Having spent a year living in Spain as part of my BA in Hispanic Studies and History, a curious interest was sparked in exploring more of the Hispanic world. Not long after finishing university I embarked on my first trip to South America. After tackling the mountains, jungles and cities of the continent, I was blown away by its natural variety and the robust passion of each individual nation. For this reason, Chile and Argentina resonated with me most, leading me to revisit them and uncover more.
This passion is something I aspire to share. Working in travel keeps me connected to the world outside our home and I can’t wait to help you plan your next trip to Chile and Argentina. My only advice would be — don’t wait!
Q&A with Hamish
What's the best local dish you’ve tasted?
Being a lover of seafood, I was lucky enough to visit Easter Island earlier this year. Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, aside from being limited on other meat options, the fish is abundant and unpolluted. I was advised to try the local dish, Kahi ceviche, an amazing combination of the freshest fish, onions, cilantro and peppers. It was worth traveling to the other side of the world for.
What's your most vivid travel moment?
I spent four days attempting to summit the 6,088 m (19,973 ft) mountain Huayna Potosi, that sits overshadowing La Paz, Bolivia. After several acclimatising hikes, closer and closer to the peak, we strapped on our crampons and took up our ice picks ready for the final climb. Leaving at midnight, we reached the final ridge at 6 am. Looking over the other side, I saw the sun peaking over the cloud line that looked like it was about 3,000 m (10,000 ft) below us. The terrifying drop off the other side went on forever but the view was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
Which book, film or artwork captures Chile best?
'In Patagonia' by Bruce Chatwin accompanied me on my latest trip to the region. Written in 1974, the book is an amalgamation of his experiences in Patagonia at a time when it somehow appeared even more wild and mysterious than it does today. Drawing on the stories of natives and the region’s settlers, he gives us a genuine representation of life there, even tapping into its connections with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.