Stories Across South America

Maria and Clara Barciela

Hosted by sisters Clara and María—local experts recognized as the leading authorities in curated South American travel—Stories Across South America explores the continent through authentic, refined, and deeply personal journeys. Whether you're dreaming of remote Patagonian escapes, fine wine in Mendoza, or cultural and culinary experiences in Peru, this podcast is your trusted companion in creating a travel experience as authentic and unique as the places you’ll explore. Because travel is more than a destination—it’s a story worth living.

  1. 11/03/2025

    From Glaciers to Wine Country: Betsy's Family Trip Across South America

    🎧 SEASON FINALE: The Elman Family's South American Adventure Join Clara and Maria for the final episode of our 2025 season! They're sharing the incredible story of Elizabeth "Betsy" Elman and her family’s custom-designed trip through South America—planned with the help of Across South America Travel. This unforgettable journey across Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay included: ✨ Trip Highlights: 🍷 Wine tastings & a luxury stay at Cavas Wine Lodge in Mendoza 🏔️ A once-in-a-lifetime visit to the glaciers of Patagonia 👩‍🍳 A meaningful home-cooked meal with locals in Chile ❄️ Exploring Buenos Aires & Santiago in the quieter winter season 🌾 Traveling safely & comfortably with gluten-free dietary needs In this episode, you'll discover: 🤫 A Pro-Tip: Betsy shares why traveling in South America during the northern summer is a smart idea. 💡 Inspiration & Practical Advice: Whether you're dreaming of your next big adventure or planning a family trip, this episode is packed with real traveler insights. Perfect for: Travel dreamers Families planning their next adventure Anyone who loves authentic travel stories 📖 Continue Reading on Our Blog: Maria's Insights on Machu Picchu: Best things to do in Machu Picchu ✈️ Explore Our Suggested Itinerary: "Peru Uncovered:" From Sacred Valleys to Amazonian Adventures Ready to craft your own unforgettable journey? 🌐 Our Website: across-southamerica.com ✍️ Luxury Travel Blog: across-southamerica.com/blog 📸 Follow Us: instagram.com/across.southamerica 💫 WORK WITH US!Schedule your Discovery Call with Clara & Maria to begin designing your dream itinerary:👉 https://across-southamerica.com/start-here Hashtags #SouthAmericaTravel #FamilyTripToSouthAmerica #PatagoniaTravel #MendozaWineCountry #BuenosAiresTravelTips #GlutenFreeTravelSouthAmerica #ChileLocalExperiences #SouthAmericaWinterTravel #CustomTravelItinerary

    18 min
  2. Ep14 What It’s Really Like to Explore Peru with Belmond: Trains, Mountains & Magic

    10/13/2025

    Ep14 What It’s Really Like to Explore Peru with Belmond: Trains, Mountains & Magic

    What’s it really like to explore Peru with Belmond? Well… I was lucky enough to find out just a few months ago. I boarded the Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu, and from the moment I stepped inside, I knew this wasn’t just a way to get from point A to point B — it was part of the destination itself. The design, the music, the service, the food… and above all, the people. That warmth and genuine care? You feel it everywhere. In this episode, I sat down with Antonella from Belmond, and together we retrace the full experience: From the vibrant city of Lima, through the peaceful Sacred Valley, the ancient streets of Cusco, the majestic Machu Picchu, and all the way to the mystical waters of Lake Titicaca and the dramatic Colca Canyon. We talk about: What it’s like to sleep on the Andean Explorer as it glides through the highlands. How Belmond’s properties — like Monasterio, Sanctuary Lodge, and Las Casitas — blend history, comfort and authenticity. Tips for slow travel in Peru: how to embrace the journey, not just the destination. And the beautiful way Belmond connects travelers with nature, culture, and community — something I truly felt during my time there. If you’ve been dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Peru, this episode is for you. Honest, inspiring, and full of little details that just might change the way you want to travel. So, pour yourself a pisco sour, sit back… and let’s travel through time — to the heart of Peru. Read More on Our South America Luxury Blog: 👉 Maria's Insights on Machu Picchu: Best things to do in Machu Picchu https://across-southamerica.com/post/things-to-do-in-machu-picchu/ CHECK OUR SUGGESTED TRIP: Peru Uncovered: From Sacred Valleys to Amazonian Adventures: https://across-southamerica.com/trip-to-peru-itinerary ----------- Let’s Chat ⭐ ✔️Our Website: across-southamerica.com ✔️Our Luxury Travel Blog: across-southamerica.com/blog ✔️Book your Free discovery Call https://across-southamerica.com/start-here ✔️Follow us on Instagram instagram.com/across.southamerica ---------------------------------------------------- 💫WORK WITH US! Schedule a free discovery call with us to learn how we can design your dream itinerary to South America 👉 https://across-southamerica.com/discovery-call Keywords#BelmondPeru #LuxuryTrainPeru #HiramBinghamExperience #AndeanExplorerTrain #TravelToMachuPicchu #LakeTiticacaTour #LuxuryTravelSouthAmerica #BelmondHotelsInPeru #PeruTravelItinerary #SlowTravelPeru #CulturalTravelExperiences #SouthAmericaPodcast 🏷️ Hashtags #BelmondPeru, #LuxuryTravel, #PeruTravel, #SlowTravel, #LuxuryTrain, #HiramBingham, #AndeanExplorer, #TravelPodcast, #MachuPicchuExperience, #LakeTiticaca

