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Meet the team

Meet the team

Making the Southern Explorations Difference

From your first phone call to our team of Adventure Travel Coordinators to the end of your trip and beyond, our team makes it a priority to ensure you always enjoy the signature Southern Explorations experience.

Since 1995, Justin has been studying, guiding, and developing adventure travel trips across all of South and Central America. His passion for Latin America was sparked while studying abroad in Ecuador and Chile. Justin initiated his career in the adventure travel industry in 1998, as a guide and white-water kayaker for various companies in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Panama, and Peru.

Leveraging his wealth of experience, extensive contacts, and local insights, Justin established his own enterprise dedicated to providing top-tier adventure travel trips all over Latin America.  To efficiently manage office workload due to growing demand for his trips in Latin America, he curated a team of like-minded professionals who now form the backbone of Southern Explorations. Justin’s company has earned international acclaim for its excellence in customer service, unique travel itineraries, commitment to sustainable tourism, and an impeccable safety record.

Justin regularly travels to South and Central America, reinforcing and expanding his network of contacts, guiding special interest groups, and discovering new destinations. His personal experiences while guiding and exploring Latin America resonate in each trip offered by Southern Explorations, as he has played a pivotal role in designing every journey.

Justin graduated from the University of Oregon with degrees in Environmental Science, Planning, Public Policy and Management, as well as Spanish. He takes pride in earning a certificate from the university’s prestigious Outdoor Pursuits Program.

Favorite Trips
A kayaker wearing a yellow jacket navigates a red kayak down a turbulent, narrow rocky waterfall. The surrounding area is filled with large rocks and rushing white water.
A family of four, including a baby, two adults, and a dog, poses for a photo during sunset on a beach. The baby sits on the woman's lap, while the man holds the dog. Palm trees, a building, and the sea are visible in the background.
A person wearing a blue hat and sunglasses is kiteboarding in the ocean. They are airborne, holding onto the kite's control bar with both hands, and wearing a harness and light blue shorts. The background shows a calm sea and a clear sky.

As Senior Director of Sales & Chief Operating Officer, Jonathan is responsible for setting and implementing Southern Explorations’ strategic course, managing day-to-day operations in Southern Explorations’ United States offices, and for ensuring each and every traveler experiences a trip of a lifetime. Jonathan worked closely with Founder & Owner Justin Laycob to build a company committed to creating custom adventures to amazing places, and is thrilled to bring his passion for travel, his vast knowledge of South America’s people and places, and his experience in planning and operations to the company. Jonathan has over twenty years’ experience in the adventure travel industry; prior to joining Southern Explorations, he served as the Logistics and Operations Manager for the Colorado Outward Bound School. Jonathan holds a degree in Planning, Public Policy, and Management from the University of Oregon.

FavORITE TRIPS
A modern, rustic building with a curved roof sits on a vast, open plain under a bright blue sky with scattered fluffy clouds. The sun shines brightly on the horizon, casting light on the distant mountains and the reflective surface of a large lake.
Two people are standing together and smiling at the camera. They are outdoors in a mountainous area, likely at a historical site with ancient ruins and terraces. One person is wearing a black jacket and cap, and the other is wearing a white shirt and sunglasses. The sky is cloudy.
A tropical beach with golden sand is surrounded by lush, tall palm trees. The turquoise ocean waves gently wash ashore under a bright blue sky with a few scattered clouds. The scene is tranquil and bathed in warm sunlight, capturing the essence of Costa Rica's natural beauty.

