Life before Swoop

Ali

African penguins at Port Elizabeth, South-Africa

For as long as I can remember, my family and I have travelled and explored Patagonia. It was always a mix of wonder and excitement! Camping, hiking, kayaking, skiing and everything we could do to explore nature, we did. I believe that those family trips are the reason behind my passion for nature and wildlife. We used to live in a big city, but 20 years ago, we decided to move out to Patagonia, for this very reason.

I spent many years exploring the mountains and rivers and hidden gems of Bariloche and its surroundings while guiding horseback riding tours for travellers from all over the world. After that, I moved on to Llao Llao, one of the most luxurious hotels in Patagonia, where I worked in customer service.

A few years later, I began teaching - yes, I know, a huge pivot, right?! I taught in different places and to different age groups, but for the most part, I was a primary school English teacher. This was one of the biggest learning experiences for me; I learned to be extra patient, multitask, and focus on people’s needs above all.

Why I love travelling

I believe that travelling is a way of investing in ourselves. You get to meet new people, taste different flavours, explore, and learn from different cultures. It makes you see the world from a different perspective, and in the end, you figure out that our incredible world is like a book, the more you travel, the more pages you want to read! 

I am always ready with my backpack and passport for a new adventure...

Ali

Day to day at Swoop

From my home in Bariloche, Argentina, I work as part of the Customer Experience Team. Having been lucky enough to visit Antarctica, my mission is to make sure every traveller can experience the magic of the polar regions on their own terms. I focus on the details and support customers in any way necessary, making their experience unforgettable!

Ali

Snowmobiling in Bariloche