Tailor-made adventures.
Days: 10 | From: $9,790/per person
The best of South Africa: a world class safari, spectacular Cape Town, plus magnificent Victoria [...]
Days: 10 | From: $7,750/per person
Track the Great Migration through the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania
Days: 8 | From: $7,250/per person
Experience Rwanda's gentle mountain gorillas in the wild, and discover its varied wildlife and lush [...]
Days: 11 | From: $12,950/per person
From the renowned Okavango Delta to extraordinary Hwange National Park via Victoria Falls
Days: 11 | From: $4,130/per person
Get to know the classic parts of Vietnam
Days: 10 | From: $5,900/per person
Temples, Taj, and Tigers: see quintessential India on this immersive journey
Days: 10 | From: $5,560/per person
The highlights of Bangkok, northern Thailand, and the southern beaches
Days: 16 | From: $22,400/per person
An immersive exploration of the art, culture, and history of Japan
Days: 10 | From: $7,470/per person
See Australia's Wonders: Sydney, Uluru, Daintree Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef, and Brisbane
Days: 14 | From: $10,570/per person
From Alpine Peaks to Coastal Bays, Experience the Diversity of New Zealand
Days: 4 | From: $2,425/per person
Add Four Days in Fiji to Your Australia or New Zealand Itinerary
Days: 16 | From: $29,370/per person
Visit New Zealand's Top Destinations in Style on This 5-Star Itinerary
Days: 12 | From: $9,490/per person
Visit the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Forest, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide Wine Region, and Sydney
Days: 10 | From: $10,310/per person
The Best of Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome
Days: 11 | From: $8,495/per person
An Extraordinary Private Journey from Barcelona to Andalucía via Madrid
Days: 11 | From: $10,680/per person
Where Castles, History, and Culture Come to Life
Days: 11 | From: $13,380 per person
An Extraordinary Alpine Journey from Zurich to Zermatt
Days: 12-15 | From: $8,450/person
Our Most Popular Trip: Two of South America’s most spectacular destinations in one itinerary
Days: 13 | From: $11,250/per person
The best of Patagonia on both sides of the border
Days: 8 | From: $5,050/per person
Explore this fascinating country's most iconic sites
Days: 9 | From: $5,050/per person
Explore Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls & Rio de Janeiro all in one trip
Days: 9 | From: $7,550/per person
Visit Costa Rica's highlights and the beautiful, remote Osa Peninsula
Days: 8 | From: $7,450/per person
Explore the pristine jungles of Belize, Mayan ruins, and idyllic Caribbean islands
Days: 9 | From: $6,390/per person
Experience the highlights of this fascinating and culturally rich country
Days: 8 | From: $7,690/per person
Combine the pristine rainforest and barrier reef of Belize with striking Guatemalan ruins
Days: 16-23 | From: $9,395/person
One of the most classic of Arctic programs, with polar bears and magnificent scenery.
Days: 10-23 | From: $8,590/person
The most popular and classic Antarctica cruise option
Days: 6-23 | From: $6,950/person
Choose from our list of the top vessels in each category
Days: 6-23 | From: $4,795/person
Choose from our list of the top vessels in each category.
Days: 10| From: $12,450/per person
Follow the herds of the Great Migration through some of Africa's most iconic safari destinations [...]
Meet a sampling of the people who guide Vaya’s extraordinary adventures.
Travel with Vaya means more than seeing the highlights of a destination — it means experiencing a place with people who bring it to life. Every Vaya guide is carefully chosen for expertise, professionalism, and passion for sharing their country. We and our partners around the world have strict vetting criteria which means your travel guides have the necessary certifications, years of guiding experience, and great guest feedback, so you know what to expect when you travel with us whether you are exploring the Serengeti or the Coliseum, and everything in between.
Exceptional guides are often the deciding factor between a good trip and an unforgettable one. With Vaya, you travel alongside bilingual and English-speaking experts who not only know the sites, but also help you connect with culture, traditions, and landscapes in meaningful ways. Many of our guides are specialists in their fields, whether that’s wildlife biology, archaeology, photography, or cuisine. Have a desired preference? Let us know and we can match you with guides that are experts on your specific interests.
Have a look at a few of the guide profiles below for a few of our key destinations. These profiles give you a sense of our guide’s background, approach, and favorite experiences to share with travelers.
For travelers seeking deeper immersion, Vaya offers premium specialist add-ons. Examples include joining a wildlife photographer in Botswana for a private field session, learning from a glaciologist in Patagonia, or taking part in a culinary workshop in Japan led by a local chef. These experiences create opportunities to go beyond the ordinary and explore destinations with true insiders.
We take pride in sharing your ratings and reviews as collected on our post trip evaluation form with our partners and guides and if something should go wrong, making it right. This transparent feedback cycle ensures the highest level of service and expertise that defines the Vaya experience.
