About me
Having been born and grown up in Chile, Latin America is in my blood. I love going back all the time and thrive off the laid back attitude, which makes a hectic London life seem so far removed. I love working with Latin America and discovering new destinations and places all the time. It is always so exciting being there with so many great people and speaking Spanish. It also now means a lot to me to be able introduce my children to the continent – they are rapidly developing a real passion for all that is Latin Travel. The only downside of travel is the actual travelling to the destination – air travel is no longer glamorous!
Where I've been
My favourite places in Latin America are:
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Brazil – Has epic beaches, and it is all about the people, music, and food
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Chile – Stunning scenery, majestic volcanoes and the most friendly people
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Argentina – Huge expanses, delicious steaks with stunning wines
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Mexico – Turquoise waters, white beaches and margaritas
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Costa Rica – Cloud forests, thrilling white water and Pura Vida
Travel nuggets
A new discovery for me was crossing from Chile to Argentina via the Pirihueico lake. You can stay at the amazing Baobab hotel Huilo Huilo reserve – awesome Patagonian forest – fantastic place for children, as there are lots of activities. So you no longer have to endure the bus/boat/bus and crowds from Puerto Montt to Bariloche.
Having just returned from a fantastic half term break in Mexico – I highly recommend a visit to impressive ruins of Coba before the end of year as this is the last year you will be able to climb the main temple – also make sure you rent the bikes at the site – by far the best way to get around! In Rio always book one of our guides – we have some great characters that will make your tour – don’t leave it till you get there.
Hot picks
Esencia and Ceiba del Mar on the Caribbean Coast the best properties with children if you are looking for a very laid back atmosphere – both properties do not have children’s Club, but make children very welcome – my children loved their stay here. Copacabana Palace in Rio continues to be one of my favourite hotels you just can’t beat the service and having a Caipirinha by the stunning pool Ponta dos Ganchos – this is the ideal honeymoon retreat, nothing could be more special than watching the sun set from our villa plunge pool up on the peninsula.
What my guests have said
"Marianne was very long suffering and put up with all our changes to the itinerary"
"Thanks for everything – it was the most fantastic holiday"
"Marianne was great in advising our on where to stay and go for our honeymoon and took car of all the details for us. She knew all about the best hotels and the areas that would suit us best on our honeymoon."
"Marianne Baring was extremely helpful and very knowledgeable about South America – we were very impressed."
"Marianne was excellent – thanks Scott Dunn for organising such a memorable holiday."
"I just wanted to drop you a note thanking you for the fabulous job you did with the arrangement of the South America trip. It was truly the trip of dreams, well thought out and wonderfully enlightening. We had a ball! We loved every bit of it. So from all of us, a big thank you and we look forward to the next vacation — in another part of the continent — naturally to be organized by the Scott Dunn team."
