Maria Barciela - Travel Expert

Maria Barciela

4.3 - Excellent
Based on 3 reviews
  • Messages: 868
Currently 14:34 in Buenos Aires

Expert Countries

Lives in

Buenos Aires

Speaks

English, Portuguese, Spanish

Experience

20 years

About Maria

Write a review
Almost 12 years ago, I founded a travel company with my sister and business partner, Clara. We started with a boutique concept, specializing only in tailor-made trips in Argentina, and then with time we began offering combined circuits including other countries that we love. We became experts in the countries in South America, including Chile, Uruguay, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil. I have been living in New Zealand for the past 3 years and from here I work with clients from all over the world who want to experience South America in an authentic way, creating their own fantastic experiences. Having our in-ground operations office in Buenos Aires, Argentina enables me to be sure that the service we provide is really personalized for each customer and absolutely one of a kind.

Maria's Expertise

Customised itineraries in South America are my specialization. Each traveller is different! The destinations and places I focus on are Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. I also really like all the amazing and exclusive expedition cruises in Patagonia and Antarctica that allow me to offer trips to the most beautiful remote places in the world! Lodging options are also very important to me and a very special part of the programmes I offer. I really love the boutique properties that we have in South America; charming, unique and hidden places are my favourites! I also specialize in the challenge of creating the perfect South American holiday for honeymooners, families and well-travelled couples looking for the "real South America", so I always add an original experience from our exclusive catalogues such as culinary experiences, wines, wildlife, trekking, farm visits and local culture.

Maria's Best Travel Experience

One of the best trips I did lately started in Salta, Argentina´s northwest region. Salta is a totally overlooked place and it's definitely one of my preferred places in Argentina because of its authenticity. From here, I travelled to Cachi, a small little town in the Calchaquies Valleys. The place and the local people are so warm and unique, I love this place! I then headed to the Atacama, the desert in Chile, full of marvellous landscapes. My trip continued to Peru, where I visited the Colca Valley and its little villages like "Chivay". It's really amazing to see how the local people keep their culture alive, and you can hear them speaking the local Quechan language. Truly unbelievable. Our final stop was, of course, Cusco and Machu Picchu- the ruins were the jewel of the trip! Cusco is a place where I could have stayed longer, it's so magical.

Why is Maria the right travel expert

I love South America! It's definitely my favourite place to explore. I am a local expert, born in South America, and each trip is still a new and exciting experience. Unlike other travel operators, I only specialise in South America and have travelled the length and breadth of the continent to source the most wonderful experiences. Picture staying in a luxurious Estancia like a Uruguayan gaucho, or meeting fourth-generation winemakers in a Peruvian vineyard! Our company is all about authentic vacations that help you to discover the beating heart of a country.

Create your custom-made trip with Maria Barciela

Traveling to Argentina or Chile? Chat with Maria who can help you build a personalized trip to those destinations

Maria Barciela
Recommended by
  • BBC
  • Independent
  • Lonely Planet

Similar Travel Experts

Meet other passionate experts who specialize in tours in Argentina, Chile.

James Mackender

James Mackender

5 - Excellent
Response Rate: 100%

I enjoy planning trips for travelers that challenge themselves and go to places that are rarely explored. Adventure is always something I am keen to develop on a travel experience, as these kinds of trips provide experiences you'll remember for a lon... Read more

Ezequiel Fernandez Estelrich

Ezequiel Fernandez Estelrich

5 - Excellent
Response Rate: 100%

Born and raised in Buenos Aires City, I grew up exploring its streets and enjoying the beautiful melancholy of tango music. But, I always knew that there was more for me out there. I studied at Buenos Aires University to be a social communicator. Af... Read more

Oxana Protchenko

Oxana Protchenko

Response Rate: 100%

My name is Oxana and I am originally Russian, but I lived in Cuba, Costa Rica and the United States before I finally came to Chile — a land of infinite travel opportunities! When I initially arrived, I was not planning to stay, but I fell in love wit... Read more

Maria Szlafsztein

Maria Szlafsztein

4 - Excellent
Response Rate: 100%

I'm originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I love South America and I enjoy sharing this passion I have for the region, including the landscapes, the people, the food and the culture. I hope to help you experience South America and love it as I do!... Read more

Santiago Tur

Santiago Tur

5 - Excellent
Response Rate: 100%

I was born and raised in Argentina, although I spent some time living in Europe and New Zealand. When I was a child, my father would tell me stories of his trips around the most inhospitable corners of Patagonia. When I got older, I followed his tra... Read more

Axel Bulgheroni

Axel Bulgheroni

Response Rate: 100%

Born in Rufino, Santa Fe, and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I grew up exploring the cities and the different places and destinations of Argentina and enjoying the country’s beautiful landscapes! But I always knew that there was more for me out t... Read more

Christian Morrison

Christian Morrison

Response Rate: 100%

Nature has captivated me ever since I was a child. From spending all afternoon fascinated by the smallest insects to absorbing the breathtaking landscapes of southern Chile. I also love meeting new people and visiting new places. I'm especially curio... Read more

Matias Schwab

Matias Schwab

Response Rate: 100%

I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, so I am a little bit of a true Porteño. When I was a kid I traveled a lot with my family, and then when I was a bit older I studied hospitality at university and I discovered my passion for traveling. I did my f... Read more

Matias Alemani

Matias Alemani

Response Rate: 100%

I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I have always enjoyed traveling, going to new places, and meeting new people. I am also passionate about painting, photography, and the arts in general. I studied hotel management at the university in Buenos Ai... Read more

Ana Gutiérrez

Ana Gutiérrez

Response Rate: 100%

Traveling is what I love the most! I really enjoy discovering unique places and people and I also love showing my favorite destinations to others— sharing experiences, flavors, and adventures. I have years of travel experience combined with a degree ... Read more

Omar Villegas

Omar Villegas

Response Rate: 100%

I am a 38-year-old Chilean ecotourism professional living in the biggest Chilean city—Santiago. I love to ride my bicycle everywhere! Ecotourism is very important to me and has been throughout my life: As a child I was a boy scout and was always in n... Read more

Clara Gonzalez

Clara Gonzalez

Response Rate: 100%

I was born and raised in the beautiful and vibrant city of Buenos Aires. I have been working in the tourism industry since graduating from Tourism and Hotel Management in 2016. After I finished college, I decided to live abroad for a while to see new... Read more

Camila B

Camila B

Response Rate: 100%

French by birth, I set foot in Chile in 2012 and have never returned; I'm captivated by this magical country! I'm energetic, sociable, passionate about travel, and have an eye for detail, having always worked in the tourism industry. After a master'... Read more

Recommended by
  • BBC
  • Independent
  • Lonely Planet