Meet the Team

My interest in travel started as a child, migrating to Australia from Chile with my parents, and travelling back and forth to visit family through the years. At first my interests lay in the music of Latin America, and being a musician, I followed the beats and rhythms which took me to various places around the continent, learning of culture and music and the important connection between the two. I soon discovered that I could make a career out of travelling and started by working for a few airlines, before setting up SATO in 2001. The airlines gave me the experience I required to create flight itineraries and knowledge in fare constructions whilst my travels chasing the “music” gave me the insight I needed to create more interesting itineraries from the perspective of a local. This became what SATO is about today. We are the locals from Latin America and we create more authentic experiences for our travellers. Just as I became interested in travel very young, I now have the privilege to be working with my son Jonathan, who also caught the travel bug, first by travelling the continent with me as a young child, and now bringing a new life to SATO with his own experiences to share. I also have the privilege to have a fantastic team, who not only work very hard to create the perfect itineraries for our travellers, but who also make me smile every day.

I started working in the industry selling the South Pacific, but shortly after I had the opportunity to change to the Latin American department. I wasn’t too familiar with the destination so it was quite the challenge getting my head around it but I soon learned how interesting, exciting, beautiful and diverse this part of the world is. I’ve had the opportunity to travel to a few places in Latin America, and have absolutely loved most, if not all the areas I’ve been to. So it would be hard for me to tell you where the best place is, or what my favorite hike was or, or where you’ll find the best food. What I can tell you is that each country has so much to offer and areas for you to explore. From Mexico with its rich culture and delicious food, to the breathtaking scenery in Patagonia to the laid back people in Cuba – you cannot go wrong visiting this amazing destination.

My passion for travel developed at a very young age through family holidays to Europe. I always dreamed about travelling the world! I took my passion further and studied travel and tourism at college which lead me to working as a Travel Specialist for 5 years. At the age of 23 I left my home in England to travel the world with my best friend. We travelled through Latin America, North America, Asia, and Australasia. I love everything to do with travel. The feeling of freedom and independence when travelling somewhere for the first time; deciphering a new country’s language, currency and culture; the excitement of feeling like an explorer discovering a new land; and the way it broadens your mind in so many different ways. My fondest memories lie in Latin America; from completing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and ice trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier; to exploring the Amazon rainforest in Peru and the ancient Mayan ruins in Guatemala. A couple of places I would like to tick off my bucket list would be: The Galapagos Islands, Cuba & I would love to see more of Mexico. There is no other place in the world like Latin America, every country is so unique and will provide you with a variety of culture, magnificent scenery and beautiful people. I wouldn’t even call Latin America a passion anymore; it’s more of an obsession!

Having previously travelled to 6 continents, including South America on numerous occasions, I can now proudly say that I have explored the 7th and last continent, Antarctica, the white continent. I survived the Drake Crossing twice, without sea sickness medication! However, I’d recommend to others to take them as a precaution, as well as considering the stability when selecting your ship. I can also boast that I did the Polar Plunge, which means that I need to return to Africa to have swum in all continents. Antarctica is unsurpassed in its amazing beauty, with more shades of white and blue than you could believe, with its abundant wildlife and an enticing history. It’s the last pristine and untouched destination, the final frontier of Earth. For avid photographers, biologists, birders, historians, sailors, kayakers, or explorers, Antarctica is a must destination! Next time, I’ll have to cross the Antarctic Circle, or perhaps the Weddell Sea or South Georgia and the Falkland Islands ... you can certainly see why so many people return for a 2nd, 3rd or more times!

I am a born and bred Latin from Buenos Aires, passionate about travel since an early age and passionate about the different expressions of the Latin culture such as music (love salsa dancing), food, crafts, history, etc. After being a scientist for a few years, I decided to pursue my passion and enrolled in a travel course 1998. Having worked for various tour wholesalers in Melbourne I have mainly specialized in Latin America as a destination, so in the last 15 years I have done many trips back to South and Central America, visiting countries like El Salvador, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Belize, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guatemala, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Mexico and Cuba. Through my travels, I discovered the destination personally, established close relationship with our local partners in each country, understood the logistic of tour operations as well as I experienced and visited an enormous amount of hotels and lodges. My favourite spot, well I can’t just have one….but two: one is the CARRETERA AUSTRAL , a road over 1200km long in the Chilean side of Patagonia……..no words to describe this awesome sublime and untouched part of the world…..a MUST!!! …and my second favourite cannot be other than CUBA…having been there already 7 times I am absolutely addicted to the energy of this country which despite being kept in the past in many ways, it has enough to still bedazzle its visitors……I invite you to discover the uniqueness and excitement of Latin America and all it has to offer, you will never regret it.

