Intrepid Travel has opened a new operational base in Santiago, Chile, strengthening its presence across South America as demand continues to rise.
Intrepid’s newly established Destination Management Company (DMC) will oversee operations in Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, consolidating one of Intrepid’s fastest-growing regions and signalling the company’s long-term investment in the continent.
Strengthening Intrepid’s Latin America operations
The Santiago hub marks a strategic step in Intrepid’s goal to become the tour operator of choice across Latin America by 2030.
“This is a key milestone on our journey to becoming tour operator of choice across Latin America by 2030,” said Gary Cohen, Intrepid Travel Regional General Manager for the Americas.
“With a stronger local presence, we can scale responsibly and deliver even richer, more meaningful experiences in one of our most strategically important destinations, Chile, a world-class hub for adventure travel and gateway to Patagonia.”
The expansion comes amid strong regional momentum. Intrepid reports a 20 per cent year-on-year increase in South American bookings, with 2026 bookings across Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay already tracking 32 per cent higher.
Growth with purpose
Intrepid says the new office is designed to build deeper local partnerships and create a stronger foundation for sustainable growth across the continent.
The company will continue to scale “with purpose,” prioritising conservation and community impact through its non-profit arm, The Intrepid Foundation. The foundation currently supports seven local NGOs across South America, focusing on environmental protection, education and social equity initiatives.
The new DMC will enable more consistent collaboration between the foundation’s local partners and Intrepid’s on-the-ground operations.
A global network with local roots
The Santiago hub brings Intrepid’s network of operational offices to 32 worldwide. This model enables the B-Corp-certified company to deliver consistency across its products while maintaining deep regional insights and local employment.
Each DMC handles trip logistics, supplier partnerships and quality control, ensuring that the company’s sustainability standards are upheld across every market.
What’s next for the region
Intrepid’s expansion into Chile follows a wider push across Latin America, where the brand has identified long-term opportunities in adventure and small-group travel.
The company’s 2024 Integrated Annual Report highlighted South America as a key growth driver, supported by increased air capacity, government investment in ecotourism, and growing demand from younger Australian travellers for off-the-beaten-path experiences.
With Chile serving as both a commercial and adventure hub, the move positions Intrepid to capture the momentum of the region’s expanding tourism infrastructure.
KARRYON UNPACKS: For agents, this means stronger local support and more reliable small-group itineraries across South America. Intrepid’s expansion signals greater operational stability and a broader product range for clients exploring one of the fastest-growing adventure travel markets.
