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.

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.

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.

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. “Latin America is a place full of hidden jewels and we love to make the people feel the places more than just visit them.”

When it comes to their own favourite destination, it has to be Rio de Janeiro.

“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!

“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.

“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.

As successful as their business is, Horacio and Stella’s goals go a little higher than that. For example, in Peru they have designed a strong social justice program with Mary McKillop International to help schools and women in need of education and income. They are also very selective in choosing local guides.

“On top of the accreditation and experience, we always give the chance to choose those with indigenous ancestry. Stories told by an Inca, Maya or Aztec descendant give you more insight of their culture. These people are the very fabric of their communities and always will take us to that special place, festivity or religious celebration that is absent in the tourist board.”

Indeed, with youngest daughter Mariana now involved in the business, they are tapping into missionary tours for young adults. They say they will continue doing what they do for many years to come.

“We love what we do. I am going with a group of high school students in September to Peru to work for a week in a school and afterwards do the Inca Trek. In October we have our traditional four weeks tour and we are in full swing promoting our 2016 programs with several bookings already confirmed,” Horacio said.

They also see themselves expanding their programs.

“Other opportunities like the theme tours are starting to generate real interest. We are actually working with a group of people interested in going to the World Orchid Show in Ecuador in November 2017. The most exciting thing about what we do is the chance to learn more from the local people.”

It’s no surprise then, that the couple regularly receive great feedback from their clients. A common one is: ‘It was much more than I thought’.

“We pride ourselves on designing fully escorted or individual itineraries with the expertise that only local knowledge will provide, to give the best and most cost-effective experience.”

The next big tour is the Wonders of the South Tour, which departs 2 October, and takes in Peru, Argentina and Brazil. To find out more about all the tours, visit www.latinamericadestinations.com e

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Sc–Rub Tur–kee [noun] • Adapts to local habitat • Prefers sustainable stuff

Welcome to Scrub Turkey! This funky and earthy café and produce store is the newest addition to the BFresh family. Scrub Turkey sources the best local, organic and sustainable products and is located adjacent to its ‘big sister’ BFresh in Warana. Each issue, Life Matters, will be sharing products and tips to help you to look good and feel good. We want you to know how to make a difference with your health, the sustainability of our community, country and planet.

Organic Fruit and Vegetables Scrub Turkey was founded on the principal of sourcing local, organic and sustainable products. Their fruits and vegetables are handpicked from local farmers and 100% organic.

Why Choose Organic? Do you remember being a kid and picking fruit straight off the tree? Do you remember the taste, texture and flavour? This is what has come to be known as organic produce. Essentially it is grown in chemical free soil and is free of all pesticides and is produced and consumed seasonally. It is thought that simply by washing fruits and vegetables you are able to remove any pesticides but in most instances this is not the case. If the produce has been grown in treated soil the possibility of these chemicals being absorbed through the root structure means that they are now inside the fruit and veg and obviously cannot be washed away.

The Ripple Effect Choosing organic is not simply about good nutrition and reducing the toxins we put into our bodies. By choosing organic produce you are also contributing to the sustainability of the earth and our environment. Soil that is repeatedly treated with chemicals becomes unusable as farming land.

Making a Difference By making the change to choosing organic produce you are making a difference in many ways. It begins by improving your own health and wellbeing, including that of your family. In turn you are giving back to your local community by supporting local growers, producers and farmers. And most importantly, you are helping to reverse the damaging environmental effects to our beautiful earth. Now imagine that every person made the change to organic…

Meet our SCRUB TURKEY Family… Mael Kelly

Tell us your Scrub Turkey story: I moved back to the Sunshine Coast from Victoria and began working at BFresh (our sister store). I love the concept and the vibe at Scrub Turkey

What do you love about being part of the Scrub Turkey family:

I have found that being part of the family here I have changed my own habits and lifestyle. I understand the importance of choosing organic products and it has really opened my eyes to avoiding the chain stores and supporting the little guys locally.

What is your favourite Scrub Turkey Product: I just love everything! Two of my favourites are the Saya Skin Care Range from Noosa. I love that it’s a local product made from natural ingredients. I also love the cold pressed juices made from local organic produce.