Membership

Viva Expeditions & Chimu Adventures

Viva Expeditions is a Latin America travel specialist, crafting personalised journeys since 2008 from our base in Auckland, New Zealand. We're built for affluent, active travellers aged 40-70 who want rare, expertly-guided experiences — not off-the-shelf itineraries.

Latin America has always been at the heart of Viva Expeditions. Our destination specialists bring first-hand knowledge, long-standing local relationships and genuine expertise to every itinerary. We work with trusted partners on the ground to connect travellers with the people, landscapes, wildlife and cultures that make each destination memorable.

Beyond Latin America, Viva Expeditions holds specialist expertise in Africa, the Middle East, New Zealand, the Arctic and Antarctica.

Led by Rachel Williams

Viva Expeditions was founded in 2008 by Rachel Williams, who remains Managing Director today. Rachel is a former Vice President of the Latin America New Zealand Business Council (LANZBC) and co-owns Casa Republica, a boutique hotel in Lima, Peru, named Best Boutique Hotel in Peru at the World Travel Awards in 2022, 2023 and 2024. She has hosted exclusive journeys with high-profile Kiwis including Sir John Key (Antarctica), Hilary Barry (Africa rail safari) and Wendie Petrie (Galapagos). 

What Viva Expeditions offers:

• Tailor-made journeys
• Small-group tours
• Expedition cruises
• Rail journeys
• Lodges and unique local experiences

Why Viva Expeditions:

• Designing creative, personalised itineraries since 2008
• Destination specialists with first-hand knowledge and genuine expertise
• Strong connections and trusted partners throughout Latin America
• Tailor-made, small-group and expedition travel expertise
• New Zealand owned and operated, based in Auckland
• 24/7 support throughout every journey
• Committed to locally owned partners and positive-impact tourism