Our story
At South Quest, every journey begins with a story — and ours is no exception. From our founder’s early adventures to where we are today, we invite you to discover how a love for nature and culture shaped South Quest from the very beginning.
Our roots: where it all began
Our founder, Ricardo Casarin, grew up on his family farm in Mato Grosso do Sul, near the Pantanal, where nature was his playground. Surrounded by wild, he developed a fascination for wildlife early on, often tracking animals during his explorations. These early years shaped his — and, later, ours — philosophy: that travel is a bridge to connection, understanding, and inspiration.
1998 Igniting the spark
After high school, Casarin’s travels to the Serra da Bodoquena introduced him to a biologist who inspired his dream of working with nature. Moving to Chapada dos Guimarães, he began his career in tourism by renting mountain bikes before transitioning to guiding at Chapada National Park. In November 1998, he guided his first tour in the Pantanal, marking the start of his journey as a professional naturalist guide.
Early 2000s Exploratory steps
Casarin’s career took a defining turn when he discovered birdwatching, inspired by a group of American enthusiasts he met in the Pantanal. He learned English, studied bird guides, and trained with experts. By 2001, he was guiding birdwatching tours across the Pantanal, Chapada, and even transitional Amazonian regions, later expanding his expertise to include other biomes like the Atlantic Forest.
2010 The seeds of South Quest
Casarin accepted an invitation to write a book on his expertise, culminating in the publication of “Manual do Guia de Turismo em Áreas Naturais”, a landmark guide for professionals in natural tourism. At this point, his reputation preceded him: he now catered to high-profile clients, including CEOs from Coca-Cola and GM, making his name synonimous with delivering exceptional service to an elite clientele.
2016 An auspicious connection
Casarin began collaborating with Pedro and Thiago Coelho in 2016, initially working as a guide and local operator for tours in the Pantanal. Over time, his role expanded to projects in Africa and the Arctic, mainly focused on select clients interested in wildlife photography. Their shared expertise and vision laid the foundation for future ventures.
2018 South Quest is born
Together, they envisioned a bold idea: a brand-new company dedicated to delivering innovative, high-end, and tailor-made experiences for international travelers. Thus, South Quest was born, bringing together Casarin’s field expertise with Pedro and Thiago’s operational knowledge.
Emerging from a dream that had started two decades earlier, our mission was clear: to craft the authentic adventures that were missing from the market, from our now-iconic jaguar and puma safaris — which became our hallmark — to any other nature experience a traveler might desire.
2022 A further commitment
A deep respect for nature and culture has been at the heart of South Quest day one. It’s only logical that we would take a pledge to leave a positive impact wherever we go, partnering with conservation initiatives and local communities to ensure the preservation of Latin America’s greatest treasures.
Today, tomorrow and beyond
South Quest stands as a testament to a vision of authentic, personalized nature experiences. With over 20 destinations, from the ancient ruins of Guatemala to the rugged landscapes of Chilean Patagonia, we craft journeys that immerse travelers in the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
We pride ourselves on catering to a discerning clientele, offering unparalleled sustainable tourism products and services while preserving the adventurous spirit of that boy raised in the heart of nature. Guided by Casarín’s enduring passion and expertise, we continually strive to push boundaries, delivering exceptional experiences that blend discovery, authenticity, and a deep respect for the environments we explore.
Our story shapes your journey
With years of deep, on-the-ground experience across Latin America, South Quest has become a trusted name in designing distinctive, tailor-made journeys. This path has given us the insight and connections to craft exclusive itineraries for travelers who seek authenticity, sophistication, and meaning — in every detail.
Destinations
Firsthand knowledge of the leading Latin American destinations.
WHY CHOOSE SOUTH QUEST
Unmatched Experience: With over 20 years dedicated to luxury travel in Latin America, the South Quest team of experts has organized hundreds of exclusive trips, using first-hand knowledge to transform dreams into unforgettable realities.
Exclusivity: Passionate about showcasing Latin America’s rich cultures, our team is committed to crafting experiences that are exclusive, innovative, and profoundly enriching – creating a journey as unique as you are.
Luxury: We believe luxury is found in authenticity, in the untamed beauty of Latin America’s landscapes, and in thoughtfully curated moments that allow you to experience the rare, the unique, and the breathtaking.
Wildlife Expertise: With deep expertise in Latin America’s wildlife, we offer unparalleled safari experiences, including Jaguar and Puma Safaris, that honor the natural habitats of these iconic animals.