Our consultants travel extensively throughout Latin America, India and China, researching, exploring and selecting the best places, activities and accommodation available. Each person in our London team is an expert with essential knowledge to produce high quality holidays.
Our London Team
Our consultants travel extensively throughout Latin America, India and China, researching, exploring and selecting the best places, activities and accommodation available. Each person in our London team is an expert with essential knowledge to produce high quality holidays.
Paulo founded Veloso Tours in 1998 and has developed the company over the last 26 years into one of the leading specialist tour operators to Latin America, as well as the more recent destinations of India, Indonesia and China. Paulo believes the best way to travel is on a privately-guided tour, with expert local guides. Paulo has travelled extensively in South and Central America, China, Indonesia and Western India. He has a passion for history, the cultures of the world, people and lifestyle, wildlife and the environment; continuing to travel and discover new and fascinating places to visit.
Berenice has tremendous energy and enthusiasm for travel, having been to Brazil, Peru, Belize, Uruguay, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina. Berenice has lived in many places in the world, including six years in Moscow as a teenager, as her parents were diplomats. She later settled in Paris, where she studied Tourism and Hospitality Management and worked at an international tour operator, and is now in charge of our Sales and Operations. Berenice speaks fluent French, English and Russian and is learning Spanish.
Margarita has travelled so many times on cruises in the Galapagos Islands that we are all envious. She is also a big fan of Costa Rica and the lodges in the National Parks. Margarita has travelled to almost all the countries in Latin America. Margarita graduated in Business Administration in Quito where she developed her Tour Operating career in reservations, planning, sales and marketing. She lived in Paris and Belgium where she worked in marketing. Margarita now uses her knowledge of Latin America to help you experience a holiday of a lifetime.
Hugh Clayson
Latin America, China, India, Indonesia and Cruise expert
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Hugh is a true globetrotter who has been to more countries than I can name. Hugh has spent many years developing tour itineraries for discerning travellers. He has a deep knowledge of India, Nepal, Indonesia, Tibet, China and Latin America. His passion is small-ship expedition cruises all over the world, including Antarctica, so he will advise on the best options to suit your preferences.
Andresa is one of our Brazil experts, where she has travelled extensively. Andresa was brought up in Rio de Janeiro where she studied Business Administration and Personnel. She knows her native Brazil very well and has explored many regions including Chapada dos Veadeiros, the Amazon, the Pantanal and Salvador. Andresa is also a keen enthusiast for dancing, diving and most of all horse-riding.
Philipe has travelled extensively in Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. He loves trekking in the mountains, remote locations and rainforest adventures; but he also quite fond of exploring cosmopolitan Rio de Janeiro, Havana and Buenos Aires, to experience nice cafes, bars and restaurants. Philipe is also our E-Comerce expert.
Jennifer
Flights Manager & Worldwide Globetrotter
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Jennifer became involved in Latin American Tourism after completing a degree at University and spending years working for a specialist travel agency. Jenny joined Veloso Tours in 2005 and has recently gained a Masters degree in Air Transport Management. Jenny is our air product manager, responsible for all our flight reservations, airfares and regulations. Having travelled to Peru, Brazil, Argentina and the Galapagos Islands, she has gained a wide knowledge of Latin America. She has travelled to Southern Patagonia and went on a round the world trip from America to China, and Asia. Jenny is als…
Alfon Gurrea
Latin America & India Expert, Digital Marketing & E-Commerce
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Alfon is one of our travel consultant team. He has lived and travelled extensively in Mexico and Colombia, and has also visited parts of Guatemala, Costa Rica and Peru; India and Bali. Alfon is also working in our Digital Marketing & E-Commerce.
Amanda is currently studying Tourism and brings a fresh perspective and meticulous attention to detail, helping ensure our travel products deliver exceptional experiences for our clients. Coming from a multicultural background with Venezuelan roots, she has a particular interest in Latin American cultures and destinations, alongside a broader passion for travel, cultural experiences, and the tourism industry. She is passionate about learning and enjoys gaining practical experience while contributing to the team's success.