I was born in Chile’s capital Santiago, and raised in the coastal UNESCO's city, Valparaíso. I spent my childhood traveling back and forth between these cities and visiting family members that live spread out throughout Chile. So just like that, I developed my passion for travel. I always loved been outdoors and amongst wildlife, so I ended up studying a higher diploma in Ecotourism and I took several ornithological courses specializing in Chilean birds. Before coming to Australia, I worked as a tour guide and in a sustainable tourism project in Cochamó (beginning of Patagonia), then I decided to spending a year living in New Zealand to improve my English communication skills and then I travel around Europe, Asia and Australia, finally settling in Melbourne. I'm been traveling extensively through Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Oceania, Europe & Asia. However, I have never felt the same energy and passion like that which I have experienced in this beautiful continent full of contrast, biodiversity and friendly people. I can now say that South America is my favourite continent on earth and Patagonia is the place that stole my heart. There is so much to see and explore in South America that you can never get bored. So, if you need travel ideas, I would be more than happy to share my experiences with you.

I have always had an immense passion for anything Latin America. Having family in Chile has allowed me to travel extensively throughout South America from a very young age. Latin America is like a second home to me, I love the people, the astounding natural wonders, and the mix of different cultures. I have so many different favourite places throughout, but trekking through Torres Del Paine National Park in the south of Chile is probably one of my most memorable travel experiences. I started my first travel job with SATO working on our database, loading pricing and consulting while I was studying Tourism. Despite this being a bit of a crash course in the travel industry it has helped immensely with my knowledge of the destination and also with all the products we sell throughout Latin America. SATO has provided me with many different opportunities to travel to many different remote places throughout Latin America that I never would have thought of travelling to. A couple years later and I’m still loving working as a BDM and looking forward to the next adventure!

I first went to Peru to walk the Ausangate trail near Cuzco and then climbed a small peak Pisco in the Cordillera Blanca. I loved the beauty and remoteness of the Andes contrasted with the incredible colour of the local towns and people. I went back and travelled with a backpack from Ecuador to Argentina enjoying the hospitality and generosity of so many locals on the way. Another trip took me along the Brazilian coast and to the Amazon proper and Manaus. The Galapagos islands also blew my mind, the animals are so unique and accessible and the cruising was activity based and fun. The history of this continent has defined a enviable state of consciousness and culture, and with so many unique ecosystems it will always have new places for me to go back discover.

My love of travel began as a child in the UK travelling across Europe with my parents. My childhood dream was to be a tour guide. I studied Spanish at school, took a gap year as a nanny in Canada before finally fulfilling my dream tour guiding in Spain and Greece. It was in Spain I met my husband and had two wonderful boys. After a spell selling tours to North America, I spent the next 14 years working with World Class Airlines. This allowed me to travel across the globe and see the world. My love for South America began when I became the Queensland Sales Manager with LATAM Airlines. This is when I first fell in love with Chile. In particular the amazing and remote landscapes of Patagonia and Atacama. I became mesmerized by the diversity of each country, the cultures, the history, the food and of course the wine! I am an expert in putting together clever and cost effective itineraries throughout South America using LATAM’s South America Airpass. Working for SATO means I can talk about this beautiful continent every day!

I started my journey in tourism 16 years ago and have worked in several wholesale organisations since. I lived in the UK for 2 years where I traveled and worked in the industry during my time there. On return to Australia, I started working for a large wholesale organisation for approximately 9 years in various roles including Reservations, Product and Business Development Management. I have travelled extensively to many wonderful continents and am passionate at selling the destinations I have discovered. As a BDM for SATO I look forward to talking all things amazing in South America

I was born in Chile and came to Australia when I was 5 years old. My love of travel began at a young age as I was lucky enough to travel to Chile various times throughout my childhood and during my teenage years. I began my career in travel at South America Tourism Office and did my best on the job training when I escorted a group tour to the Highlights of South America, where I fell in love with locals and enjoyed the culture throughout of South America. My favorite countries were Peru, Argentina and the south of Chile (Patagonia and Lakes region). I’ve traveled extensively throughout Chile (Atacama Desert, Lakes Region of Chile, Patagonia, Cruising on Navimag), Peru (Lima, Cuzco, Puno), Lake Titicaca, Bolivia (La Paz), Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo), Iguazu Falls, Argentina (Buenos Aires, Bariloche), Lakes crossing from Bariloche to Puerto Montt . My top 5 favourite locations in South America: Torres del Paine National Park, Chilean Patagonia Machu Picchu, Peru Iguazu Falls (Argentina and Brazil) Perito Moreno, Argentina Rio de Janeiro, Brazil I’ve just returned to the travel industry after starting a family and I hope to pass on my love of travel to my young children. My future plans include taking the kids to visit the wonders of Galapagos Islands and the Amazon.

Having not travelled South America, I can truly put myself in the foot of the 'would be traveller' about to embark on their first adventure to Latin America. What I can tell you is SATO is a team of professionals with well over 50 years of extensive travel experience combined. They can put a complex itinerary together seamlessly and have strong local networks on hand, so you can focus on your time there than worry about the logistics. When I make my first South American trip I know I’m going to be backed by a team of experts.

I am from Argentina and my connection with tourism started 30 years ago with my first trips around South America, my passions for travel took me to different places and decide to learn more about travel industry and make it my profession. Over the years I built up a very high knowledge in my area and took me to work in different countries in different roles. Today I find myself in a very nice position, mixing my passion for South America and my professional experience.