Local knowledge
key to Latin America experience Travel surveys over the last few years have revealed an increasing demand for ‘authenticity’. Travellers don’t want to simply sit in hotels or visit standard attractions - they want to meet real locals and get a real feel for the country they are visiting.
“Latin America is a place full of hidden jewels and we love to make the people feel the places more than just visit them.”
As far as Horacio and Stella Passeggi are concerned, a holiday should be nothing less and they are experts in delivering exactly that through their business, Latin America.
“We have been going there since our honeymoon and it not only brings back good memories but also is a marvellous city with all the right ingredients - great food, weather, friendly locals, caipirinha (Brazilian traditional drink) and the best music!
Mind you, it does help when your heritage is South American! Horacio and Stella moved to Australia 18 years ago from Uruguay in South America. Horacio was the general manager of Nissan and Stella was involved in designing tours for employees, customers and dealers who wanted to visit the Nissan factories in Mexico, Spain and Japan.
When it comes to their own favourite destination, it has to be Rio de Janeiro.
“We specialise in Latin America, which comprises Mexico in North America, Central and South America.” And it seems the couple’s clients can be assured of three things - the most comprehensive combination of value for money, authentic activities and excellent service delivery.
Launching their own travel business seemed the obvious thing to do given their intimate knowledge of Latin America and their belief in excellent service. “We extensively travelled throughout my different jobs and always tried to plan it ourselves,’ Horacio said.
“Our main destinations are Peru, Argentina and Brazil in South America, and Mexico, Guatemala and Cuba in North and Central America. There are many more magnificent places if your time is unlimited but if you have three to four weeks, those are the places to go,” Horacio said.
“We love what we do, the satisfaction of giving our passengers a real experience.
“Our speciality is escorted groups but people can come to us so we can help design their own itineraries.”
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