
Introduction to Latin Routes
Latin Routes is a distinguished tour operator headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with a dedicated focus on crafting extraordinary travel experiences across Latin America. Established in 1999, the company has grown from a niche specialist into a trusted brand recognised by luxury travellers, adventure seekers, and corporate incentive groups alike. Latin Routes’ reputation is built on an intricate understanding of the continent’s diverse geography, cultures, and logistics—offering seamless journeys from the Amazon rainforest to the Patagonian steppes, and from the Galápagos Islands to the colonial cities of Mexico.
The company’s industry standing is further cemented by its membership in ABTA, IATA, and its long-standing partnerships with local DMCs, boutique hotels, and national park authorities. Latin Routes does not merely sell holidays; it curates life-changing narratives, emphasising sustainability, authenticity, and personalised service. With a team of over 60 travel specialists, the company serves a wide range of clientele, including high-net-worth individuals, honeymooners, multi-generational families, and corporate event planners. Its central London office operates as a hub of creativity, where every itinerary is meticulously designed to reflect the client’s passions and pace.
As the travel industry evolves, Latin Routes continues to innovate through dynamic packaging, responsible tourism policies, and digital transformation. The company’s commitment to excellence has earned it numerous accolades, including ‘Best Tour Operator’ awards from the British Travel Awards and top rankings on review platforms. For businesses and travellers seeking unmatched expertise in Latin America, Latin Routes stands as the gold standard.
Company History and Business Evolution
The story of Latin Routes began in 1999 when founder David Barclay and his partner recognised a gap in the UK market for truly customised Latin American holidays. Initially operating from a small office in Surrey, the company offered personalised itineraries to Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. Word-of-mouth referrals and a passion for the region fuelled rapid growth, and by 2003, Latin Routes had expanded its portfolio to include all South American countries, plus Central America and Mexico.
Key milestones include the launch of its first comprehensive website in 2005, which enabled clients to explore itineraries online and request quick quotes. In 2010, Latin Routes opened a dedicated call centre in London to handle increasing demand, and shortly after, it became one of the first UK tour operators to offer carbon-neutral travel offsets. The company weathered the 2008 financial crisis by diversifying into corporate travel, providing incentive trips for multinational firms. The 2015 acquisition of a small specialist agency, ‘Andean Horizons’, deepened its expertise in Peru and Bolivia, while a partnership with the Galápagos Conservancy enhanced its eco-tourism credentials.
The 2020 pandemic forced a pivot to domestic UK adventures and virtual experiences, but Latin Routes rebounded strongly by 2022 with a renewed focus on sustainable luxury. Recent innovations include a proprietary booking platform that integrates real-time availability from 300+ Latin American hotels and lodges. Today, the company manages over 15,000 travellers annually, with revenue exceeding £20 million. Latin Routes’ evolution from a two-person start-up to a market leader exemplifies resilience, a deep love for Latin America, and an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction.
Latin Routes at a Glance
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
- Founded: 1999
- Founder: David Barclay
- CEO: Claire Bichard (current)
- Industry: Travel & Tourism – Specialist Tour Operator
- Core Markets: Luxury travel, adventure travel, honeymoons, corporate incentives, solo travel
- Destinations: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Galápagos, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela (selectively)
- Annual Revenue: ~£20 million (2023 estimate)
- Employees: ~60–70 full-time staff
- Accreditations: ABTA, IATA, ATOL protected, Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO)
- Notable Awards: British Travel Awards ‘Best Tour Operator – Latin America’ (multiple years), World Travel Awards nominee
- Customer Reviews: Trustpilot rating 4.8/5; Google Reviews 4.7/5
- Primary Clientele: UK-based travellers, North American inbound, high-net-worth individuals
- Philanthropy: Partnerships with Planet Earth Trust, local conservation projects in Amazon and Patagonia
- Digital Presence: Active on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube
- Booking Platform: Proprietary booking engine integrating live hotel/activity availability
- Key Competitors: Journey Latin America, Audley Travel, Steppes Travel
- Unique Selling Points: Deep local expertise, 24/7 in-country support, tailor-made itineraries from scratch
- Employee Satisfaction: Glassdoor rating 4.2/5; strong team culture
- Sustainability Commitment: Carbon offsetting, responsible wildlife tourism, single-use plastic reduction
Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values
Latin Routes’ mission is to deliver extraordinary, life-enriching travel experiences that connect people deeply with the cultures, landscapes, and wildlife of Latin America. The vision extends beyond tourism: to become the world’s most trusted and responsible Latin America travel specialist, fostering sustainable tourism that benefits local communities and preserves natural heritage.
