Serendipity Madalena Patacho Naturalist and Tour Leader
Unique authentic experiences with memories for a lifetime!
Welcome, My name is Madalena and I am your tour leader and naturalist with special expertise in marine biology and ecotourism. Born and raised in Portugal, my childhood was spent in Belém, surrounded by Portuguese maritime history, monuments and museums, always dreaming about exploring the oceans. My love for nature has led me to study biology and later to take a Master’s in management of natural resources, getting specialised in ecotourism. As a result I was very fortunate to live on Príncipe Island, off the west Africa’s coast, working with local communities on a responsible tourism project, creating and implementing a sustainable plan for tourism development. I am inspired by the principles of ecotourism and always looking for great ways to contribute and leave a positive footprint everywhere I travel.
As a passionate traveler, with an insatiable curiosity about nature, geography and biodiversity, I have traveled around the world from North to South America, Europe, Africa, the Arctic and Asia. Contemplating from ancient ruins to marine reserves, hiking volcanoes or wandering in cities, connecting with local and indigenous communities, savouring new flavours and being delighted with new music… Always looking for unique and authentic cultural experiences. When I’m not on an Expedition as a naturalist (with companies such as Lindblad National Geographic) or traveling on my own most likely I will be lecturing and touring at Oceanário de Lisboa, working with a variety of audiences raising awareness on ocean conservation and biodiversity.
Madalena
Changing the world Combining exploration, conservation, research and education we can add more meaning and authenticity to your guests travel experience.
Providing behind-the-scenes access to iconic sites, it’s a privilege hard to forget.
Today’s travellers seek for once in a lifetime experiences, journeys that address their curiosity, embrace their sophistication, and acknowledge their taste for the best of everything. In this personal portfolio you will find some secret ingredients that turn a fine tour into an unforgettable experience. How having a tour leader / naturalist accompany your guests is just that prime touch that turn everything exceptional and unique on any voyage.
Previous page photo: Santa Catarina Monastery, Arequipa, Background photo: Lake Titicaca, Peru.
Every voyage should be a unique, comfortable and a stress - free experience.
To provide faultless, luxurious and seamless travel experiences every detail must be meticulously managed, experienced counsel provided at all times and one must be committed to lifelong learning and passion for world exploration.
Photos left page: Preach Ko, Angkor, Cambodia Buddhist temple decorations, Laos Traditional paper lanterns, Hoi Ann, Vietnam Wat Phom, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Photos right page: Monks visiting a Buddhist temple, Cambodia Loy Krathong, Chiang May - Thailand Apsara carvings Angkor Wat, Cambodja.
Be part of exclusive events all over the world that add deeper meaning and authenticity to your travellers experience.
All expeditions have their own special moments, from incredible landscapes to unpredicted wildlife encounters, exquisite foods and fascinating cultures.
Photos: Background: Fisherman’s village Norway fjords; Scandinavia Expedition, Sweden; Atacama Desert, Chile; Norwegian Fjords Expedition; PrĂncipe Island, local handcraft workshop.
e: A tour leader will be th Enlightening, Engaging, Exciting, tive that a rr a n e g a y o v e th f o steward interesting st o m s s' d rl o w e th s bring places to life.
A true expedition is not only about the final destination it's the journey that takes us there...
Photo: High Arctic Expedition, Svalbard.
The Journey
This is the thrill of exploring places like the Arctic, the top of the world, the unknown.
The Wildlife
Always looking for breathtaking places where rich and unexpected encounters with wildlife can make us part of an out of this world experience.
Being passionate about the geography and nature of the world and sharing your knowledge are key to a successful expedition.
Photos left page: Galápagos Sea lion, San Cristobal, Ecuador; Snorkeling in Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Belize; Eagle ray, Galápagos Ecuador. Photos Right page: Barbary Macaque; Gibraltar; Blue footed bubi, Isabela Island, Galápagos; Polar bear, Greenland and Canadian Arctic Expedition.
