About Us

A word from our founder

Amazing! I have no other word to describe the past fifteen years of our lives. Karin and I explored South America for several years before turning our passion for travel into a career by founding Class Adventure Travel in Lima in 1997. We started out with great hopes, little money and no clients at all, but with lots of energy and a mad belief that we would be able to build this company and share our passion for South America with other travelers.

We soon realized that only international teamwork could provide the positive experience that we wanted to create, for both foreign visitors and their local hosts alike. With this in mind we formed a team of dedicated travel professionals from eight different countries; a company aimed at building bridges between cultures and introducing more people to this amazing continent.

Our first year was challenging. Many people were only just beginning to think about traveling to Peru, but eventually the groundwork was laid for what was to become one of the most trusted and widely known tour operators on the continent. And yes, we are both very thankful and proud…

Today, CAT Travel has five local offices across South America and we are proud to welcome thousands of satisfied travelers every year. Our scale might have changed, but our original intention holds true – to share with others the incredible experience of discovering South America, and to do so with class, providing unique adventures and authentic experiences to each and every person trusting us with their dream. (Read the full story of how we got started on my blog: Bart’s blog)

Why choose us?

Because your trip will be smooth

We know South America because we have traveled, lived and worked here for over fifteen years. We have a team of well-traveled, multicultural individuals, all passionate about introducing you to the very best of South America. Our unique set-up means that we have the perfect blend of on-the-ground knowledge and travel insight, so that when you speak to one of our travel specialists they’ll already be half way to planning you your perfect trip.

Because your adventures will be safe

With five local offices and a vast network of local representatives across our destination countries in South America, we are able to respond to new situations as and when they happen. Our on the ground presence means we’re constantly aware of you and your trip, and we’re available 24/7 incase you need our help with anything. Rest assured that when it comes to safety and ethics we never compromise.

Because we’ll build the tour you want

Private or group tours leaving 365 days a year let you decide exactly how you want to travel. We offer a wide range of activities and destinations, and a portfolio of carefully chosen hotels. Our travel specialists always take the time to understand the essence of what you’re looking for and will suggest and advice you accordingly. Your first quote will arrive with six price options covering a range of hotel and service levels so that you can mix and match to pinpoint your perfect combination.

Because you’ll have stories to tell

We love what we do and are 100% committed to ensuring that you get to go on your dream trip. With over fifteen years of experience and adventuring under our belts, we’re proud to have played our part in introducing thousands of people to this incredible continent (take a look in our testimonials for some CAT traveler stories). We always strive to surpass people’s expectations and to deliver inspiring and authentic travel experiences every time.

Because life is short!

We want you to experience the real South America, the way we live it every day. We do our utmost to ensure not only a smooth, well-planned journey, but also to open the door for you to really get to know the places you will be visiting with us. Laugh with the locals, stand in awe of the majesty of nature, ponder ancient civilizations and be truly swept away by the magic of South America!

Meet the team

Sales team
• Marc Harrison
• Juan Pablo
• Marcos Wolff
• Elin Granberg Sosa

Cusco Office
• Rossie Meza

Lima Office
• Matilde Miranda

 

Buenos Aires Office
• Silvina Pereiro

Sao Paulo Office
• Luciana Alonso

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• Marc Harrison Sales Director

  Marc Harrison is Class Adventure Travel’s Sales Director, overseeing the CAT Travel sales departments right across South America. Originally from Austin, Texas, he has spent the past ten years working his way down through Latin America, exploring nearly all of the countries in the region along the way. His career in the travel industry began in Peru, living in both Lima and Cusco for a couple of years each. He is now based out of beautiful Buenos Aires where he spends much of his time enjoying the capital’s many restaurants. He continues to travel as much as possible, along with his dog Shelby, and always finds time to take a break in Brazil, especially in his favorite city, Rio de Janeiro.

