Local Connections: Our Regional Experts
Working in unison with our Trip Leaders is our international team of regional experts, from vintners to van Gogh historians, to marine biologists and Maori chiefs, to volcanologists and glacier experts. Passionate and informed about the area, these special people devote themselves to unveiling the charms, traditions, history and culture of the places we go - allowing you a peek at daily life and the opportunity to be a part of it.
A 36-year veteran of guiding in the Andes, Aurelio Aguirre feels a deep passion for the mountains and the Quechua people who live there. In 1978, he founded the Cusco Mountain Club, which trains local trekking and mountaineering guides, and was recognized as Tour Guide of the Year by the Peruvian government. Skilled at bringing 5,000 years of native culture to life, these guides treat you to a unique Andean experience, and share intimate knowledge of regional customs, history, folklore, music and food.
Paris-born and Sorbonne-educated, author and scholar Marie-Charlotte enchants Backroads guests in Provence with her encyclopedic knowledge and passion for van Gogh. In this photo she's on the grounds outside the St. Paul de Mausole asylum, in front of an ordinary grove of olive trees. She's holding a reproduction of Vincent van Gogh's painting of the exact same scene - and suddenly the unassuming trees are transformed into a riot of vibrant color and movement. Momentarily, you're transported into the world of artistic genius. Walking with her in St-Remy, "in the very nature recreated by van Gogh," is a definite highlight.
Our experience in Costa Rica's national parks is brought to a whole new level thanks to local expert Maurilio Cordero. A dedicated guide and naturalist for the past 18 years, Maurilio will amaze you with his knowledge of the region's diverse ecosystems and delight you with his uncanny ability to spot seemingly invisible wildlife hidden in the jungle. With his experienced eye and trusty scope, you stand an excellent chance of seeing creatures - such as collared aracaris, "Jesus Christ" lizards, lazy perezosos (sloths) and perhaps even a few endangered squirrel monkeys—that other visitors might completely miss.
Helena has been our guiding light in the Czech Republic since our foray into the region a decade ago. A professor of English, she boasts an encyclopedic knowledge of Czech culture and history that is invaluable to first-time visitors and old hands alike. In Český Krumlov, she connects you to the spirit of Bohemia on a walk through the town's labyrinthine streets. Still have a burning question? If you stump Helena during her informal Q&A, you can justly feel proud—we've tried for years!
A former member of the Bhutanese parliament, Namgay is a gracious host and an invaluable resource during our travels in Bhutan. Accompanied by Namgay, we observe and participate in the rituals of daily life—from our visit to a 15th century temple where we receive a blessing, to the hanging of traditional prayer flags. Namgay is actively involved in the community; he oversees and contributes to numerous programs that benefit disadvantaged children, from sponsoring their education to improving the living conditions at two monastic schools, where young students (many of whom are orphans) learn sacred musical practices and study Buddhist scriptures as well as English, math and science.
