Jamie Swan Product & Marketing

Jamie backpacked across Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Brazil before joining us; he has a degree in politics and is also a keen sportsman..

Get in touch

After gaining a Politics degree, Jamie worked as a researcher at the House of Commons. A career break then took him to South America, backpacking from Peru to Brazil, which ignited a real passion for the continent and, on his return to the UK, a move from politics into the travel industry.

Since joining Journey Latin America he has returned to Latin America many times, including to Nicaragua where he particularly recommends the Rio San Juan area for wildlife and history enthusiasts. Argentina’s buzzing capital, Buenos Aires, is his favourite city although the walled city of Cartagena, arguably the music capital of Colombia, is a close second. For active outdoors pursuits, Chile’s San Pedro de Atacama Chile stands out for its astonishing landscapes and extreme environment. Overall though, what continues to draw Jamie back are the many contrasts of a single continent – whether the diverse people, scenery, culture or nature there is always something new to discover. After many successful years designing tailor-made holidays as a Travel Expert in our sales team, Jamie moved to the Product department where he is Operations and Tour Leader Manager.

Jamie was extremely helpful and efficient in putting together an itinerary I was happy with. I only had a basic idea of my trip to Panama. I just wanted to…
Read more TF, Wakefield

What Is Your Favourite

Place:

Rio de Janeiro. I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of times and each time I find something new, along with the famous Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf mountain the city excites the senses with a fusion of cultures from all over the world all wonderful mixed to make Brazil what it is today. The beautiful beaches, iconic landscapes and amazing food never fail to impress and if you’re lucky to visit during the famous Carnival you’ll see a city party like no other.

Hotel:

Explora Sacred Valley. A wonderful hotel nestled in the rolling hills of Peru’s Scared Valley with an amazing concept, all food, drink and excursions are included so you pick what you want to do on a daily basis be it a day long trek to remote Andean villages or an exhilarating bike ride past ancient Inca ruins plus of course you can easily explore the magnificent Machu Picchu and the Inca capital, Cusco. When you’re back at the hotel you

Excursion

Bike and Beers in Puerto Varas, Chile. What can be better than a great mountain biking trip around the beautiful Chilean Lake District flanked by dramatic volcanoes and peaceful woodland whilst stopping to sample some of the local microbrewers best produce.

Top Travel Tip

Try the local food: alpaca in Peru, feijoada in Brazil, tamales in Colombia, Taco al Pastor in Mexico and of course steak and Empanadas in Argentina. If you’re feeling adventurous try guinea pig (Coy) in Bolivia – eat where the locals eat and you’ll find something new every day.

Top Packing Tip

Latin America can be a hard place to pack for. Whether you’re visiting one country or multiple you’re bound to visit a number of regions, you could be exploring tropical jungles in 35 degree heat one day to hiking at 3000 meters at close to zero the next so the key thing is to pack for a variety of weather conditions. You don’t need to invest in expensive trekking gear or have jackets designed for the Polar regions but layers are key, it might be hot but wet so all you need is a rain jacket or it could be cold but dry so a good fleece is ideal , they’re easily combined should the unfortunate happen and it’s both cold and wet…

My Destination Highlights

Argentina

I love the vastness and the variety on offer. From the elegance of Buenos Aires with its rich heritage to the arid deserts, indigenous heritage and jungles of the north (not forgetting the magnificent Iguazu Falls) to the never ending plains, dramatic landscapes and snow-capped mountains of the south. Add in some of the best food and wine plus some wonderful hotels and a massive variety of excursions from trekking and horse riding to exploring vineyards and museums and you have a almost everything South America offers in one country.

Mexico

Mexico can offer almost everything you’re after from a holiday from huge buzzing cities to peaceful villages, ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, jungle adventures and of course magnificent beaches. The cultural mixes change wherever you are from indigenous Mayan villages to French and Spanish influences showing in the grand boulevards of Mexico City to the colonial era churches and brightly coloured houses of virtually every town you pass through. The food is some of the best you’ll find from simple but delicious tacos on street corners to amazing sea food and who doesn’t like a refreshing Margarita at the end of the day?

Nicaragua

One of the lesser visited countries in the region but one that’s getting increasingly popular and it’s easy to see why. It offers two of the best preserved colonial cities in Central America with dramatic volcanoes in the distance if you want a bit of adventure, not many other places offer you the chance to peer into the lava filled crater. It also has some of the most untouched jungle in the region, perfect for wildlife spotting and after all of this you can head to the unspoilt Caribbean islands to relax on the white sandy beaches or the jungle clad bays of the Pacific.

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Destination Guides

Heading off the beaten track in Costa Rica
Learn more
View Extraordinary Inspiration
Travel Tips

What’s the the perfect holiday for food and wine lovers?
Learn more
View Extraordinary Inspiration
Travel Tips

Things to know before travelling to the Amazon
Learn more