Our Main Guides
Our guides make the different to your experience on holiday. They are able to provide you an unparalleled insight into local life, people and culture, for a truly unforgettable holiday. We take great care in the selection and training of our guides, so that they understand our requirements and provide you with an authentic travel experience. We use more guides at times and in many other locations.
Eugenio was born in Rio de Janeiro and has worked as a guide there for over 20 years. A kind and enthusiastic character with a good sense of humour and fun, he loves sharing his passion for Rio de Janeiro with visitors. In his free time Eugenio likes spending time with his family, as well as getting out of the city to explore the Brazilian countryside.
Paulo was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, making him a true "Carioca da Gema", with extensive knowledge of the city. He lived for a few years in the UK and USA and worked at the South Africa Football World Cup and the London's Olympic Games. Paulo is fascinated by the unique history of Brazil, particularly the part from 1808 to 1821 when the Portuguese Royal Family lived in Rio, and the reign of D. Pedro II who stayed in Brasil and kept the country united.
Born and brought up in Patagonia, Gaby studied English Public Translation at a University in Buenos Aires and finished her studies in tourism at Nahuel Huapi National Park. She has completed several courses on Patagonian native flora and history, and on adventure and outdoor activities. Before Gaby worked for twelve years as a stewardess for British Airways and other airlines. She speaks fluent Spanish and English and has a good knowledge of German, French & Portuguese.
Alexandre was born in Maceió, speaks fluent English and Spanish and has taken the National and International Tourism Guiding courses. Sao Paulo is a city that requires intimate knowledge and Alexandre is an expert in the city's museums, markets, art and leisure activities where he will take you "behind the scenes". He has a friendly personality, thoroughly reliable with a calm self assurance that makes him a wonderful guide in a cosmopolitan, historic and vibrant city.
Fernando lives in Cusco, and works as a guide within the city and the surrounding area of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and at Machu Picchu. Fernando has comprehensive knowledge and understanding of local history, the archaeological sites and the Inca civilisation. Fernando's friendly character helps him to get on well with visitors and understanding their interests. He previously worked as a journalist at one of Peru's most popular newspapers.
Manuel is knowledge and passionate about Andean life. As a local guide he likes to share in an easy way so his guests understand the history, culture, food, manners and landscape. Manuel will take you to the right place to enjoy and experience Lake Titicaca. Also is very concerned about global warming and how it affects us.
Juan completed studies in philosophy, humanities and the history of Mexico, and was Professor of History at a local school. He has been a guide since 1985 focusing on cultural tours, and his new passion is the Archaeology of Mexico, having travelled extensively throughout the country. Juan’s favourite tour is “Las Misiones de la Sierra Gorda” in Queretaro. Outside work, Juan enjoys keeping fit, hiking and yoga, and most of all, being with his family.
Emiliano grew up and was educated in Buenos Aires, and is fluent in English, French and Portuguese. He has in-depth knowledge and experience of guiding in the capital city, the Parana River Delta and countryside areas, Emiliano is reliable, friendly and professional with proven success in the tourist industry, obtaining recognition from the Argentinean tourist industry professionals for his excellence.
Marvin Abanto was born and raised in Lima. In his adolescence Marvin quickly realised that guiding and sharing his knowledge of his country was his passion, and much more than just a career. Marvin has travelled and led groups around all southern Peru. He lived in Cusco for eight months, known as the navel of the world, where he learned a lot about the Andean culture, their History, their tradition and lifestyle.
Luana has a wonderful, friendly and enthusiastic personality. She loves people and Rio de Janeiro, the city and the whole state, Having worked as a guide for many years, she knows the city very well and is able to tailor our guests visit to a wide variety of their personal interests and activities. This flexibility, love for outdoor life and enjoying hosting visitors, make Luana excel as our guide for you in Rio de Janeiro.