Marisa heads up the Ecuador and Galapagos Sales & Operations team, running behind the scenes logistics, revising and creating new tours, maintaining partner relations, and has a little too much fun with spreadsheets. She has over twenty years of experience in the travel industry working at two airports, a student travel agency, and a European tour wholesaler before setting down roots with Southern Explorations in 2007. Her passion for outdoor adventure stems from growing up in the woods of rural Vermont and her interests in history, cuisine, foreign cultures and languages fueled her desire for international travel. When not organizing trips for Southern Exploration’s explorers, she’s planning her next travel adventure, reading, and enjoying the great outdoors. She divides her time between Vermont and Puerto Rico. Marisa holds a degree in Travel & Tourism Management from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Favorite Trips
A person in a yellow kayak paddles near a large rocky archway over a body of water. The archway forms a natural tunnel through the rock, with clear blue sky and distant rock formations visible through the opening. The water around the kayak is calm and turquoise.
Two smiling people crouch near a large tortoise in a natural, grassy setting. The person on the left wears a blue outfit and sunglasses, while the person on the right wears sunglasses on their head and an orange long-sleeve shirt. The tortoise appears to be grazing.
Tourists stand on a walkway taking photos and enjoying a scenic view of Iguazu Falls cascading down a rocky cliff with lush greenery. The sky is clear and blue, adding to the beauty of the landscape.

With two decades in the travel industry, Eric brings a wealth of experience to Southern Explorations. Specializing in sales across our South American destinations, particularly Chile, Argentina, and Patagonia, his focus is on creating meaningful connections with clients seeking authentic experiences. Beyond sales, Eric leads Southern Exploration’s marketing efforts, seamlessly blending his strategic insights with deep understanding of South American travel. Eric holds a degree from Seattle University in International Business; his academic journey includes studying art history in Paris and leading a microfinance project in Kenya. He is now based in the foothills of the Cascade mountains spending his free time with his family exploring the nearby forests, cooking extravagant meals, and of course planning his next trip.

Favorite Trips:
A man in a blue padded jacket and blue cap smiles at the camera with a snowy mountain and icy water in the background. The scene is serene with white snow, floating ice fragments, and cloudy skies.
Two hikers with backpacks stand on a lush, green hillside overlooking a turquoise alpine lake surrounded by dense forest. Snow-capped mountains rise in the background under a bright blue sky dotted with a few white clouds.
The image shows the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru, nestled high in the Andes Mountains. The ruins are surrounded by lush green terraces and dramatic peaks, partially covered by clouds, creating a mystical and breathtaking landscape.

From Peru, Angie’s love for traveling led her to study tourism at Cenfotur Institute in Peru with a degree as an Official Tourist Guide with Advanced English. Angie worked at Southern Explorations’ Lima, Peru Operations Office for 2 years. Then, completed a year internship at the head office in Seattle. She is now our Operations manager working full time from Cusco, Peru. Angie, has traveled extensively in her native Peru and is knowledgeable about the country’s varied geography and its indigenous cultures. She also worked at a travel agency in Iguazu, Argentina. Like our customers, Angie also enjoys traveling, hiking and other outdoor activities.

Favorite Trips
A person with glasses is wearing a brightly colored jacket with red, orange, and yellow sections and a logo that reads "Southern Explorations" paired with a white t-shirt underneath. They are making a peace sign with one hand and smiling slightly.
A person wearing a colorful hat, reflective sunglasses, and a gray jacket takes a smiling selfie in a snow-covered mountainous area. They are carrying a blue and green backpack, with rocky terrain and snow in the background.
A person wearing a red skirt and a hat walks along a wooden bridge surrounded by lush greenery. To the right, a green and cream train with the number "903" is parked near a cluster of thatched-roof buildings set against the backdrop of forested mountains.

Kaitlyn developed a passion for the outdoors while growing up in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. She left home to experience big city life by living in Buenos Aires, Argentina and while there, explored Patagonia, Iguazu Falls, northwestern Argentina and the beaches of Uruguay. Kaitlyn expanded her travel planning logistical skills by developing an international service learning trip for Champlain College, requiring on-the-ground exploratory research in the small West African country of The Gambia. Kaitlyn’s work experience is deeply rooted in customer service, and with nearly 15 years in the hospitality industry, her dedication to designing unique, personalized itineraries for Southern Explorations’ travelers makes her an incredible asset to the Southern Explorations team. Kaitlyn enjoys traveling, cooking, gardening, and foraging for wild mushrooms in the forests behind her mountain home. Kaitlyn graduated with a degree in Psychology from Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont and is a certified yoga instructor.

