Holly

Latin America Specialist

Holly's love of travel was acquired early after watching hours of wildlife programs and David Attenborough. The marine iguanas of the Galapagos were particularly intriguing at the age of 14.

Before university, Holly's gap year was spent teaching in Namibia, before attending the University of Nottingham. While at university horizons were broadened in the Middle East and closer to home, but the draw of London post-university was great and sunnier climes were put on hold. However, after eight years in London working in sales she got the call of South America.

She spent a year traveling from Argentina to Panama (via Ushuaia) and with two trips to the Galapagos — loving every country as she went along — slowly learning that everyone speaks very different Spanish and that there are hundreds of different types of banana.

Upon return from Latin America, Holly joined Audley and has since returned to Peru, Ecuador, the Galapagos, Costa Rica and Colombia. Highlights for Holly invariably include food and drink — a bowl of ceviche in Peru, an avocado as big as her hand in Colombia and of course a Costa Rican coffee.

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Journey through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, Riobamba

I recommend visiting - Avenue of Volcanoes, Ecuador

As I'm originally from Suffolk anything that's a little high and mountain-like is rather exciting. I loved the volcanoes for many reasons but the main one was that they were an unexpected take-your-breath-away moment on my travels.

I didn't think I'd be blown away by them but my first views of Cotopaxi and Chimborazo and all the others were to be savoured. The fact that you know a lot of them are active, some are still snow-capped and you can't turn your head without seeing another one is simply stunning. It makes you feel very small!

I recommend staying at - Finch Bay Hotel, Galapagos Islands

First Class

What more could you ask of a hotel in the Galapagos than seeing rays playing in the surf, whilst on a sunlounger, next to a turquoise swimming pool. Even at the pool you can't get away from the fact you're in a place in the world where the wildlife is not fearful of you — you're going to have to share your swimming time with lava gulls and white-cheeked pintail ducks.

In a unique place like the Galapagos you need a hotel that makes you feel at one with the wildlife and I found this at the Finch Bay. Comfortable, smart, some lovely meals and a glorious setting on the shores of the Pacific.

I'll never forget when…

The majority of my most memorable experiences involve wildlife. The Amazon is obviously a diverse, fascinating and incredibly green destination (I had no idea how many different shades of green there are) but after I'd made my way up a 46-meter wooden viewing tower above the forest canopy I got a completely different take on it.

Added to that my guide found a three-toed sloth to observe in a nearby tree — they don't move slowly enough for my photographic skills unfortunately! Just amazing!

Photos of Holly

Holly on the Ausangate Trek in Peru
Holly on a canopy walk in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Holly with sea lions in the Galapagos