Kate Wharton
General Manager
My discovery of Latin America was quite by accident; a year abroad was a kneejerk reaction to the sale of the London company I was working for at the time. I arrived in Guatemala in 2003 to embark on a two month language course and my love for Latin America was instant. I spent the rest of the year discovering all corners of the Continent including running a fly-fishing Estancia in Argentina, riding in Ecuador, surfing in Costa Rica and living with Kuna Indians in Panama. I have been creating tailor-made itineraries for Steppes Latin America ever since and I have returned from fact-finding trips to Ecuador and The Galapagos Islands, Peru, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela and most recently Panama which have only increased my passion for this area.
Countries you sell?
Central America, Cuba, Peru, Ecuador, Galapagos, Colombia and Venezuela.
What has been your favourite travel experience?
Too many. The months I spent travelling through Central America to Panama and back again hold some of the best memories.
The best hotel/lodge that you have stayed in?
Santa Teresa Hotel, Rio de Janeiro has to be one of the best ‘Boutique Hotels’ I’ve stayed in.
What has been your most remote travel experience?
Living with the Kuna Indians on the San Blas Islands off Panama
Most embarrassing travel experience?
Surfing a break beyond my capabilities which resulted in my losing the surf board and gaining a bloody nose in front of a number of rather ‘cool’ surfers.
Your one luxury when you travel?
I really don’t travel with any luxuries, but as a backpacker my single duvet cover as emergency bedding was a Godsend more than once!
What’s your best piece of travel advice?
Always try to learn the language – your experience will be improved tenfold.
Where you would like to visit next and why?
Colombia in more depth. Colombia ravaged by terror for so many years, is emerging as one of the most beautiful, varied and exciting destinations.