What the Project Is
Hotel AWA is a luxury gem nestled in the heart of Chilean Patagonia – a true family treasure that invites guests into a realm where nature and comfort intertwine. Located in Northern Patagonia in the district known as Lakes and Volcanoes, the hotel offers an experience that combines relaxation with adventure. The project is centered on embracing the natural surroundings and local culture while ensuring every detail, from personalized service to gourmet cuisine, reflects a dedication to sustainability. The philosophy behind Hotel AWA is simple yet captivating: offer a unique escape where luxury meets environmental responsibility, making every moment an invitation to explore and reconnect with nature.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
The benefits of Hotel AWA are as impressive as the vistas that greet every guest upon arrival. Every detail is meticulously planned to ensure that the guest experience is both luxurious and inspiring. The key figures and facts that underline the hotel’s excellence include:
- 25 exquisitely designed rooms, each with floor-to-ceiling windows
- Spectacular panoramic views of Lake Llanquihue and the majestic Osorno Volcano
- Exclusive beach access providing a personal touch of nature’s embrace
- A first-class spa experience paired with gourmet cuisine
- Innovative and sustainable programs that bolster the local community
- The distinction of being the first hotel in Chile to obtain B Corporation certification
- A robust B Corp score of 81.9, underscoring a commitment to sustainability
Adventures and Activities for Every Taste
Stepping outside Hotel AWA is like stepping into a world of endless adventures – a natural playground where every activity reinvigorates the spirit. Whether it’s walking along scenic trails, biking through undulating terrain, or kayaking on the tranquil lake waters, each experience is designed to connect guests with the raw beauty of Patagonia. Picture this: early mornings spent with a cup of coffee and the soft hum of nature, leading into days filled with unexpected adventures… and evenings where the sky tells a story in hues of gold and purple. This dynamic blend of relaxation and exploration ensures that every visitor, regardless of their preferred pace, embarks on a journey that feels naturally immersive and engaging.
Luxurious Rooms and Unique Programs
The accommodations at Hotel AWA are a harmonious blend of elegance, comfort, and design innovation. The 25 rooms have been crafted to offer not just shelter, but an experience where nature and luxury coexist. Each room features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that frame breathtaking views of Lake Llanquihue and the impressive silhouette of Osorno Volcano. Beyond the physical space, the hotel curates unique programs that integrate elements of local culture, rest, and nature – ensuring that every guest departs with memories that last. These programs aren’t just itineraries but are thoughtful experiences that allow a deep and personal connection with the surrounding environment.
Sustainable Leisure and Cultural Immersion
At Hotel AWA, the concept of leisure is intertwined with sustainability. The activities offered are varied and tailored to suit the nature of the changing seasons, from biking and kayaking to helicopter and seaplane rides that provide a bird’s-eye view of Patagonia’s landscape. Guests are encouraged to explore not only the natural wonders but also to immerse themselves in the rich local culture through gastronomic experiences and visits to iconic landmarks. The excursions, carefully designed and executed, provide a rare blend of thrill and cultural insight. Alongside these adventures, moments of quiet reflection allow one to appreciate the endemic flora and fauna that make this region so unique.
Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
The ethos of Hotel AWA is deeply rooted in the sustainable development of its surroundings. In an era where environmental responsibility is paramount, the hotel stands out, not just for its scenic beauty and luxury, but for its dedication to ensuring that growth and nature can coexist. The establishment’s B Corporation certification and a notable B Corp score of 81.9 are testaments to its commitment to ethical sourcing, reducing its footprint, and engaging with the local community. This forward-thinking approach guarantees that every stay is not only a personal delight but also a supporting stride toward a more sustainable future for the region.
Project Impact
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by providing employment opportunities and fostering community development
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – through sustainable practices and eco-friendly operations
- SDG 13: Climate Action – by implementing measures that reduce environmental impact and encourage renewable energy use
- SDG 15: Life on Land – through conservation initiatives and initiatives aimed at preserving local biodiversity
Location and Lasting Impressions
Located along Camino a Ensenada (Ruta 225CH) at kilometer 27 in Puerto Varas, Región de Los Lagos, Chile, Hotel AWA offers more than just an address – it provides a gateway to a unique world where breathtaking landscapes and warm cultural experiences await. The location itself is a celebration of nature’s artistry, perfectly positioned for both serene moments and energetic pursuits. Visitors find themselves enveloped in a setting that is both grand and intimate, inviting endless exploration amidst Chilean Patagonia’s expansive beauty. The natural allure, combined with the hotel’s commitment to luxury and sustainability, ensures that every stay is as unforgettable as it is enriching – a promise of rejuvenation, wonder, and connection that transcends everyday experiences.
What Hotel AWA actually does
Hotel AWA is a family-owned boutique hotel on the shore of Lake Llanquihue, near Puerto Varas in Chile’s Los Lagos Region, facing Osorno Volcano. It opened in October 2016 with 16 rooms and expanded to 25 rooms and suites in 2021. The hotel describes its approach as “conscious luxury”: a restaurant built on its own organic garden and local producers, a spa, and guided excursions run by its own team.
Its operations are designed around a lower footprint. AWA runs a 110 kW on-site solar photovoltaic plant, cooks 100% on induction, heats with pellets and high-efficiency heat pumps, and operates an on-site recycling centre with local waste partner Verde Sur. Kitchen scraps feed a closed-loop compost system for the garden and free-range hens.
Where Hotel AWA shows up
- Travellers seeking low-impact luxury: Leave No Trace excursions, volcano hikes with certified mountain guides, and cultural routes such as the Ruta de la Lana and Ruta de la Cestería.
- Local producers: about 70% of the supplier base is local, including Dcabra goat cheese, Huerto de Frutillar and regional oyster growers.
- Women artisans and entrepreneurs: free weekly Saturday stands in Ensenada plus an annual fair hosted by the hotel.
- Local schools and universities: internships and visits through educational partnerships, plus training for local hires in guiding, hospitality and leadership.
Proof, not just claims
AWA reports it was the first hotel in Chile to earn B Corp certification, in April 2020, with a score of 82.2, and was recertified in 2024. It is a member of Comunidad B Patagonia.
Trusted by
Verde SurWaste management partner
Comunidad B PatagoniaB Corp community
DcabraLocal goat cheese producer
Why this belongs on a sustainability directory
AWA ties hospitality to measurable resource choices. Its garden, compost loop, on-site recycling and 70% local supplier base support SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by cutting food miles and waste. Solar generation, all-induction cooking and heat pumps reduce fossil fuel use, supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action). Third-party B Corp verification since 2020 makes these claims auditable rather than self-declared.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Hotel AWA based, and who uses it?
Hotel AWA is on Lake Llanquihue, at km 27 of the road to Ensenada, near Puerto Varas in Chile’s Los Lagos Region. Its guests are travellers looking for a boutique stay in Northern Patagonia, and it works with local producers, artisans and schools.
Which SDGs does Hotel AWA support, and how?
SDG 12 through its organic garden, closed-loop composting, on-site recycling with Verde Sur and mostly local sourcing. SDG 13 through a 110 kW solar plant, 100% induction cooking, pellet heating and high-efficiency heat pumps.
How is Hotel AWA verified as a sustainability project?
AWA is a certified B Corp. It reports being the first hotel in Chile certified, in April 2020 with a B Impact score of 82.2, and was recertified in 2024 with 81.9.
Looking for similar ecotourism projects?
See Ecotourism projects, or browse all Tourism projects on Keys for Tomorrow.





