Lucy Slater
My enthusiasm for Latin America all stems back to my gap year when I travelled overland from Bolivia to Mexico. I have lived all over the world in my life, but nowhere ever got under my skin like Latin America did. I went on to study Anthropology with a year of my degree spent in Argentina. Living, working and studying in the same country for a year opened up so many doors and contacts. I spent a couple of those months working on an estancia (open to guests). There I first experienced what it was like to be on the other side and it really helped me understand what guests really craved out of their stay in a special place.
My job at c+l is to go that extra mile for every client. I really enjoy researching a client's particular passion as it opens up a new aspect of a place for me. And it is always fun to surprise clients with special picnics in amazing locations on a trek or next to an ancient archaeological site. I like to introduce those who travel with us to the smaller museums and collections which I have come across or recommend a particular wine or dish in a special bar or restaurant. These are the discoveries which delight me and it is exciting to share them. And our guides, friends and contacts throughout the region make this possible in the most unlikely locations. The ultimate in this detail planning is a private party and we have organised a number of these. In a country like Brazil it means that we can pull the stops out and bring in bands and chefs and costumes which make a party like no other in a country which is custom-built for partying and celebration.
And my personal favourites?- Herding cattle in the pampas of Argentina, trekking in the Peruvian Andes, scuba diving off Fernando do Noronha, having a cachaca tasting at an exclusive club in Rio, driving along the highest navigable roads in Salta, discovering new horse rides and treks.......this is to name but a few.
I have worked at c+l for almost a decade and what makes the difference is a complete autonomy to be creative with our itineraries. We don’t work within boundaries; rather, the boundaries are set by the clients and the destination expert. Chatting with clients at length whether it’s face to face or over the phone, can lead to the planning of the most innovative of trips.
