Catalina Balcells

RESIDENT MANAGER

I am passionate about people, cuisine and culture, and working in Hospitality has brought it all together.

Born and raised in Chile, I got most of my experience working as a Food & Beverage Manager in the United States. When I returned to to home country it was to work in Awasi Patagonia, which was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Two years later, Awasi brought me to Atacama. From a culinary point of view, I didn’t know what to expect, but the variety and freshness of the ingredients surprised me completely. The mix and richness in cultures won over my heart. The desert was so much more than I expected, and there is nothing that I like more than to extend that experience to our visitors.

Brian McLean

Guest Relations Manager

I must have inherited my family's love of hospitality. We always had guests in our house and somehow we turned every meeting into a celebration. We enjoyed being around people and making them feel welcome.

My studies were linked to communication: first journalism, then multimedia, finally I worked as a translator for 11 years. But during that time I yearned for social interaction and teamwork, so I naturally moved towards hospitality. In 2015 I discovered Awasi and joined, first as a Host, then as Maître D ’.

I have lived in Chile all my life, but I did not know San Pedro de Atacama. When I arrived, I immediately fell in love with the Licancabur volcano, the starry skies at night and the impressive contrasts that Atacama offers. With each guest, I re-experience that wonder through their eyes and enjoy it as if it were the first day.

Nicolás Acevedo

EXCURSIONS MANAGER

As a Geologist, I consider myself lucky to have grown up in this region. San Pedro de Atacama and the Antofagasta region is so much more than just a desert, and working in tourism has given me the key to show that to the world.

This is an incredible place with canyons, geysers, wetlands, ancient culture, salt lakes and a unique selection of wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Working at Awasi, there’s not one day that is the like the next. I am a proud ambassador to this area and love to create unique, life-changing experiences with my team.