The Groups department (Classic Tours & Original Adventures)
The vast majority of Journey Latin America’s permanent staff are Latin American experts, dealing with all aspects of travel to the continent.
Of these, eight work specifically with our Group Tours programmes and you can speak to them on 020 8747 8315 or email them at groups@journeylatinamerica.co.uk.
They were Latin American specialists before they joined Journey Latin America: they all speak Spanish and/or Portuguese and have an affinity for the continent and its peoples.
Our excellent and similarly well-travelled Manchester office team are also primed to deal expertly with your enquiries. You can contact them by phone on 0161 83201441 or email them at manchester@journeylatinamerica.co.uk.
Tour Leaders
Our carefully-selected tour leaders are not conventional ‘couriers’, but actually manage the trip, making operational decisions as well as looking after the welfare of the group. All speak the local language, know the ground from personal travels, and have the kind of temperament that is likely to make a group gel.
Many of them hold academic qualifications in subjects related to Latin America, others have acquired expertise in situ. They will share their local knowledge with you or find out what you need to know. They are also adept at seeking out little bars or quirky museums away from the tourist crowds.
Several of our sales team started their careers as Journey Latin America tour leaders so you may well find yourself speaking to someone who has actually led your trip.
Olivia English
Our Group Tours Manager started with the company as a tour leader and has extensive ground experience all over Latin America. Currently on maternity leave.
Helen Lovett
Helen currently enjoys half the year out in the field tour leading and the other half in the operations team of the Group Tours department. She has excellent organisational skills and knowledge of most South American countries.
Adrian Gallop
Adrian has combined tour leading and office responsibilities for JLA for 13 years. He has an unrivalled in-depth understanding of the continent.
Tamsin Butler
Tamsin heads up the Product and Operations Team in our Group Tours department. With her excellent organisational skills and flights expertise you can be sure your tour runs smoothly!
Jim Ashworth
Jim gained a vast amount of experience travelling all over Latin America after graduating from Newcastle University. He joined the Groups Tours department in 2006 and is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable member of the sales team.
Natalie Paiva
Natalie has strong connections with Latin America both from family background and academic specialisation. She loves the music, dance and cuisine of her favourite continent and shares these interests with her clients as team leader of the sales team in the Group Tours department.
Sean Rhodes
Sean spent a year studying Spanish and history in Buenos Aires and he travelled extensively in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and southern Peru. He maintains a strong interest in indigenous politics and Southern Cone grape varieties! Sean is a knowledgeable and keen member of our Group Tours department.
Will Roberts
Will followed his music degree with a course in Spanish and Music in Havana, and subsequently taught English in Mexico and Brazil. Will works in the Product and Operations team of our Group Tours department, liasing with suppliers, updating client information and website.
Rosie Beale
Rosie read Hispanic Studies at University, and then worked in Latin America as one of our tour leaders. Having lead most of our Classic Tours and Original Adventure trips, she joined the Group Tours department in 2006. She is a keen Latin dancer.
Berner Torres - Tourleader
Berner Torres is a graduate of biology and archaeology from the University of Cusco. An ardent nature enthusiast, he easily transmits his love for his country and its traditions.
Mike Brady - Tourleader
Mike Brady lived in Chile for a year and travelled widely in all the Southern Cone countries. He enjoys trekking and Latin American literature.
Etienne Frans - Tourleader
Etienne Frans has worked as a Journey Latin America tour leader since 1987. He has accumulated a vast knowledge and store of anecdotes.
Duncan Griffin - Tourleader
Duncan Griffin joined us in 2002 after extensive travel in Latin America. Speaks Spanish and Portuguese. Completed a mountain leader training course in the UK.
Juan Carlos Palacios - Tourleader
Juan Carlos Palacios has guided our Albatross Tour for many years and has an excellent knowledge of his country’s geography and history.
Peter Selman - Tourleader
Peter Selman excelled academically and spent a year studying in Chile. He is an accomplished martial artist and tennis player.
Zoe Taylor - Tourleader
Bi-lingual Zoe Taylor spent her childhood in Mexico and has since travelled throughout Latin America.
Sarah White - Tourleader
Sarah White is an experienced and popular leader with an impressive range of local contacts. She lived in Chile for a year during her studies.
Nadia Diamond - Tourleader
Nadia Diamond a graduate of Latin American Studies; also worked in our London office for several years before relocating to Bogotá, Colombia; works in eco-tourism.
Cristian Pizarro - Tourleader
Cristian Pizarro is a qualified mountain guide who has worked throughout his native Chile and the Andean region. He currently lives in Scotland.
Lorenza Corales - Tourleader
Lorenza Corales, Peruvian national, has travelled widely both in her own country and elsewhere in Latin America and has gained useful experience in the hospitality and travel industry.
Rose Latham - Tourleader
Rose came to join Journey Latin America having travelled extensively throughout both Central and South America. Most recently Rose lived in Cusco working as an English teacher and appreciating her geography degree through studying Peru's varied eco-systems. Rose loves cooking and experimenting with local dishes and ingredients.
Sarah Beard
Sarah started working for Journey Latin America in 1999 as a tour leader. After 5 years leading most of our South American tours she joined the office and currently manages the Group Tours department.