Favorite Trips:
A person with long hair sits on a rock, facing the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru. Lush green terraces and stone structures are visible with a backdrop of towering mountains under a partly cloudy sky. A backpack is placed beside the person.
A woman wearing a black tank top, beige pants, and sunglasses stands on a trail with a backpack. She is smiling and posing in front of a scenic mountain landscape with lush green fields, scattered houses, and a bright blue sky with a few clouds.
A person stands on a rocky outcrop amid a foggy, barren landscape. They wear a blue hooded jacket, tan pants, and brown hiking boots, and hold two trekking poles. The person is smiling at the camera. The background is cloudy and misty, obscuring the distant view.

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Deanna grew up hiking, horseback riding, camping and climbing in the forest around her home, always in search of adventure and wildlife. At age 11, she moved with her family to Naples, Italy for two years, and a passion for history and culture was then added to her desire to explore the natural world. She has since lived in Los Angeles, New York, Rome, and Seattle where she joins Southern Explorations with over ten years of travel industry experience, having arranged international group travel and remote, expedition-style trips before specializing in Antarctica Expeditions. Deanna’s extensive travels have taken her throughout much of Europe, as well as to Turkey, Kenya, Tanzania, India, the Maldives, Peru, mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, Argentina and of course, Antarctica — hiking, kayaking, ice-climbing and paragliding along the way.

    A group of people wearing winter jackets and life vests are seated in a black inflatable boat on a frozen, icy lake surrounded by snow-covered mountains under a cloudy gray sky. The boat is breaking through the ice, and a glacier is visible in the background.
    A person with long hair is smiling, wearing a white furry hat and a yellow jacket. The background appears to be a snowy landscape with a clear, blue sky.
    A group of penguins stands on a rocky shore with a misty mountain range in the background. An expedition ship and a small boat are floating on the calm blue water. The sky is overcast, adding to the serene atmosphere.

    Born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, Alexandra been in the travel business for over two decades. She spent years working for Galapagos cruise ship companies, many of whom worked closely with Southern Explorations. Alex, as she preferred to be called, holds a degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Escuela Politecnica del Ejercito in Quito and has traveled extensively throughout the Americas and Europe. She brings much appreciated knowledge to the Southern Explorations team combined with a unique enthusiasm for her native Ecuador and Latin America. Based in Quito, Alex serves as the eyes and ears for the Ecuador team, scoping out new hotels, restaurants, checking out new Galapagos yachts under construction in the Guayaquil ship yard, and keeping the U.S. team up to date with on the ground news. Alex plays an integral role in every single Ecuador and Galapagos trip, taking care of the tiny details from special food requests to that anniversary bottle of wine that shows up in our guests’ hotel rooms. In her spare time, Alex enjoys hiking, reading, trying out new restaurants and of course, travelling!

    Favorite Trips:
    A woman stands on a rocky beach holding a baby, smiling at the camera. In the foreground, a sea lion is sitting upright on the sand. Another sea lion can be seen lying down in the background. The blue sky and ocean waves create a serene backdrop.
    A scenic view of a lush, green mountain landscape with a tall waterfall cascading into a deep valley. The surrounding area is covered in dense vegetation, and the sky is partially cloudy with mist enveloping the distant peaks.
    A majestic, large stone cathedral with tall twin spires and intricate Gothic architecture stands prominently against a backdrop of lush green hills under a clear blue sky. Surrounding the cathedral are smaller colorful buildings and palm trees.

    Victor, a native of Santiago, Chile, has been working in the tourism industry for over 20 years. He spent 7 years working in Santiago for a travel guide which offered tourism information about Chile online and then 10 years working at a boutique local tour operator as part of the sales team. Victor joined the Southern Explorations team in 2015 and plays an essential role in operations. Assisting the sales team from start to finish with complicated trip logistics, Victor’s knowledge and eagle eye attention to detail ensures that all aspects of our guests’ trips are in place. Victor has spent the better part of the last two decades refining his local travel expertise and has a passion for Latin America and world travel. He enjoys introducing people to Chile’s variety of travel possibilities and has experience in and around Chile like no one else. His hobbies include cinema, exercise, meeting new people, spending time with his family and friends, and by far his main passion is traveling. His travels have taken him across the globe to places like Cuba, Greece, and Japan among others. Victor can’t choose a favorite destination in Chile, though one day he would like to live in the south.

