Kate Wannan

“From the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica to the incredible energy of the Amazon rainforest, some places stay with you long after you’ve returned home. After more than 20 years of exploring, I still find it impossible to choose a favourite.”

Travel and adventure have been a huge part of my life for more than 20 years. I’ve been fortunate enough to explore some incredible corners of the world, leading expeditions, designing travel experiences and sharing my love of adventure with others.

Having lived in Brazil, Ecuador and Peru, South America holds a special place in my heart. I love its diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, incredible wildlife and, most of all, the connections I’ve made with people along the way.

Some of my most unforgettable travel moments include spotting a rare jaguar in the Amazon, watching rockhopper penguins in Antarctica, observing blue-footed boobies and watching dolphins surf the waves in the Galapagos, and tracking wild horses through Patagonia.

My love of hiking and exploring has taken me to some spectacular places, including the Inca and Salkantay Trails in Peru, Cotopaxi in Ecuador, Torres del Paine in Chile and El Chaltén in Argentina. Whether hiking, skiing, surfing or discovering somewhere new, I’m happiest outdoors.

Throughout my career in adventure and sustainable tourism, I’ve led groups, developed travel programs and worked alongside local communities and tourism partners around the world. I believe travel is about much more than visiting beautiful places. It’s about connecting with people, experiencing different cultures and seeing the world from a new perspective.

I’m based in Northern Ontario, Canada, where you’ll often find me exploring new hiking trails with my family and our chocolate Lab, Groot, or watching hockey. My passion for adventure continues to inspire my work as a Destination Specialist with Chimu Adventures, where I love sharing my firsthand experiences and helping others discover the incredible places and cultures that have meant so much to me.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through my travels, it’s to keep an open mind, embrace every moment, even the challenging ones, and approach each new experience with the curiosity of an explorer. Sometimes the unexpected moments become the most memorable adventures.