06 Escorted Small Group Holidays 2012We are not surprised by the fact that our clients consistently tell us they are wowed by the landscapes and cultures of Latin America, with the high standard of hotels, restaurants, transport and excursions being the icing on the cake. However we are even more delighted by the accolades given to our tour leaders. So many of you say it is their professionalism, competence, knowledge and service which really perfect your trips. Every year a number of our tour leaders are nominated by their clients for the prestigious Wanderlust Guide of the Year Award and we are proud to have leaders in the final, and even win the award in recent years. The majority of our leaders have worked exclusively with us for many years. The experience they have logged up is priceless. But our new leaders are also very much appreciated: you love their enthusiasm, willingness to go the extra mile, and their passion for Latin America.Why are they so successful?We select our leaders very carefully from hundreds of applicants annually. They are not conventional 'couriers', but actually lead the trip, making operational decisions as well as looking after the welfare of all members of the group. All speak the local language, know the ground from personal travels, and have the kind of temperament which is likely to make a group gel.Many of our leaders hold academic qualifications in subjects related to Latin America, others have acquired expertise in situ. They will be happy to share their local knowledge with you or find out what you need to know. They are also frequently adept at seeking out little bars or quirky museums away from the tourist crowds.Several of our sales team started their careers as tour leaders?and occasionally even lead Journeys now?you may well find yourself speaking to someone who has actually led your trip.Etienne FransSuch is his love for Latin America and sharing it with others that Etienne, resident of Rio, has worked with us as a tour leader for over 25 years. He has accrued a vast network of contacts, and a huge fund of knowledge and anecdotes. His travellers' wisdom and useful tips are greatly appreciated, as is his good sense of humour, which puts everyone at ease.0204060708090103051001. Rosie Beale02. Sally Dodge03. Jessica Dennehy04. Duncan Griffin05. Etienne Frans06. Elizabeth Luck07. Bill Hill08. Berner Torres09. Eliane Correa10. Lucho DiazBerner TorresPeruvian Berner has been leading trips with us for over 12 years, during which time he has become an expert tour leader in all respects. He is well-appreciated for his knowledge of and love for his country and the natural environment, which he is very keen to share with everyone. Toby FentonToby started work with us as a tour leader in the nineties and was very popular with his clients. He decided to spread his wings and lived abroad working for a while, returning to England to teach English before coming back to his first love, tour leading. His favourite country is Brazil, not surprising for such a lover of football?he is an enthusiastic Arsenal supporter?and whenever he goes back to Rio with one of our groups it is like going home for him. Sally DodgeA fun-loving Latin America enthusiast, Sally taught English in Chile, where she learned the language of the Mapuche and how to dance the cueca. She is also the consummate professional: on tour, throwing herself wholeheartedly into the job and taking immense pleasure in making sure that everyone gets the most out of their holiday.Eliane CorreaEliane has a pedigree which straddles Latin America?she is half Cuban, half Argentinean. She adores being at home in Cuba, where her passion for music truly comes alive, so she embraces enthusiastically the opportunity to lead our tours on the island. Eliane enjoys showing clients the hidden hideaways in this complex island which she has discovered after years of travelling and guiding groups of visitors. Fantastic holiday, I can't recommend JLA enough, everything worked very well and Sally was outstanding! A holiday I will never forget. JF, FinchleyBerner was very enthusiastic, knowledgeable, helpful, and constantly striving to ensure we had a safe and enjoyable trip, a real jewel in your crown.AR, ManchesterEtienne had a good sense of humour. Good advice on where to go and what to do. Anecdotes and history enthralled the whole party.JS, WinkleighTour leadersFor more information, client reviews, trip dossiers, detailed extensions ?and to book online visit journeylatinamerica.co.uk

Call 020 8747 8315 to speak to one of our expert consultants for advice, additional information or to book your holiday 07 Escorted Small Group Holidays 2012Zoe TaylorZoe spent her childhood in Mexico and has since travelled throughout the continent. Now based in El Chaltén, Argentinian Patagonia, Zoe relishes the opportunity to lead tours for us when she is not busy guiding her own clients up the mountains.Rosie BealeRosie can always be found where the Latin beat is playing?music and dance are among her passions, along with skiing?although the hot tropical countries such as Brazil and Cuba are closest to her heart. She started with us as a tour leader who charmed everybody with her vivacity. We then benefited for several years from her experience and inspiration as one of the London office team. But those itchy feet got the better of her and now she is back in Latin America, tour leading for us again.Bill HillWell-travelled Bill worked for many years in our London office. Dealing with people's holiday plans made him yearn to go along with them, so he took the plunge to become a full-time tour leader. With an infectious enthusiasm for local cultures, he's a mine of interesting facts and snippets about local politics, customs and trivia. Lucho DiazLucho is exceptional. He works out of his native Cusco; a father of three, he is still able to devote himself whole-heartedly to tour leading. He is so popular and valued that he reached the top five in Wanderlust magazine's world-wide Guide of the Year 2009 award. His knowledge of his country and its history is boundless and he passes it on in an engaging manner. Elizabeth LuckElizabeth spent a year travelling round the world, including 6 months in South America, before deciding to make her visit to Peru more permanent. She taught English in Peru for 3 years, dividing her time between the northern beaches of Mancora and the colonial city of Arequipa. Elizabeth enjoys salsa dancing whenever possible, and is a great enthusiast for all things Latin. Duncan GriffinHaving travelled extensively around the world, Duncan fell for South America as his favourite continent. He has accumulated a wealth of experience in 8 years of tour-leading for us which he happily shares with his group. He currently resides in Lima, Peru, where he runs a hostel. Jessica DennehyBritish born Jessica is a graduate in Latin American Studies, writing her dissertation on shoe shine boys who work in the streets of La Paz, Bolivia. She has also worked as leader and interpreter on walking tours in Spain. Her Latin American experience is extensive and profound?as well as travelling she has lived in Argentina, and worked installing solar panels in Madidi National Park, Bolivia. Jane BellFrom her home in north-east Brazil, where she runs a local tour agency, Jane leads trips for us not only in Brazil but other Latin American destinations she was captivated by on her travels. A native Australian, she loves surfing and beach-life, but is happy to brave the chilly highlands of her favourite continent!Patience has to be a prime quality in a tour leader when coping with a diverse group of characters?and Bill has that quality in very good measure. JB, EdinburghDuncan did a very good job and achieved a good balance. He was always available, willing and helpful when needed. He joined in with us but very importantly (and not always the case with tour leaders from other companies), he gave us freedom and space to do our own thing. I highly recommend him.CS, HolmfirthRosie was brilliant, very knowledgeable, professional, extremely patient and great fun.GB, Stoke NewingtonJessica was an excellent group leader. She was well prepared and confident. Her unassuming style served her well, leading this small but disparate group. Her suggestions for activities were most helpful and revealed her local knowledge (and language skills which left us in awe!).NS, ChelmsfordZoe Taylor had vitality and professional aptitude in everything she did to make our holiday very successful. PT, Hemel Hempstead.