Biography
Itchy feet prompted Matt to get the travel bug early, meaning straight after school he undertook a seven month trip to the region that he's been exploring ever since. He went trekking in Colombia, learnt Spanish in Quito, met Welsh descendants in Patagonia and watched the Brazilian football team play in their home stadium, the Maracana, in Rio de Janeiro.
Upon returning to the UK Matt obtained a degree in Journalism and Media from Cardiff University before heading out to Barcelona, where he lived for a year teaching English and learning Spanish. Matt returned to the continent he loves in May 2012 and travelled through Brazil and Argentina for five weeks checking hotels, speaking with the best guides and eating and drinking the best local produce (someone has to!).
My Most Memorable Experience
"On my last trip to Brazil I was in the historically rich Recife area when I realised it was a football day and a Sao Paulo team had come to town. I bought my ticket and entered the amphitheatre as the rain began to pour and we got soaked, but the pre-game drumming and dancing just got stronger and stronger to match the rain. A fantastic experience and the Recife team won 2-1!"
My Favourite Destination
"The Pantanal in Brazil is a fascinating area, littered with lakes, swamps, rivers and jungle and rife with creatures going about their daily business. Always check with us about the season before you plan your trip as the visibility of the animals changes greatly with the water levels, however capybaras and caiman are common throughout the year. I've spent time in both the northern and southern parts of the Pantanal and can honestly say it's the best place I've been to on the continent for seeing a vast variety of animals."
My Favourite Accommodation
"Peuma Hue meaning 'Dream Land' in the area's indigenous language is an outstanding property. Resting on the side of a serene mountainside lake, the luxury lodge boasts comfortable rooms, great food and warm hospitality from the owner Eve and her staff. The outdoor options are bountiful. I spent an afternoon kayaking, went horseriding up to a mountain viewpoint and just relaxed in the grounds, where the lodge's horses roam free."