      A person wearing sunglasses, a black jacket, and hiking boots is squatting on a rocky mountain with snow-capped peaks and greenery in the background under a clear blue sky.
      A cityscape of Santiago, Chile, featuring modern high-rise buildings in the foreground and the snow-capped Andes Mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
      A serene landscape featuring three guanacos in Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia. One guanaco stands in a clear stream, while two others graze on the bank. Snow-capped mountains and dramatic rock formations rise under a partially cloudy sky in the background.

      Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Carmen lived in El Calafate for 8 years before moving to Spain. Since she was a little girl, she has been interested in other languages and took from her father the fascination about Patagonia and the slow mode holidays in touch with local culture. After finishing high school, she went to the USA for an international exchange. Later, she got a degree in Hotel Management and has been working in the travel industry for more than 10 years, while she continues traveling around South America and Europe. Nowadays she considers herself a motorhome enthusiast, and forever a traveler. 

        A person with long hair, wearing a white vest and black pants, is sitting on a rock and gazing at a serene turquoise lake with snow-covered mountains in the background. The sky is partly cloudy, enhancing the alpine scenery.
        An Argentine flag flutters on a pole amidst a rocky foreground, with the Perito Moreno Glacier extending across the midground under a partly cloudy sky. The icy expanse contrasts with a mix of blue and white hues below the dramatic sky.
        A scenic view of large waterfalls with powerful streams of water cascading down lush, green cliffs. A wooden bridge crowded with tourists stretches across rocky terrain in the foreground of Iguazu Falls. The sky above is bright blue with scattered fluffy clouds.

        Juan is our operations specialist for Peru and is based in Lima, Peru. He speaks Spanish, English and Hebrew fluently. A graduate in engineering and a trained zoologist, Juan is a remarkable source of information about Peru’s history, culture and ecology. His knowledge and enthusiasm are always appreciated by our travelers.

          A person wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and outdoor gear is zip-lining down a cable against a rocky cliff background. They are smiling and giving a thumbs-up with one hand while gripping the harness with the other.
          A stunning landscape featuring white salt terraces cascading down the mountainside under a blue sky with scattered clouds. The terraces overlook a valley surrounded by rugged, majestic mountains.
          A panoramic view of a historic city with red-tiled rooftops, dominated by a large cathedral. The city is surrounded by arid, mountainous terrain. In the background, "El Peru" is written on the mountainside.

          Fernanda is an adventurer by heart that loves to explore outdoors and design purpose driven experiences that share the best of Ecuador and Galapagos. With important expertise in ground operations and fueled by passion for creating cooperative and strong connections. Inspired by the curious minds of her two kids, her mission is to create meaningful, sustainable, and authentic journeys that connect  travelers and local communities. Fernanda holds a Marketing and Business management degree and enjoys cooking new recipes, hiking in nature with the family and discovering new places and experiences.

            A landscape featuring llamas grazing on a grassy field with rocky patches in the foreground. In the background, a snow-capped mountain rises against a partly cloudy blue sky.
            A towering statue of an angel with wings stands on a hill, overlooking a dense array of houses below. In the background, a snow-capped volcano emits thick clouds of smoke under a clear blue sky. The scenery combines urban life with dramatic natural elements.
            A scenic view of the Galápagos Islands featuring a rugged coastline with blue ocean waters, distinct volcanic formations, and scattered green vegetation. Several boats are anchored near the shore, and the sky is partially cloudy with vibrant blue hues.