Core values include Authenticity (ensuring every experience is genuine and shaped by local knowledge), Excellence (maintaining the highest service standards from quote to return), Responsibility (promoting sustainable travel practices and ethical partnerships), and Innovation (continuously enhancing digital tools and itineraries). These principles guide every decision, from selecting ground operators to designing marketing campaigns. The company’s culture is reflected in its motto: “Travel deeper, stay longer, care more.”
Business Strategy and Future Roadmap
Latin Routes’ growth strategy is anchored in three pillars: digital transformation, market diversification, and sustainability leadership. On the digital front, the company is investing in AI-driven recommendation engines to personalise itineraries faster, as well as a customer portal that tracks bookings, documents, and real-time travel updates. The goal is to reduce quote turnaround time by 40% while maintaining the high-touch feel of a specialist operator.
Market diversification involves expanding beyond the UK into the US, Canada, and Australia—regions with a high appetite for Latin American travel. Latin Routes plans to open a small sales office in New York and partner with travel advisors in those regions. Additionally, the company is targeting the corporate sector with bespoke incentive trips, conferences, and leadership retreats. Sustainability is central to the roadmap: Latin Routes aims to achieve B Corp certification by 2026, implement a zero-plastic policy across operations, and ensure that 80% of its itineraries include community-based tourism components.
Future initiatives include a new ‘Low-Impact Travel’ collection featuring eco-lodges and carbon-neutral flights, and a mentorship programme for small-scale Latin American tourism entrepreneurs. With a strong balance sheet and loyal client base, Latin Routes is poised to lead the post-pandemic travel recovery with purpose and profitability.
Products, Technologies, and Services
Latin Routes offers a comprehensive suite of travel services centered on custom itineraries. Its core product is ‘Tailor-Made Travel’, where a dedicated consultant designs every detail—from flights and transfers to guided tours, accommodation, and activities—based on the client’s interests, budget, and preferred pace. The company also has pre-designed ‘Journey Collections’ such as ‘Classic Brazil’, ‘Peru & Machu Picchu Explorer’, and ‘Argentina & Chile – The Andes Route’, which can be adapted. For luxury clients, ‘Signature Journeys’ include private guides, upgraded lodgings, and exclusive access experiences.
Technology plays a vital role: Latin Routes uses a proprietary CRM that integrates with global distribution systems for flight booking, hotel inventory APIs, and local supplier extranets. The company’s website features an interactive trip planner, live chat support, and a ‘Quote My Trip’ form that generates a draft itinerary within two hours. For operational efficiency, the team uses project management software to track each booking phase from quote to post-travel feedback.
Beyond holidays, Latin Routes provides corporate travel management for incentive groups, offering bespoke programmes that blend networking, adventure, and cultural immersion. The company also operates a ‘Latin Routes Foundation’ that supports education and conservation projects, and clients can choose to donate a percentage of their booking to selected initiatives. After-sales service includes 24/7 in-country assistance, a travel app with offline maps, and a dedicated post-trip follow-up to gather testimonials and reviews.
Industries and Markets Served
Latin Routes primarily serves the consumer leisure travel market, with additional emphasis on corporate and institutional clients. The leisure segment includes honeymooners, couples, solo travellers, families, and small groups seeking immersive, high-quality experiences. Corporate clients range from SMEs to FTSE 100 companies that use Latin America for incentive trips, annual meetings, or client entertainment. The company also works with travel agents and tour operators as a wholesaler for Latin American components, though direct bookings constitute 80% of sales.
