Sancho Travels founder Barney Geerligs dreamed of travelling to Spain and South America ever since reading the books of Ernest Hemingway, Laurie Lee and Che Guevara as a teenager. This gave him inspiration to study Spanish at Auckland University, before shouldering his backpack to travel South America and Spain on his OE.

Later Barney worked at the New Zealand Embassy in Madrid, where a planned three-year stay turned into six years living a Spanish dream.

Helping New Zealanders to enjoy fantastic travel experiences, wherever they may go in Latin America, Spain or Portugal is the goal of Sancho Travels. Making that possible means being able to offer the best service based on knowledge, experience and local contacts.

The Sancho Travels name comes from Sancho Panza, loyal sidekick to Don Quijote – the Spanish speaking world's most famous literary character. Sancho took care of travel arrangements while his master charged at Spain's windmills.

Some happy Sancho Travels client comments:

"Thanks for the tips about the Algarve Sancho. Loved the winery visits in Rioja and the San Sebastián tapas tour too. Arriba!"
– J McGuire, Auckland

"Our trip was absolutely incredible! Thank you so much for arranging things for us in Spain and for all of your advice. No wonder you fell in love with the place."
– Beltrano family, Calgary

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