Annie Merkley

Latin America Specialist

Annie grew up traveling and has lived and worked on every continent, including Antarctica. She is originally from the USA but has been based in Santiago, Chile, for over ten years. With a background in creative writing and journalism, Annie also has decades of expertise in travel, food and drink, as well as designing and delivering personalized English training programs to C-suite and senior-level executives. She has led educational initiatives for underserved children, worked with elite university travel programs, and created coursed menus with cocktail and wine pairings for dining events. Curating extraordinary experiences has been a passion of hers throughout her professional journey. She is a certified Chilean wine expert and enjoys expanding her knowledge of wine culture in her free time. Annie is also a singer-songwriter and has taken the stage across the globe with her banjo in hand. 

Languages Spoken: English (native), Spanish (fluent), Italian (basic)

Get in touch with Annie

Journal Entries by Annie Merkley

Vaya Adventures and Exito Travel Host Patagonia Fundraiser Supporting the Torres del Paine Legacy Fund

By Annie Merkley
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Feb 04 2026

Looking back at 2025, one partnership that Vaya Adventures is particularly proud of is our collaboration [...]

Guinea pig (cuy) gyozas in Cusco, Peru

Trying Guinea Pig in Peru: What It Tastes Like and Where to Eat It in Cusco

By Annie Merkley
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Oct 29 2025

If you’re planning a trip to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, you might be [...]

Hotel Casa Real at Santa Rita Vineyard in Chile

24 Hours at Chile’s Santa Rita Vineyard and Casa Real Hotel

By Annie Merkley
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Apr 10 2025

Are you planning a trip to Chile? Do you like wine? If you answered yes to [...]

5 Reasons to Visit Bolzano in the Italian Dolomites

By Annie Merkley
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Feb 13 2025

If having a Dolomite hiking adventure is at the top of your list for 2025, why [...]

The Best Way to Explore Both Sides of Iguazu Falls

By Annie Merkley
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Jan 09 2025

What’s the best way to explore both sides of Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfall system in [...]

Tucano

Exploring the Brazilian Amazon on the Riverboat Tucano

By Annie Merkley
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Aug 07 2024

When the call of the wild comes to you, what do you envision? Are you a [...]

What to Expect on a 6-Day Cruise in the Western Galapagos

By Annie Merkley
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Oct 23 2023

Sea lions and giant tortoises and marine iguanas, oh my! The Galapagos conjures images of bizarre [...]

The Sensation of Tasting Top Pastry Chef in the World’s Confections at Nuema in Quito

By Annie Merkley
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Sep 04 2023

Have you ever closed your eyes while chewing to fully immerse yourself in flavor? Have you [...]

Cartagena, Colombia: Crown Jewel of the Caribbean

By Annie Merkley
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Apr 11 2023

This beguiling city has a way of getting under your skin and beckoning you to return [...]

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