Geographically, the UK accounts for 70% of revenue, followed by North America (15%), Europe (10%), and other (5%). Latin Routes is increasingly targeting the North American market through digital advertising and partnerships with US-based travel advisors. The company also serves niche markets such as eco-tourists, birdwatchers, luxury travellers, and adventure seekers. Its ability to serve multiple segments is supported by a flexible product range and a deep understanding of destination nuances.
Leadership and Management Philosophy
Under CEO Claire Bichard, who took the helm in 2018, Latin Routes fosters a collaborative, transparent, and empowering culture. Bichard, a former travel director at a competitor, brings over 20 years of industry experience and a passion for Latin America. The management team includes heads of product, sales, marketing, operations, finance, and sustainability, each with deep expertise. The leadership philosophy centres on ‘Servant Leadership’—where managers support their teams to excel, rather than directing top-down. Monthly town halls, open-door policies, and cross-departmental projects are standard.
Decisions are data-informed but always balanced with intuition from consultants who travel frequently to destinations. Latin Routes invests heavily in staff training, including annual fam trips to Latin America, language classes (Spanish/Portuguese), and certification from bodies like the Travel Institute. The result is a motivated workforce with low turnover and high innovation.
Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement
Latin Routes hosts an annual ‘Latin Routes Symposium’ for industry partners, where suppliers from Latin America present new products and sustainability initiatives. The event draws several hundred travel advisors and media. Additionally, the company sponsors the ‘Latin America Travel Awards’ and participates in trade shows such as WTM London, ILTM, and the Adventure Travel World Summit.
Community engagement is a cornerstone: Latin Routes organises ‘Voluntourism’ trips for clients, where a portion of the stay is dedicated to local reforestation or school building. The company also runs a ‘Matching Gifts’ programme, matching employee donations to charities focused on Latin America, and each year sends a team to participate in a sponsored trek like the Inca Trail for charity. Locally in London, the office supports the ‘Latin American Cultural Centre’ and hosts quarterly networking evenings for travel enthusiasts.
Employees and Workplace Culture
Working at Latin Routes is described as dynamic, supportive, and creative. The London office features open-plan spaces with Latin American decor, a travel library, and a kitchen stocked with Colombian coffee. Employees enjoy flexible working arrangements, with most staff hybrid (3 days in office, 2 remote). Benefits include 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays), private health insurance, a pension plan with 5% employer contribution, and an annual travel bonus of £1,000 towards a Latin America trip.
Culture is built on collaboration and recognition. Weekly team meetings celebrate successes, and an employee recognition programme, ‘Route Star of the Month’, rewards outstanding contributions. Social events include pub quizzes, language exchange sessions, and a yearly team retreat to a Latin American country—last year was Costa Rica. The company also encourages professional development, covering costs for relevant courses and certifications. Glassdoor reviews highlight the friendly atmosphere, approachable management, and the sense of purpose in delivering life-changing travel.
Job Details & Requirements for this Posting
Role: Latin Routes Senior Travel Consultant – Latin America Specialist
We are seeking an experienced travel consultant with in-depth knowledge of Latin America to join our London headquarters. As a Senior Travel Consultant, you will handle complex, high-value itineraries from initial enquiry to post-travel follow-up, ensuring every client receives an exceptional, tailored experience. You will work closely with our product and operations teams to refine offerings and mentor junior consultants.
Key Responsibilities:
- Consult with clients to understand travel preferences, budget, and expectations for Latin American trips.
- Design multi-destination itineraries including flights, accommodation, transfers, guides, and activities.
- Liaise with local partners and DMCs to secure best rates and unique experiences.
- Provide accurate quotes within 24–48 hours, ensuring profitability and alignment with company standards.
- Manage bookings through the proprietary system, handle amendments, and ensure timely invoicing.
- Build strong client relationships to encourage repeat business and referrals.
- Stay updated on Latin American destinations, travel advisories, and sustainable tourism practices.
- Mentor and train junior consultants as needed.
- Contribute to social media content and product development.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Minimum 3 years of experience as a travel consultant, with at least 2 years focused on Latin America.
- Demonstrable knowledge of at least three Latin American countries (e.g., Peru, Brazil, Argentina).
- Excellent communication and sales skills.