Ursula is our tour guide in Lima and is particularly in love with what her country can offer. She admires its culture, history, local life and people - that’s why she dedicates her life to be a guide. She has worked as a tour leader with the Peruvian Congress Palace and the Inquisition Museum for more than 12 years, performing tours in 4 languages and leading all kinds of visitors, from school students to high level personalities involved in national and international politics.
Gina is a National tourist guide who was born and raised in Quito, She did her High School studies in Florida, USA where she learned a good command in English. She continued her studies in Tourism Sciences at the Equinoccial University in Ecuador. She has been guiding for over 20 years acquiring vast knowledge and experience in cultural tourism, outdoor activities and history - which is her passion. She is very friendly and knowledgeable, and people enjoys her charisma, professionalism and responsibility for her job.
Marco Zampirolo was born in Iguassu and has been guiding exclusively for British travellers for many years. He is friendly, knowledgable and passionate about his job. He knows Iguassu and all its attractions inside out, and is looking forward to welcoming you in Iguassu for an extraordinary stay.
Henry has worked in the tourism industry for over 25 years, has a great passion for the natural beauty of his native land, and loves walking in the forest both alone and with visitors. A kind and thoughtful character, nothing is too much trouble for Henry, and he also has a great sense of humour and many stories to tell about his experiences in travel and tourism.
Guillermo is from the region of Chiapas, and has lived in the city of San Cristobal since 1997. He has studied tourism and has been a guide for the past 20 years. He is fluent in Spanish, English and Italian. Guillermo particularly enjoys to share with our clients the history, the gastronomy and the archaeology of San Cristobal de las Casas. He loves the biodiversity of his region as well as the story of the Indigenous people.
David possesses a great passion for showing the natural beauty of Costa Rica. He has deep knowledge on the heritage of his country with many years of experience. David likes to combine exploring nature with rural and local visits showing the daily life of Costa Rican people and their traditions.
Pedro Javier was born and raised in the beautiful city of Oaxaca in 1962. He studied medicine at Oaxaca University, and worked as a physician for several years before studying tourism in the US. He is now guiding in Oaxaca for 15 years and loves sharing his cultural knowledge with travellers from all over the world.
Raúl González is a native of Mexico City. He studied tourism at the University and has been guiding throughout Mexico for the past 30 years. Raul is a Veloso Tours Preferred Guide and has a great passion for arts, culture and ancient civilisations.
Alain is one of our main guides in Trinidad, an engaging, enthusiastic and knowledgeable character who enriches our guests' experiences in this jewel of a city. An English, German, French and Italian speaker, he revels in his role as a bridge between Cuban culture, nature, history and character and its visitors, describing each guests as a "small universe". In his spare time Alain loves watching documentaries, reading and spending time with his family.
Joaquin was born in Santiago, Chile. After finishing his studies in a film school, he worked as a cameraman in a TV show named "Tierra Adentro". After that he travelled and worked in New Zealand improving his knowledge of the English language. He speaks fluent English and Portuguese and has been working as a tour guide for about five years. Nowadays he splits his time working as a tour guide and playing drums in a rock band.
Shagzil hails from the south and has a deep passion for his homeland which is evident in how he shares his knowledge and insight. Shagzil also has knowledge in Islamic History and Arab Culture and has extensively studied world history, Indian history and travel. Beyond the degrees and studies, Shagzil is a delightful person. He enjoys spending time making cards, designing furniture and loves playing Lawn Tennis.
Junis is a leading tour guide in South India for the past 12 years. He has a passion for travelling on new untravelled roads and he is very eager to share this for this incredible country, particularly the ancient ruins at Hampi.
Dushyant has been a licensed, professional tourist guide since 2000, working in Jaipur, the Pink City, a UNESCO city declared in 2019. He loves his job and works with an open mind to take account of other's opinions and ideas.