  Favorite Tours : The Best of Brazil, The Best of South America
  Favorite Hotels : Design Suites (Bariloche), Refugio Caiman (The Pantanal)
  Favorite Destinations : Rio de Janeiro, Iguazú Falls, Cusco

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• Juan Pablo South America Travel Specialist

  Born and raised in Lima, Peru, JP grew up studying at a German high school and later went on to enroll at Purdue University in the United States where he earned a degree in economics. After graduation JP returned to Peru and traveled extensively around his home country and the entire continent. He has been involved in the travel industry ever since. Being an economist and an adventurer JP is passionate about development opportunities in Latin America, and strongly believes that travel and tourism can be a major force for good in this process. He is fluent in English, German and Spanish, which allows him to share his passion with people from all over the world. His main hobby is to watch and play sports, especially tennis and soccer, and he never passes up the opportunity for a kick about while on his travels around South America. His dream is to one day see the Peruvian national team play in the World Cup.

  
  Favorite Tours : The Peruvian Odyssey, The Ancient Kingdoms of Peru
  Favorite Hotels : Casa San Blas, Casa Andina Private Collection
  Favorite Destinations : The Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Buenos Aires

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• Marcos WolffSouth America Travel Specialist

  Hailing from Argentina, Marcos caught the travel bug young and has explored extensively right across South America. After studying tourism at the University of Salvador, Marcos went on to organize and lead tours all over Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay, and he has been doing so for nigh-on ten years now. Often led by his taste buds, Marcos is passionate about food, a keen amateur chef and a fountain of knowledge on local cuisines. Wherever your trip takes you he'll have a tip or two to impart, be it an off-the-beaten-path attraction, his opinion on the the best street food in Bahia or where to find the ultimate Patagonian lamb house in Calafate. His next great passion, and one that goes well with his first, is hiking, and Marcos knows the trails of Patagonia like the back of his hand. Always the explorer and never one to sit still for long he likes to discover something new about each destination he visits, be it a recipe, a new hiking trail or a local tradition. Marcos loves meeting new people and sharing his knowledge, his recipes and his enthusiasm for his beloved South America.

  Favorite Tours : Highlights of Argentina and Brazil, Encounter Patagonia
  Favorite Hotels : Cavas Wine Lodge (Mendoza), Hotel Fueguino (Ushuaia)
  Favorite Destinations : Puerto Madryn, Peninsula Valdes, Torres del Paine

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• Elin Granberg Sosa South America Travel Specialist

  Born in Mexico to a Swedish father and Uruguayan mother, Elin lived in three different continents and spoke four languages by the age of twelve. Inspired and fascinated by this global village, she studied Art History and Philosophy in Florence, followed by earning a degree in Social Theory and Documentary Media at New York University. With wanderlust naturally ingrained in her genes, she feels at home with her next trip’s ticket in hand, ready to discover new hidden gems, capture the fleeting colors of nature, get her adrenaline fix, collect spices for her kitchen and hear people’s stories from all walks of life. Propelled by her yearning to explore her favorite continent, she relocated to the vibrant city of Buenos Aires where she began her career as a Travel Specialist, sharing her passion for South America travel, from venturing off-the-beaten path on budget getaways to luxurious journeys of pampering and adventure.

  Favorite Tours : The Enchanted Isles and Machu Picchu, The Best of South America, Highlights of Argentina and Brazil
  Favorite Hotels : La Casona (Cusco), El Pueblo (Machu Picchu), Porto Bay (Rio de Janeiro)
  Favorite Destinations : Machu Picchu, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires

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The Lima Office

• Lima is a fast-moving capital city, and is home to Peru's main international airport. With nearly all international flights connecting in Lima it is the ideal location for out main Peru office. Located in Miraflores, the heart of Lima's tourist district, the office was the first Global Encounters headquarters on the continent. It is now the center for the entire Peru and Bolivia region with the office managing operations, sales, and finances.
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• Matilde MirandaRegion Manager for Peru and Bolivia

  Born and raised in Lima, Matilde has a deep connection with Peru and neighboring Bolivia, and understands the two countries better than most. She initially studied medicine in the Dominican Republic before switching career and returning to Lima to study tourism. Matilde started out as a trainee at CAT Travel and her talents were clearly visible from the start. It wasn't long before she began to take on more and more responsibility, working her way up to Region Manager. Matilde believes that traveling is all about experience, and great travel experiences come from discovering new cultures. She loves her culture and she loves the fact that through her work she gets to share it with others. Matilde's energy and warmth make her a fantastic Region Manager and an invaluable member of the CAT Travel team.