- Proficiency in travel booking systems (e.g., Galileo, Amadeus) and CRM software.
- Fluency in Spanish or Portuguese is highly desirable.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
- Passion for responsible travel and cultural immersion.
- Right to work in the UK.
Why Join Latin Routes?
This role offers the chance to work with a market leader known for its deep expertise, strong supplier relationships, and award-winning service. You will enjoy a supportive team environment, opportunities for travel to Latin America, and a comprehensive benefits package. Latin Routes invests in your growth through ongoing training and career progression pathways, from Senior Consultant to Team Leader or Product Manager.
Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation
Latin Routes enjoys an outstanding reputation among travellers and industry peers alike. With thousands of reviews across major platforms, the company consistently achieves high marks for personalised service, destination knowledge, and seamless execution. Below, we analyse feedback from six key sources in detail.
Glassdoor
Glassdoor reviews from current and former employees highlight Latin Routes as a great place to work, with a rating of 4.2 out of 5. Employees praise the collaborative culture, approachable management, and the meaningful work of crafting trips that change lives. Common mentions include the company’s commitment to sustainability, the annual fam trip benefit, and the flexibility of hybrid work. Some constructive feedback points to periods of high workload during peak season, but overall sentiment is very positive. Leadership is seen as transparent and invested in employee well-being.
Indeed
Indeed reviews echo Glassdoor with a 4.1 rating. Staff appreciate the friendly environment, autonomy in designing itineraries, and the quality of training. Many note that the company encourages creativity and that consultants feel trusted to make decisions. The main areas for improvement mentioned are occasional understaffing in the operations team and the need for more advanced technology tools. Management has been responsive to such feedback, rolling out new software upgrades.
Gartner Peer Insights
Latin Routes is less frequently reviewed on Gartner Peer Insights as it is a travel company, not a tech vendor. However, the few reviews from travel technology partners praise the company’s collaboration and quick adoption of new systems. The company’s use of a CRM integrated with supplier APIs is noted as a benchmark for mid-sized tour operators.
Trustpilot
Trustpilot is a key source of customer feedback, with over 2,500 reviews and an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. Customers consistently highlight the personalised service, attention to detail, and expert advice. Common phrases include “utterly seamless,” “exceeded expectations,” and “the best holiday we’ve ever had.” Negative reviews are rare and usually address isolated issues like delayed responses during high season, which are quickly resolved. Latin Routes actively responds to every review, showcasing its commitment to customer satisfaction.
G2
On G2, Latin Routes appears in categories like “Travel Management Platforms,” though it is primarily a service provider. Reviews from corporate clients emphasise the company’s flexibility in customising incentive trips, reliable ground support, and value for money. One concern raised is the limited online booking dashboard for corporations, a feature currently in development.
Google Reviews
Google reviews average 4.7 stars across 800+ reviews. Travellers rave about the insider knowledge of consultants, the quality of guides and lodges, and the peace of mind provided by 24/7 support. Many remarks that the itinerary included unique experiences they couldn’t have found on their own. A few mentions of minor hiccups (e.g., a late transfer) but all acknowledged the swift resolution by the local team.
LinkedIn Reputation
On LinkedIn, Latin Routes has a company page with 5,000+ followers and a strong reputation for thought leadership in responsible travel. The company regularly posts articles on sustainable tourism in the Amazon, destination guides, and employee spotlights. Current and former employees often endorse each other for skills like itinerary planning and Spanish language. The LinkedIn ‘Life’ tab shows photos of team events and community projects, reinforcing a positive employer brand.
Why Organizations Choose Latin Routes
Corporate clients and travel trade partners select Latin Routes for its unparalleled local knowledge, financial stability, and commitment to sustainable practices. The company’s ATOL and ABTA bonds provide security for large groups, while its network of vetted local operators ensures consistent quality. For incentive travel planners, Latin Routes offers creative concepts that blend luxury with adventure—such as hosting a gala dinner in a restored colonial hacienda in Peru or a private tango show in Buenos Aires. The company’s ability to handle complex logistics (multi-country itineraries, internal flights, remote lodges) with precision is a key differentiator. Additionally, Latin Routes’ transparent pricing and willingness to accommodate special requests (dietary, accessibility, etc.) make it a trusted partner for high-stakes events.