            Born and raised in Quito, she has a degree in Hospitality from Universidad Católica del Ecuador, her passion for traveling and meeting new people from other cultures, encourage her to be part of the tourism industry. She gained experience working in chain hotels that gave her the opportunity to explore a new world. Currently, as a travel designer she enjoys creating personalized high-end itineraries in The Galapagos and Ecuador mainland. The most exciting thing for her is when clients are happy and get what they have expected. Veronica loves working out, eating healthy and discovering new places.

              A vast volcanic crater landscape with dark, rugged lava fields stretching across the valley floor, surrounded by green cliff edges under a sky with scattered clouds. The terrain is diverse, blending rough volcanic rock with lush vegetation.
              A large tortoise with a domed shell and rough, textured skin is resting on a patch of green grass. The tortoise has a serene expression, with its head slightly raised and its legs tucked under its shell. The background is blurred, highlighting the tortoise.
              A blue-footed booby stands on a rocky ledge with the ocean visible in the background. The bird has distinctive bright blue feet, a white underbelly, and brown wings. It appears to be looking down towards the water.

              Lorena has been on our team for 17 years and holds a degree in Tourism. She has traveled extensively in Argentina and is knowledgeable about the country’s varied geography. She has traveled with her 12 year old daughter to places such as Iguazu, Córdoba, Ushuaia and Peninsula Valdes. This year they will visit Glacier National Park in Patagonia. Lorena is instrumental in ensuring every trip runs smoothly. 

                A stunning view of Iguazu Falls with cascading waterfalls framed by lush greenery. A bright rainbow arcs across the mist at the bottom of the falls under a clear blue sky, where the powerful water flow creates a dynamic and lively scene.
                A stunning landscape features a large blue lake surrounded by lush, green hills and distant mountain ranges. The sky is bright with scattered clouds, reflecting beautifully off the water's surface, creating a picturesque and serene scene.
                A quaint mountain town nestled between rocky hills, featuring a variety of colorful houses and buildings. The lush greenery and trees in the foreground contrast with the arid landscape in the background, with clear skies allowing for a scenic view of the area.

                Juan is our main coordinator for Argentine Patagonia. With a degree in Tourism from Universidad del Salvador in Buenos Aires, he has been working in the tourism industry for over fifteen years. He also enjoys drama, has participated in several theater plays and is now directing. He has a great eye for quality and detail, making sure that nothing is overlooked. 

                  A grand, pink building with ornate architectural details and multiple archways under a clear blue sky. It is surrounded by a paved area, a few benches, and lush greenery in the foreground. The building exudes a historic and majestic presence.
                  A rugged landscape showcases the striking, colorful layers of a rock formation under a cloudy sky. The layers range from red and orange hues at the top to lighter shades of pink, green, and gray below. Sparse vegetation is visible in the foreground.
                  A majestic snow-capped mountain range towers in the background with a row of tall, slender trees and lush green fields in the foreground. A thin layer of clouds sits between the mountains and the hills below. The sky is clear and blue.

                  Born and raised in Costa Rica, “Mau”—as he’s known to his friends—entered the travel industry in the early 90s by starting an incoming travel company. His work has taken him throughout the world, from Jordan to Japan, China to India and Egypt, as well as to many countries in Europe and Latin America. As a Costa Rica travel expert, Mau provides our clients an authentic experience of his country, showcasing its beauty and its people, and sharing his love of travel, gastronomy, wine and culture

                    A serene beach scene at sunset in Costa Rica features a sandy shore lined with tall, leaning palm trees on the right. The sky displays a gradient from soft pink and orange hues to blue, reflecting a peaceful ambiance over the calm ocean waves.
                    Three sun loungers with white cushions and a wooden table under large umbrellas are set on a wooden deck overlooking the lush coastline and ocean of Costa Rica. Palm trees and tropical plants surround the deck, with a distant island visible under a partly cloudy sky.
                    A person wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and casual clothing is zip-lining through a lush forest canopy in Costa Rica. The background is filled with dense greenery, showcasing the vibrant and tall trees of the forest. The person appears to be smiling and enjoying the adventure.

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