Amanda Sweeney

About Amanda Sweeney

My addiction to Latin America began in 2000. Embarking on my first round the world trip, I was lured by photos of mystical Machu Picchu, perhaps the most familiar icon of the Inca world. Inspired and intrigued, I booked an overland truck trip from Lima to La Paz – and was hooked by this wonderfully diverse continent.

Over the past decade I have been lucky enough to travel extensively to this spectacular region, enjoying trips to almost all of Central America and many parts of South America, including the white continent, Antarctica.

I love dramatic landscapes and natural beauty, so my favourite destinations, not surprisingly, include the archaeologically rich San Pedro de Atacama desert region in northern Chile, the lunar landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni and South Lipez  in southern Bolivia, Torres del Paine national park in southern Patagonia and the magical sunrises over the Lemaire Channel in Antarctica.

Working as a Latin America specialist at Western & Oriental which I joined in June 2007, means I can share my passion and knowledge with people every day.

So many aspects draw me back time and time again – the culture, food and the friendliness of the people to name but a few. With countries still to discover, including Colombia and Venezuela, I will be returning very soon.