entry free for Chile. (it is a different fee than Argentina). It is about 130usd. You would fly into Santiago, possibly stay a few days there, then fly up to Calama. Awasi picks you up at the airport. I wouldn't go through Argentina to get there. Awasi could make all the domestic air connections which saves a lot of money!!! You can fly from Santiago to Mendoza and avoid the Argentine entrance fee. Good luck!!!

[[email protected]]

So Chile also has an entrance fee - $130 is steep - I guess you have to fly into Santiago and then get a local flight to Calama - is the local airfare high? Then more local flights into either Argentina or Peru. Do you need to get a visa for Chile or Argentina. I am only aware of the high visa fee for Brazil so that is why we have avoided Brazil. I have been so used to other Latin American countries like Guate, Belilze, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, CR, etc that do not charge you to enter the country and only have a low departure tax when you leave. Will have to investigate all these fees and local airfares before deciding!

We were going to bid on this package but after researching getting there from Philadelphia - it was a logistical nightmare - overnight flights, high local airfares and fees. I put a bid on one of the new packages in Nicaragua instead!

[bonniejoy03]

Hi D...Yes, there is an entrance fee. The fee in Chile is for the life of the passport. I believe the fee for Argentina if forever. Just fly into one and pay one fee per person. For the intercountry flights, Awasi can make all the reservations and it is MUCH cheaper. Have you emailed them at all? We did take the day flight home this time from Buenos Aires and it was great. The overnight flight really is no big deal.....basically same time zone. (and like European flights.) Nicaragua is great also. Are you bidding on Morgan's Rock? We stayed twice and loved it.