OUR STORY
At Hostal Las Natalias we believe in spurring the type of tourism that, when implemented conscientiously and intentionally, will provide economic opportunities for the region while promoting the protection of natural resources and local culture.
Open since January 2012, the hostel is the dream of Nathaniel Criado Mack, built to share a small piece of Patagonian paradise with travelers and other good people. The hostel’s name stems from three generations of Natalias in Nathaniel’s family– his mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, all strong women with firm roots in Argentine Patagonia.
Our values are reflected in the way we organize and run our business. We have an on-site garden for U-pick veggie harvest; we recycle, compost, and strive to reduce waste and energy use; and perhaps most importantly we partner with local, responsible businesses to promote collaborative economic growth and the preservation of local culture.
OUR TEAM
Nathaniel Criado Mack
Nathaniel began kayaking and raft guiding in Maryland and Colorado when he was in his 20’s (he had more hair then). In 2004 he moved to Futaleufú, driven both by his love for rivers and by a curiosity about his Argentine family roots. He immediately felt at home and worked several years as a river and outdoor guide in “Futa” before building Hostal Las Natalias. In addition to running the hostel and guiding, Nathaniel has over 10 years of experience teaching kayaking and it’s clear he enjoys sharing his passion with others on the water.
Nancy Moore
Originally from Ohio, Nancy first moved to Futaleufú in 2007 coordinating educational programs for a small organization. Over time she fell in love with the community, and with Nathaniel too, and came to call this place home. In 2012 she earned an M.S. from the University of Montana and upon returning to Futaleufú embarked on a number of ventures: she is co-founder of Futa SANO, a company that aggregates and sells local food; she teaches yoga; serves as president for Futaleufú’s Community Environmental Council, and during the summer teaches a course in Montana for the Wild Rockies Field Institute.
Susana Miller
Susana is Nathaniel’s adoptive mother who’s beyond happy to spend a few months each year as hostess at the hostel (and we’re beyond lucky to have her!). She’ll greet you in English, Spanish, or German, and offer you a glass of water in one of her homemade recycled glasses. Sue has trotted the globe herself, living in places like Costa Rica, Switzerland, and Chile (1974-77). She worked many years in public health and family planning, and now that she’s retired she’s busier than ever.
Seasonal Staff
We collaborate with Chilean universities to offer internship opportunities for Eco-tourism students each year. Interns develop skills related to leadership, teamwork, management, and customer service.