Biography
ENLARGE
Oonagh's obsession with all things Latin American began during her degree in French & Spanish at Exeter University, and a year abroad teaching English in a rainy corner of northern Spain did nothing to dampen her enthusiasm.
After graduating she spent another year teaching in Spain, but the obsession with Latin America was ever present. Oonagh therefore made Peru her first port of call on her round the world trip in 2007, followed by travel in Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. Returning from her adventure she couldn't quite imagine a future without an element of wanderlust, and began her career in the travel industry.
She worked for a travel company for two years, which gave her the chance to explore Mexico, Guatemala, Belize & Honduras before joining Audley. As a Costa Rica, Peru and Brazil Specialist Oonagh has had the chance to revisit these fantastically varied countries, and highlights of her recent research trips include discovering sloths and anteaters in Costa Rica's remote Osa Peninsula, immersing herself in the Peruvian Amazon and learning to Samba on the cobbled streets of Salvador.
My Most Memorable Experience
Returning to Peru with Audley, I was determined to challenge myself to a tougher trek in Machu Picchu than I had during my (somewhat lazy) backpacker days. Perhaps a little over-ambitious, I couldn't resist the draw of Huayna Picchu, the steep mountain backdrop featured in all the famous images of the Inca citadel so I set about scaling to the top.
Without doubt the toughest climb I have ever experienced but the incredible views of Machu Picchu from above, bathed in the mystical morning light made it well worth the effort!
My Favourite Destination
The vibrancy of Brazil astounded me during my backpacker days, and returning to explore more of the country with Audley made me fall in love with the place all over again.
There are few countries which offer such a variety of cultures, people, landscapes, food and music. From the panoramic views from Rio's Sugarloaf Mountain, to the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, becoming immersed in the wildlife retreat of the Pantanal, to the sensory explosion in the colonial city of Salvador with its West African influences and technicolour colonial buildings, you really can have such a variety of holidays all in one place (and still leave feeling you could have spent another three weeks there)!
My Favourite Accommodation
Punta Islita on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula really is a beach hotel with a difference. If I ever tired of admiring the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean from the infinity pool, I could simply retreat to my own private plunge pool in the garden of my elegantly decorated bungalow or wander to the nearby village community to buy some handicrafts.
The hotel has a remarkable approach to responsible tourism, not only through its complete support of this village community but also in its pioneering conservation work in the surrounding tropical dry forest and novel recycling project.