  Favorite Tours : Colonial Arequipa, Cusco and Lake Titicaca, The Ancient Kingdoms of Peru
  Favorite Hotels : Country Club (Lima), Colca Lodge (The Colca Canyon)
  Favorite Destinations : Colca Canyon, The Inca Trail, Cusco

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The Cusco Office

• Cusco is the historic capital of Peru and was once the seat of the ancient Inca empire. With its proximity to the Andes, the Sacred Valley and the start of the Inca Trail it is the ideal site for our regional office. The Cusco office is located in front of the impressive Korikancha - The Temple of the Sun - a short walk away from the city's central Plaza. The office manages and coordinates all tours in the region, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of all CAT clients.
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• Rossie MezaOperations Executive - Cusco

  Rossie was born and raised in Cusco where her passion for travel and tourism started early. In 2000 she graduated as a Professional Tour Guide from the Tupac Amaru Institute, and went on to complete courses in English at the ICPNA Institute. Rossie then began giving guided group tours, her first being along the famous Inca Trail. Rossie also traveled extensively around the United States improving her knowledge of the country, as well as fortifying her English language skills. She knew that the experience would hold her in good stead for her career in tourism by helping her to communicate and share her culture with more people. Rossie continues to work as a guide as well as functioning as CAT's Operations Executive in Cusco. Rossie loves her work, her country and her culture and concentrates her efforts on providing all visitors with an unforgettable Peru travel experience.

  Favorite Tours : Adventure in Cusco - Machu Picchu and Amazon Refuge
  Favorite Hotels : Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel and Machu Picchu Sumaq
  Favorite Destinations : Machu Picchu and Cusco

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The Buenos Aires Office

• Argentina's capital is one of the largest urban centers on the continent and is home to nearly 13 million people. With all international flights to Argentina connecting in Buenos Aires it is the ideal location for our head office. Located closeto the city center, the CAT Travel office is a hive of activity. With a friendly and dedicated team, the office manages operations, sales, and finances for Argentina and Chile.
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• Silvina Pereiro Region Manager Argentina and Chile

  Silvina started exploring her home country, Argentina, as a child, and over the years her fascination with travel grew and she developed a passion for getting to know different places and people. After high school Silvina studied Tourism and Hotel Management in Buenos Aires and during her last year of university joined an internship program in France. Silvina says that this incredible experience gave her the chance to get to know people from all over the world, and reinforced her love for intercultural exchange and travel. Following her internship in France, Silvina worked in hotels in two of Argentina's most important travel destinations - Puerto Iguazu and Bariloche. Following her graduation she started working for an incoming tour operator in Buenos Aires where she remained for four years before joining Class Adventure Travel where her professional attitude and enthusiasm were well received. Silvina is now Class Adventure Travel's Group Manager. Silvina likes to use her spare time to travel as much as she possible, especially within her home country.

  Favorite Tours : The Buenos Aires Experience, Buenos Aires and Iguazú Falls Discovery
  Favorite Hotels : Melia Recoleta (Buenos Aires), Eolo (El Calafate)
  Favorite Destinations : Salta, Antarctica, Iguazú Falls

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The São Paulo Office

• Brazil is an incredible travel destination and the largest country in South America. CAT Travel’s Brazil office is located in the heart of São Paulo, the largest city on the continent. With a hard-working and dynamic group of staff, the office in São Paulo controls all tours to Brazil, ensuring that itineraries run smoothly and that CAT Travel continually offers the very best that the country has to offer.
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• Luciana Alonso Region Manager Brazil

  Luciana was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She graduated from the Paulista University with a degree in engineering after also studying at the Benedictine College in Atchinson, Texas. Luciana has a passion for travel and tourism and it came as no surprise when after graduating she decided to get into the travel industry. Luciana started out working as a tour guide in Disneyland before joining the Jamaican Super Clubs chain and working in resorts across the Caribbean and Brazil. She went on to work in the corporate sales sector of a large Inter-American travel firm. It was here that Luciana's skills began to flourish, and when introduced to Class Adventure Travel’s directors, they were immediately impressed with her knowledge of Brazil and the travel industry. She started working for the company in 2004 and has been an integral member of the team ever since.

  Favorite Tours : The Rio de Janeiro Experience, The Beaches of Rio and Búzios
  Favorite Hotels : Le meridian (Rio de Janeiro), Casas Brancas (Búzios)
  Favorite Destinations : The Pantanal, Paraty, Búzios

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