At Vaya Adventures, our expert private guides are the cornerstone of truly immersive travel around the world. From the high peaks of the Himalayas to the winding streets of historic cities such as Rome or Barcelona, these seasoned local guides bring destinations to life with deep cultural insight, regional expertise, and a passion for sharing their homeland. Whether you're exploring the Galapagos Islands, trekking up Kilimanjaro, or discovering the ancient temples in Cambodia, our handpicked guides provide enriching, personalized experiences that go far beyond typical tours.
Raphael grew up in a village in Narok County near the Masai Mara, where his fascination with wildlife began as animals roamed freely around his home. After completing high school, he trained as a guide and has since spent over 16 years leading safaris across Kenya, gaining extensive knowledge and experience. Although he has worked in various regions, the Masai Mara remains his favorite park for its rich wildlife and stunning landscapes. A passionate birder, Raphael finds joy wherever there are birds. He is currently rated as a Silver Level KPSGA guide.
Miguel leads adventures in the Andes, where his deep knowledge of the terrain and ability to read nature’s signs set him apart. With a background in adventure tourism, he began his career guiding treks such as the Inca Trail and other routes around the Sacred Valley. Passionate about meeting travelers from around the world, he loves exchanging insights on culture, history, and the natural world. His profound respect for the Andean landscape, combined with his curiosity and attention to detail, ensures every journey is meaningful. Known for his calm under pressure and dedication to his guests, Miguel consistently goes above and beyond to make sure everyone has the experience of a lifetime.
Raphatporn Chiawanont, known as Raey, is from Pattani in southern Thailand. After graduating from Chiang Mai University and working for several years in administration and as a secretary, her passion for sharing the beauty of her country inspired her to become a tour guide. Following her certification from Silpakorn University, Raey embarked on a new career that has taken her across Thailand for more than a decade. From the misty mountains of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai to the tropical beaches of Koh Chang, Phuket, and Koh Samui. She never tires of exploring Thailand’s diverse landscapes and delights in rediscovering familiar destinations through the eyes of her guests. Meeting people from around the world and sharing the wonders of Thailand continues to be her greatest joy.
Pedro Rodrigues, known as Pepe, is a licensed tour guide specializing in northern Portugal, with accreditation to guide throughout the entire country. Inspired by his father’s stories of Portuguese history and legends, he developed a deep pride in his culture and heritage. For over 12 years, he has shared his passion for Portugal’s landscapes and traditions with travelers from around the world. His favorite destination is the Douro Valley, where he led his first tour and fell in love with its breathtaking scenery and world-class wines. What Pedro enjoys most about his work is meeting people from diverse cultures, learning from them, and introducing them to the beauty and spirit of Portugal: a country he believes is truly unique and worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime.
Petra has been a guide in Spain since 2008. Her work regularly takes her to Toledo, Ávila, Segovia, and El Escorial, making each day varied and full of color. Originally from Vienna, she studied History and Spanish at the University of Vienna, and her love of travel and culture naturally led her to guiding. Petra enjoys taking guests off the beaten track to discover hidden corners, peaceful green spaces, and local favorites that bring the city to life. What she loves most about her work is meeting people from around the world and exchanging stories, ideas, and laughter over shared cultural and gastronomic experiences. She believes Madrid is one of the most welcoming cities in the world, with an irresistible energy, lively streets, and friendly tabernas that make every visit unforgettable.
Emi has been a tour guide since 2009 and is based in Kyoto, leading tours throughout Japan. Her passion for guiding grew from a desire to deepen her own understanding of Japan and share its authentic stories with the world, beyond common stereotypes and simplified narratives. She loves introducing guests to off-the-beaten-path destinations such as Kyotango, the Setouchi Inland Sea, and the Nakasendo Trail. She hopes more visitors discover Kyoto’s extraordinary artistic heritage, as well as the charm of northern Kyoto with its coastal scenery, fishing villages, and exceptional seafood. With Japan’s vast and varied landscapes stretching from mountains to sea, Emi invites travelers to explore beyond the major cities and experience the country’s true depth and spirit.
Mohamed is a Marrakesh-based guide, specializing in the city and its surrounding region. After earning a degree in English Language and Literature in 1991, he went on to study French Literature and Translation in Rabat, later obtaining his official guide license in 2007. Fluent in multiple languages, he also studied Spanish for two years. Before becoming a licensed guide, Mohamed spent six years as an assistant tour coordinator, where he developed a deep fascination with meeting people from around the world and learning about their cultures. He finds guiding both challenging and rewarding, valuing the fact that every trip is unique and every traveler brings a new perspective. Mohamed enjoys tailoring each experience to his guests’ interests.
Find out why our discerning travelers consistently rate us with 5-stars.
We take our environmental and social responsibilities seriously.