Anurag is intimately familiar with India’s cultural and natural sites from North to South. Anurag loves capturing images of northern India’s wildlife, nature and culture in his lenses and he also devotes his time in doing social work. Along with these hobbies he also loves reading books.
Leena is from Kolkata, the city of life and warmth, which became most important centre during the British Raj. She did her M.Phil from Calcutta University. She loves to show the rich heritage and culture of her birthplace with guests from other places travelling to India. Photography, listening to music, reading international relations related books and exploring new areas are her passions.
Born in Kashmir, Sandeep now lives in the city of Taj, Agra. His journey began way back in 1999 when he completed his graduation from St John’s College Agra and later did his masters in history. As the years went by he decided to explore more through his PhD in medieval history of India. He is a keen photographer, historian and a professor. According to the huge diversity of culture, religion and heritage of India, he states "India is a universe within a universe”.
Charles was born and brought up in Madurai. He has started his career in 2009 since then there has been no looking back. He has a deep interest of Indian wildlife and have used this knowledge when leading groups to places such as Mudumalai, Bandipur and Ranthambore National parks. Many times he has participated in adventure tourism such as trekking in Nilgiris. He consider his sense of humour to be his one of his important assets along with his passion for photography. Charles's aim is to create a positive experience for all his clients so that they leave satisfied and are keen to return back…
Sandeep has been is working as a tour guide for over 10 years. He is very much passionate about his work, having studied in Cyprus and also working as a chef. However, he realised his passion was not to be a chef but to be a tour expert and from then on there was no looking back. Sandeep also enjoys stage acting and singing.
Francesca was born in Germany and raised between Italy, French Switzerland and Germany for more than a decade. She now lives in Mexico. Travelling and touring much of the country, she has worked tirelessly to establish solid foundations and connections with people and places she’s encountered on her way in building a new way of travelling in Mexico and offer unforgettable true experiences, not to be found elsewhere; at least not with the kind of detailed client care and empathy that her returning clients appreciate her for.
Darma is based in Denpasar, Bali and has been a tour guide since 1995. Darma specialises in Balinese art, culture and the scenic beauty of the landscapes and is eager to share her knowledge on the traditions and cultural backgrounds among the different islands. Darma’s favourite places in Indonesia are Bali and Yogyakarta.
Wayan was born in Eastern Bali and now resides in Denpasar. Wayan has been a tour guide since 1993 and specialises in cultural and adventure tours. Wayan loves to meet people, explore different places, learn about people's life and showcase local food. All guests are treated as a new friend. Wayan’s favourite places in Indonesia are Bali, Java, Lombok and the Komodo Islands.
Based in Denpasar, Bali, Putri was originally a school teacher, becoming a guide in 2012. Putri loves sharing knowledge with her guests and exploring new areas and activities depending on the guests interests. Putri is passionate about Indonesia and particularly Bali, and is a specialist in guiding family groups and children.
Atik is based in Surabaya on the island of Java and specialises in culture, volcanology, adventure, cycling and climbing tours on Java and Bali. Atik treats her guests as family and likes to invite her guests to interact with local people and give them many memorable hands on experiences. Atik’s favourite places in Indonesia are Java and Bali.
Arinto is based in Yogyakarta, yet guides in Java, Bali, Lombok, Flores, Komodo and Kalimantan. He is very experienced, starting tour guiding in 1983. Arinto specialises in cycling, volcano trekking, music, history, drawing, culinary tours and snorkelling. His favourite places in Indonesia are Mount Merapi, Yogyakarta and Komodo National Park.
Born in Yogyakarta, Java, Nanang specialises in all areas of Indonesia. He has been a tour guide since 1994 and has a special interest in the culture, spirituality, history, politics and gastronomy of Indonesia.
The best birdwatching guide in Ubud with exceptional knowledge. Sumadi knows all the bird species, and can even identify rare birds by the way they fly.