Swimming with whale sharks in Mexico; Walrus; Magdalenefjorden, Svalbard; Short-beaked common Dolphin, Corsica; Galápagos Gian tortoise, Baltra Island; Galápagos Pinguin; Isabela island; Strawberry poison-dart frog, Nicarágua; Marine iguana, Galapagos, Ecuador
The People
Embracing the unexpected and emerging yourself with extraordinary people!
Photos left page: Banana beach, West Africa; Street theatre “Auto de Floripes", Príncipe Island. Right page: São Tome and Príncipe, West Africa; Xela Market, Guatemala; Fisherman’s village, Príncipe Island; Mekong river floating market; Flamenco museum Seville, Spain.
Be inspired by other Cultures
Foods
Musics Lifestyles Traditions
Making each trip the very best it can be.
A compelling storyteller, a charming travel companion and inspiring scholar, enriching your guests voyage in an unique personal way.
Photos right page: Working with local communities Guatemala; Norwegian kids welcoming us to Skrova; Tradicional dances from Ecuador, Quito; Traditional wood masks from Central America; Street musician performing in Lisbon.
Photos:left page: Working with local communities in West Africa; Tango show in Buenos Aires; Easter pilgrims in Lake titicaca, Bolivia; Canoe construction, PrĂncipe Island.
Inspiring generations through learning and discovery,
As an engaging companion, joining your guests on walks, meals, Zodiac cruises, presenting lectures, sharing adventures and creating magical moments.
Being responsible to enrich the journey, offering local insight, adding an unique personal perspective.
Those unique moments that only happen once!
Photos left page: Top of the world, 82ºN High Arctic Expedition; Colonial town, Antigua Guatemala; The Andes, Altiplanos crossing form Chile to Bolivia; Scandinavia Expedition, Denmark; “Tortillaria” house in Guatemala; Exploring Glaciers on a zodiac drive, Svalbard, Norway; Right page: Volcano eruption in Santiaguito, Guatemala, Praia Abade, Principe; Island; Uyuni salar, Bolivia 3D cinema -Azores Portugal; Scandinavia Expedition Zodiac ride - Denmark; Raising awareness for ocean conservation Oceanario de Lisboa;
Come Home
with the best stories to tell
Photos left page: Pena Palace Sintra, Manueline Architecture style balcony, Belém; Portuguese maritime discoveries map; Belém Tower view; Cork Oak Tree, Alentejo; Pico Island, Azores Right page: Capelinhos volcanic eruption, Faial, Azores; Belém Tower from ,XVI Lisbon; Rosemery flower, mediterranean fragrant herb Cream custard cakes, Pasteis de Belém.
Exploring the world one voyage
Gateway airport
West Africa
Voyages and Expeditions
Mediterranean Sea Central
at a time…
Canada
Laos Sweden Bolivia Peru
Mexico
Vietnam Spain El Salvador
Colombia
Denmark
Monaco
South Africa
Chile Honduras Hong Kong Slovakia Italy Czech Republic
Guatemala
Romania Sardinia
Cambodia
Norway
Macau
Slovenia
Croatia
Panama USA Nicaragua
Irland Corsica
Argentina
Hungary Finland
Menorca Thailand
Ecuador Belize Svalbard
São Tomé and Príncipe
Costa Rica
Greenland
Azores
Living abroad
and South America
Madeira
Arctic
Galápagos
Mozambique
If you are looking for a passionate very experienced traveller and an enthusiastic tour leader for Mediterranean Europe, High Arctic, Central and/or South America, West Africa just contact me and I'm sure together we will provide your guests with the utmost experience of their lifetime.
Bringin Destin to Lif
Š 2017 Madalena Patacho. All Rights Reserved. All photos are from my own voyages and/or expeditions.
Serendipity Madalena serendipitymadalena@gmail.com
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www.serendipitymadalena.com
Serendipity Madalena
www.serendipitymadalena.com Š 2017 Madalena Patacho. All Rights Reserved. All photos are from my own voyages and/or expeditions.