Senior Latin America Travel Designer, Evie Oswald, sits down with some of our top guides across Latin America to explore the treasure trove of cultural richness, natural beauty, and unique experiences of the region. A place where expert guides are both your cultural interpreter and your compass as you navigate this enchanting landscape.
Latin America is a vast and diverse region encompassing South America, Central America, and Mexico. It is a playground for travellers seeking extraordinary experiences.
From the snow- capped peaks of the Andes and the lush Amazon rainforest, to the vibrant cultures of Mexico and the ancient civilizations of Peru, the continent offers a cornucopia of landscapes and traditions waiting to be explored. However, navigating the complexities and subtleties of this rich tapestry can be a daunting task, which is why finding the right guide is paramount for a truly authentic journey. The geographical and cultural diversity of Latin America makes it a destination unlike any other. Each country, and often each region within those countries, boasts its own unique character, language, cuisine, and customs.
A knowledgeable guide serves as your cultural ambassador, bridging the gap between you and the people you meet along the way. They provide invaluable insights, ensuring that you engage with these diverse cultures respectfully and authentically. Whether you’re partaking in a traditional Mayan ceremony in Guatemala, sharing mate tea with Argentine gauchos on a remote estancia, or learning about the intricacies of Andean weaving from Quechua artisans in Peru, a skilled guide facilitates meaningful cultural exchanges that enrich your journey.
Moreover, Latin America’s natural wonders are second to none, from the enigmatic Galápagos Islands to the ethereal landscapes of Patagonia. A seasoned guide not only keeps you safe in these remote and often challenging environments, but also enhances your understanding of the ecosystems and wildlife you encounter. With their in-depth knowledge, guides unlock the hidden treasures of Latin America’s natural world, ensuring that every moment is both educational and awe-inspiring.
An excellent guide acts as your concierge to the extraordinary. They have the insider contacts to secure reservations at renowned restaurants, organise private tastings with local winemakers, and curate unique encounters with indigenous communities. Your guide should be the conductor of a well orchestrated journey, leading you on an opulent adventure that leaves an indelible mark on your soul.
Having guided guests through Peru for over a decade, Ruben’s pride in his heritage is integral to his guiding principles. He enlightens guests with his knowledge, expertise and passion for the country.
“A day in my life as a guide is rarely uniform – but regardless of how different one day may be from the next, there are a few staples to look forward to. Guiding for me is a bit of a family business – with my father and my brothers all a part of the industry.
It’s not hard to be proud of Peru and its history when I have grown up surrounded by Incan architecture and taking school trips to Machu Picchu. If you are lucky enough to be born a Cusqueño, a sense of pride is firmly instilled in you from a young age.
A typical day on the Inca Trail begins early, just as the sun begins to rise.
I unzip my tent around 5am and supervise the porters as they prepare hot water and breakfast for the guests who are beginning to stir in their tents. After the kettle has boiled, I take a bowl of warm water and a mug of hot tea to the guests; the perfect wake up call.
As they emerge from their tents, their faces alight with excitement for the day to come. The camp slowly comes to life with the hum of conversation and the clattering of pots and pans.
As we tend to do 5 day Inca Trails instead of the usual 4, our campsites are quiet and private in comparison to what other trekkers may experience.
The group gathers for breakfast and I run through the plan for the day. How far we will be walking, lunch breaks, different safety precautions we may need to take – from where to expect rugged terrain to any considerations that may need to be taken to accommodate the guests, and of course, some interesting facts about the route. This might include ruins we will visit or animals we may encounter.
After breakfast we set off on the next leg of our journey, bidding a goodbye to the porters and cooks, who we leave behind to clean and pack up the equipment.
The trail, as it always has, winds its way up harsh steps and down through the jungle on our way to the citadel of Machu Picchu – the pinnacle of every visitor’s trip to Peru.
No matter how many times I do this trek, I am always charmed by how impressed our guests are by the breathtaking natural landscapes and the ruins that guide us on our way. Equally, by how appreciative the guests are of the efforts of the porters and the chefs at each meal and stop.
The final steps to the sun gate are often filled with weary anticipation, and I love to take a moment to myself, knowing that in just a few seconds all the fatigue will be wiped away as Machu Picchu comes into view. The guests take a moment to catch their breath, and as they always do, immortalise the moment with a few pictures.”
You can experience a 7 night itinerary in Peru on a B&B basis with 5 days of private guiding through the Inca Trails from £8,570 per person.
Driven by the art of storytelling, Nahuel crafts journeys through Patagonia that leave guests nothing less than awestruck each time. Having forged his connection with the region since his early childhood, the depth of his expertise is undeniable.
