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Axel on Santa Fe Island, Galapagos Islands

Axel

Costa Rica, Ecuador & Galapagos Specialist

My first visit to Latin America was on my year abroad as part of my modern languages degree, where I studied in Buenos Aires for six months before traveling across the rest of the continent over several months, finishing in Rio for its carnival. From steak to seafood, volcanoes to waterfalls, penguins to iguanas, plus the warmth of the people, my initial excitement quickly turned into a profound love for the region, which only strengthened my desire to return.

After a backpacking trip around Southeast Asia and working between the UK and Spain, I’ve been fortunate to travel back to Latin America with Audley, deepening my local knowledge of Costa Rica, Ecuador and the Galapagos, and I’m now excited to share this passion as a travel specialist with those who wish to create their own lifelong memories in one of the most biodiverse areas in the world.

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Q&A with Axel

Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Where would you love to travel to next?

My bucket list has continued to grow since catching the travel bug, but one place I’ve always wanted to visit is the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, with its mix of pristine beaches and surfing opportunities, historical monuments, warm weather, and the chance to practice my Spanish. The varied landscapes of New Zealand have also always caught my eye, and I would also love to go there one day.

Sloth, Costa Rica

What tips would you give for people who want to visit your specialty destinations?

Despite being smaller countries, there’s so much to see, so I would try not to pack in too much and take it easy, immersing yourself in each place and living the ‘pura vida,’ and you’ll want to return again and again. I’d also recommend packing a good pair of binoculars and a quality camera to view the incredible array of wildlife in all its glory. Finally, learning a few phrases in Spanish can go a long way, the locals will warm to you even more and appreciate the effort.

Diving with sealions in the Galapagos

What is your most vivid travel moment?

One of my best memories is snorkeling in the Galapagos. With clear sea water and great views of corals and schools of multi-coloured fish I’d never seen before, my eyes were diverted to a turtle emerging from below. Soon after, from the rocks suddenly appeared a group of sea lions who began to swim alongside me, and one even had a nibble at my flippers. Being able to get so close to these animals and witness other species, like sharks, in their natural habitat is something that will stay with me forever.