Rachel Williams

“When I told my family I was going to South America to start a tour company, they thought I was crazy.  11 years on we have become New Zealand’s leading specialist in travel to Latin America & Antarctica and it has been a truly incredible journey”

It’s hard to think of my favourite individual experiences, there have been so many over the years.  I have been beyond blessed to have visited almost all of the countries in Latin America. I have walked the Inca trail 3 times and have hiked in Patagonia Torres Del Paine National Park on 16 different trips.  I have swum with turtles and sealions in the Galapagos Islands and have kayaked with whales in Antarctica.  I have travelled through the Amazon Jungle on a cargo barge and I have stayed at the most luxurious wine estates in Chile and Argentina. But what stands out to me the most is the incredible friendships myself and my family have formed with people from all over Latin America and from all walks of life.

I still travel to Latin America regularly, usually 2 or 3 times per year, and nowadays often with our kids in tow. It is important for me to keep in touch with our crew who are based there, to travel on our tours and meet our guests, and to check out new hotels and excursions that are emerging each year.  Also, most importantly, to satisfy my lust for life back in Latin America - a life of colour, culture, music and dance, of majestic landscapes and unspoilt vistas, where I have made so many wonderful friends that I call my family.

Today I work with an incredible team of experts who all share my knowledge and passion and I am truly honoured to be part of Team Viva!