“I am an unfinished story with both written and unwritten chapters. My journey began in Ibiza, but as a newborn baby, I moved back to Argentina, where my mother married a Park Ranger. Thus, my childhood was nomadic: from the waterfalls of Iguazu to the southernmost reaches of Ushuaia and finally settling in the heart of Patagonia, Bariloche, by Nahuel Huapi Lake, sharing my namesake. Call it serendipity, if you will; I call it fate.
I grew up and went out to uncover the world outside my childhood chapters. I asked for money, washed dishes, fished for my lunch and also my dinner. I read cultures and travelled to feel them. I tasted the flavours and learnt their recipes. It was by travelling that I perceived a transformation. And I came back. I always knew I wanted to return. Because Patagonia is the book I always want to write. On this journey, I sank ships and tried to erase paragraphs.
I argued with institutions and wanted to erase chapters. I suffered from love and cried for a new book. But I learned that a story is made of successes but enriched by failures.
Fuelled by this personal evolution, I developed a method that became my true passion: crafting transformative experiences integrating triple-impact concepts, conscious capitalism, and aesthetic values. These experiences weave together art, gastronomy, and adventure of the highest quality. Yet, my aspirations extend beyond the tangible. I yearn to write stories that transcend the confines of traditional narratives.
There is a crucial pre-trip phase before embarking on a quest. Every enquiry receives a comprehensive interpretation, prioritising bonds over fleeting encounters. Together with my team of experts, we grasp the trip’s profile, primary objective, and the region where it will occur.
With my trekking shoes on, I surprise travellers with a home pick-up, regardless of where they reside. The trip follows the planned itinerary, but we infuse it with unexpected wow factors such as the outdoors, toys, live music, personal postcards, treasure hunts, and comforting details.
Oh, and a lot of flexibility, as we embrace the unpredictable nature of Patagonia’s environment.
But the trip isn’t over with a farewell at the airport. We send post-trip memories of photos and videos. But more significantly, we craft an original book we invisibly authored together—a collection of the lived experiences and the ones that await on the horizon. Because the true worth of your story lies not in its conclusion but in the transformative impact it leaves on the hearts and minds of those who share its pages.”
Join Nahuel on a 14 night itinerary in Argentina on mixed board basis with 4 days of private guiding in Patagonia from £13,500 per person.
In a city where colour, music and fanfare are at every corner, Marcelo Tesserolli is the key to bringing Rio de Janeiro to life, and unlocking the stories behind the sights.
“As a so-called “Carioca” (one that was born in Rio), I got my degree in Tourism in 1996 and have been working for more than 25 years organising tours, teaching and guiding in the Marvellous City!
All this experience has given me a deep understanding about people ́s needs and expectations. Making each experience perfect is what really matters to me and hearing at the end of the day: “we will definitely come back!”.
I have always lived in Rio and truly think it is a unique and multicultural destination, that even though it is a big capital, offers visitors a really atmospheric “laid back beach style of life”, combining amazing sites, history, nature, great people, food and lots of things to see and do.
Elevating a client’s time is always important, as we all know how far they have come and all the memories they are hoping to make. Therefore, preparations start the day before meeting them with double checking all logistics, personal information provided in advance and weather conditions. Meeting them for the first time is always a nice surprise full of details to be revealed as we speak and get to know each other.
Listening to them very carefully I am able to understand their expectations about the trip and make sure they will have the best time in the city. Usually we have a trip plan already organised for the day but I find it very important to let clients know that I am most open for suggestions and changes, if they want. That is their time and I have deep respect for it. I want them to know everything is possible with some adjustments.
There is so much to see in Rio but one definitely MUST start with Corcovado (The Christ). From its peak, inside Tijuca National Park, it is possible to have a better understanding about Rio ́s hilly geography and urbanisation, while enjoying breathtaking views of the city, surrounded by the blue sea and lush green mountains.
The iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and welcomes all with open arms. The feeling of being so close to one of the most recognised architectural wonders in the world is indescribable. Besides seeing the views, exploring the surroundings, taking pictures, and absorbing every moment, it is a perfect time to take the opportunity to soak in the spiritual and contemplative atmosphere of the place. I highly recommend everyone to seize the opportunity to visit Corcovado during their time in Rio, as I am certain it is a unique and unforgettable part of their journey that will please both body and soul!”
Journey on a 10 night itinerary in Brazil on a B&B basis with 2 days of private guiding in Rio de Janeiro from £7,100 per person.
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