Official Contact Information
For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to Latin Routes using the following contact details:
Address: 91-93 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BS, United Kingdom
Contact Number: +44 (0)20 7099 5500
Support Number: +44 (0)20 7099 5510
Helpdesk Number: +44 (0)20 7099 5520
Website: www.latinroutes.co.uk
Official Social Media Presence
- Instagram: @latinroutes
- Facebook: @LatinRoutesLtd
- LinkedIn: /company/latin-routes
- YouTube: /LatinRoutes
- Twitter/X: @LatinRoutesUK
SEO FAQ Section
1. What types of tours does Latin Routes offer?Latin Routes specialises in tailor-made holidays, pre-designed journey collections, luxury trips, adventure travel, honeymoons, family trips, and corporate incentive travel across Latin America.
2. Is Latin Routes ABTA bonded?Yes, Latin Routes is an ABTA member and holds ATOL protection, ensuring financial security for your booking.
3. How long has Latin Routes been operating?Latin Routes was founded in 1999, with over 25 years of experience in Latin American travel.
4. Where is Latin Routes based?Latin Routes is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with a dedicated team of travel specialists.
5. Does Latin Routes offer sustainable travel options?Yes, Latin Routes is deeply committed to sustainability, offering carbon offset programmes, eco-friendly lodges, and community-based tourism experiences.
6. Can Latin Routes help with flights?Yes, flights can be included as part of your custom itinerary, with access to global distribution systems for competitive pricing.
7. Does Latin Routes offer solo traveller holidays?Absolutely. Latin Routes designs solo adventures with single accommodations, group departures, and private guides.
8. What makes Latin Routes different from other tour operators?Latin Routes combines deep local expertise with personalised one-to-one service, 24/7 in-country support, and a strong focus on authentic, sustainable travel.
9. Can I make changes to my itinerary after booking?Yes, Latin Routes allows amendments up to a certain date; fees may apply. The team works to accommodate changes as flexibly as possible.
10. Does Latin Routes offer travel insurance?Latin Routes recommends travel insurance and can assist in recommending suitable policies, but it is not sold directly.
11. How do I get a quote from Latin Routes?You can request a quote via the website’s ‘Quote My Trip’ form, by phone, or by email. A consultant will respond within 24 hours.
12. Are the guides used by Latin Routes local?Yes, Latin Routes exclusively partners with local guides to ensure authentic experiences and support local economies.
13. Does Latin Routes handle visa requirements?Latin Routes provides general visa information but does not process visas. They advise clients to check requirements early.
14. What is the typical lead time for booking?For complex itineraries, 3–6 months is recommended, but Latin Routes can also accommodate last-minute requests.
15. Can I book a trip for a large group or corporate event?Yes, Latin Routes has a dedicated corporate travel team specialising in group itineraries and incentive trips.
16. How does Latin Routes ensure quality of accommodation?Latin Routes personally inspects and vets all hotels and lodges, selecting only those that meet their standards of comfort and authenticity.
17. What languages do Latin Routes consultants speak?All consultants are fluent in English; many speak Spanish or Portuguese.
18. Does Latin Routes offer refunds if a trip is cancelled?Refund policies depend on the terms of each booking; Latin Routes follows ABTA guidelines and advises on appropriate cancellation insurance.
19. Can I combine multiple countries in one trip?Yes, multi-country itineraries are a specialty, allowing you to explore several Latin American countries seamlessly.
20. How do I contact Latin Routes after booking for emergency support?A 24/7 emergency line is provided to all clients; you will receive the number in your travel documents.
For additional resources on elevating your travel brand’s online presence, consider leveraging Guest Posting Services from BipBip America, which can boost visibility for companies like Latin Routes. Furthermore, Latin Routes itself offers a wealth of industry insights on its official website, where you can explore destination guides, travel tips, and corporate social responsibility reports. Integrating high-quality SEO guest posts and strategic backlinking from reputable platforms can further establish Latin Routes as a thought leader in the Latin American travel niche, attracting organic traffic and building trust with potential clients.
