BIOGRAPHIES OF THE TOUR LEADERS - Scott and Claudia
See also: Why Visit Chile with Chilean Special Journeys?

Scott Jones arrived to Chile via Maine, Finland and Alabama. Born in New Zealand, he grew up in rural Maine, attending Middlebury College (B.A) and the associated Center for Northern Studies in Vermont. From here he ended up lecturing on small expedition cruise ship in the Arctic, and finally getting a M.Sc. (Geography, focusing on Polar Tourism) from Oulu University in Finland.

Putting this practical, work and academic background to work for a US company based in Alabama, Scott helped develop a cruise in the fjords of Chilean Patagonia and the Straights of Magellan. He was hooked on the diversity and beauty of Chile.

Moving to Chile became inevitable. Soon he had the opportunity to manage the North American market for Chile’s largest tourism company; a great opportunity for learning the ins and outs of Chile, its attractions, culture and tourism industry.

In Nov 2004, he started his own small company with an experienced Chilean business partner. Since then he has focused on providing the most In-Depth tour of Chile available, along with custom trips for individuals and special interest groups. And enjoying living in a lovely place !

Claudia Valdivia grew up in Santiago, Chile. Her family helped generate her sense of hospitality and abetted her lifelong love for traveling. She has had the good fortune to explore Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Cuba, Mexico, Bahamas and the USA.

After studying Hotel and Travel Management at University Santo Thomas, she began working for the largest tourism company in Chile. In her 13 years there she worked her way up and through all the possible niches of operational responsibility, from reservations, to program development, to training the 26 branch offices, arranging training trip throughout Chile and assisting with marketing to North America.

After meeting all these challenges, and ascending all the learning curves that were available to her at this company, she decided to take the chance on her own business. She now is responsible for the operational side of CSJ. Her 15 years of operating tours and developing personal contacts throughout Chile are in use (and appreciated!) everyday.