    42 min
  3. The Wild Heart of Peru: A Luxury River Expedition

    SEASON 1, EPISODE 13 TRAILER

    The Wild Heart of Peru: A Luxury River Expedition

    Have you ever dreamed of exploring the Amazon River in luxury, comfort, and connection with nature and local culture? In this episode of Stories Across South America, we cruise through the Peruvian Amazon with Inés Orihuela, Sales Director at Delfin Amazon Cruises — a pioneer in eco-luxury travel through the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Discover the magic of the Amazon rainforest through sunrise pink dolphin sightings, immersive visits to remote villages, and delicious jungle-to-table cuisine — all while traveling responsibly aboard one of the most exclusive small cruise ships in South America. Whether you're a nature lover, a cultural traveler, or planning your next adventure, this episode will inspire you to experience the Amazon like never before. 👉 Your Amazon Cruise ⁠ https://across-southamerica.com/post/amazon-cruise/⁠ Let's Chat ⭐ ✔️Our Website www.across-southamerica.com ✔️Our Luxury Travel Blog ⁠across-southamerica.com/blog⁠ ✔️Book your Free discovery Call https://across-southamerica.com/start-here ✔️Follow us on Instagram instagram.com/across.southamerica ---------------------------------------------------- 💫WORK WITH US! Schedule a free discovery call with us to learn how we can design your dream itinerary to South America 👉 ⁠https://across-southamerica.com/discovery-call⁠ #AmazonCruise #LuxuryTravel #Peru #DelfinAmazonCruises #AmazonRiver #SouthAmerica #PacayaSamiria #BucketListTravel #PeruJungle #PinkRiverDolphin #ExploreTheAmazon #WildlifePeru #LuxuryEscape #Rainforest #JungleCruise #TravelPeru #Ecotourism #NatureLovers #AdventureAwaits #VisitTheAmazon

    2 min
  4. Ep13 Cruising the Heart of the Amazon: From sunrise dolphin sightings to village encounters — this is the Amazon like you’ve never experienced it

    09/29/2025

    Ep13 Cruising the Heart of the Amazon: From sunrise dolphin sightings to village encounters — this is the Amazon like you’ve never experienced it

    Have you ever dreamed of exploring the Amazon River in luxury, comfort, and connection with nature and local culture? In this episode of Stories Across South America, we cruise through the Peruvian Amazon with Inés Orihuela, Sales Director at Delfin Amazon Cruises — a pioneer in eco-luxury travel through the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Discover the magic of the Amazon rainforest through sunrise pink dolphin sightings, immersive visits to remote villages, and delicious jungle-to-table cuisine — all while traveling responsibly aboard one of the most exclusive small cruise ships in South America. Whether you're a nature lover, a cultural traveler, or planning your next adventure, this episode will inspire you to experience the Amazon like never before. 🔑 What You'll Discover in This Episode: 00:00 Intro 01:42 What Makes the Peruvian Amazon Unique 05:18 Life on Board a Luxury Amazon Cruise 10:55 Visiting Local Communities & Artisans 15:20 Gastronomy, Culture & Nature in Harmony 25:00 Sustainability & Conservation Efforts 32:10 When to Travel & What to Expect 40:00 Final Thoughts and How to Plan Your Trip Read More on Our South America Luxury Blog: 👉 Maria Experience on her first Amazon Cruise : A Journey Like No Other: Your Amazon Cruise https://across-southamerica.com/post/amazon-cruise/ CHECK OUR SUGGESTED TRIP: Peru Uncovered: From Sacred Valleys to Amazonian Adventures: https://across-southamerica.com/trip-to-peru-itinerary ----------- Let’s Chat ⭐ ✔️Our Website www.across-southamerica.com ✔️Our Luxury Travel Blog across-southamerica.com/blog ✔️Book your Free discovery Call https://across-southamerica.com/start-here ✔️Follow us on Instagram instagram.com/across.southamerica ----------------------------------------------------   💫WORK WITH US! Schedule a free discovery call with us to learn how we can design your dream itinerary to South America  👉 https://across-southamerica.com/discovery-call #AmazonCruise #LuxuryTravel #Peru #DelfinAmazonCruises #AmazonRiver #SouthAmerica #PacayaSamiria #BucketListTravel #PeruJungle #PinkRiverDolphin #ExploreTheAmazon #WildlifePeru #LuxuryEscape #Rainforest #JungleCruise #TravelPeru #Ecotourism #NatureLovers #AdventureAwaits #VisitTheAmazon

    43 min

Trailers

About

Hosted by sisters Clara and María—local experts recognized as the leading authorities in curated South American travel—Stories Across South America explores the continent through authentic, refined, and deeply personal journeys. Whether you're dreaming of remote Patagonian escapes, fine wine in Mendoza, or cultural and culinary experiences in Peru, this podcast is your trusted companion in creating a travel experience as authentic and unique as the places you’ll explore. Because travel is more than a destination—it’s a story worth living.