Karen Chapman
London Office
I’d always dreamed of visiting Latin America and seeing the famous sites such as Machu Picchu and Iguassu, after seeing them on the covers of the National Geographic magazines. I finally made it out there in my third year of university when I spent a year in Ecuador, studying, working and traveling around the country and through all of Central America.
I’ve been back to the continent nearly every year since, volunteering as an interpreter, tour leading, backpacking and more recently taking my two young children to see their family in Colombia.
I love the culture, the diversity, the history and the incredible scenery of Latin America and no matter how many times I’ve been there I still want to go back and explore more.
My blogs
What my guests have said
Favourite places I've been
Antarctica
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Costa Rica
Guatemala
Mexico
Peru
Travel nuggets
Colombia is the next up and coming place to visit. The people are so friendly, there is beautiful colonial architecture in Bogota, Cartagena and Villa de Leyva, and the country is still largely undiscovered by tourists.
Plan a visit to Guatemala at Easter, it’s one of the main festivals in their calendar. The towns are a riot of color and alive with celebrations.
Try to visit Machu Picchu as the site opens first thing in the morning. It’s a struggle to get up early and an uphill hike if staying in Aguas Calientes but well worth the effort.
My hot picks
Explora Patagonia Hotel Salto Chico, Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile
The setting is sublime, the accommodation first class and the guiding excellent. Spend the day trekking in the park and return to a jacuzzi, a gourmet dinner and an incredibly comfortable bed.
Lapa Rios Lodge, Southern Osa, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Stunning views over the forest and across the ocean and you’re surrounded by native wildlife. The first time I was there we spotted a puma whilst hiking one of the trails. She stood there and peered at us through a forest clearing whist we took photos.
