About Us

We are an international team who call Santiago, Chile home and Patagonia our backyard. Our team is a diverse group of trekkers, cyclists, foodies, wine-o’s and dreamers with various nationalities that speak over five languages—all brought together by an entrepreneurial spirit and an unquenchable thirst for connecting to the culture and nature of South America. We take the time to get to know everyone who comes to our door, to create a travel experience that you can’t get anywhere else. To us, luxury is found outside of one’s comfort zone, in unexpected moments that take your breath away. We believe the best souvenir is a new perspective.

The Upscape Difference

Upscape Access

Upscape Access

We’ve spent years developing a local network for you to have access to people, places that are hard (or impossible!) to find elsewhere.

Personal Guiding

Personal guiding

This trip is fully guided with a professional guide who is experienced in the topics this trip explores.

Travel Support

24/7 Travel Support

We provide complete travel planning support from the moment you contact us until after you arrive home, including 24/7 on-the-ground support during your trip.

TESTIMONIALS

  • As the mayor of San Francisco and a private citizen, I have had an opportunity to travel to many wonderful countries…but our trip to Argentina and Chile this year has become one of the best ever. Your expert guidance and assistance with every phase was invaluable. Every day’s events and activities felt like they were specific to our particular interests and not part of a conventional “package.” And the food and wine were magnificent in city neighborhoods and out in the countryside. The personnel you selected as guides and drivers at each location were obviously well informed as well as most trustworthy. When the spouse of our companion couple was taken ill and required hospital treatment, you and our guides were with us every step of the way like family. We will be back soon!

    Art Agnos San Francisco, CA
  • We had a great trip, thank you! The helicopter ride and all the seafood (my mother) got to try at the market tour & restaurant there were her highlights for sure from the trip. I also really enjoyed most of the wineries – just beautiful grounds and great tours/wines/passionate people. Marcelo was great guide on our hike and tour in Santiago. And our driver Pablo was just fantastic. I can’t say enough great things about how amazing he was. Happy to provide a reference anytime you need one. I also will be sure to refer Upscape to my friends and colleagues – many of whom have the wanderlust like I do. Thanks again for everything!

    Elise Eidemiller Toronto, Ca
  • We visited Chile to experience its wines and cuisine. We considered other tour operators but kept coming back to Upscape based on trip advisor’s reviews – and we are glad we did. We visited 9 wineries in all in the Colchagua, Casablanca, and San Antonio valleys. All our guides were proficient in English, very knowledgeable, and service oriented. We highly recommend Upscape for those visiting Santiago and surrounding wine country.

    Bill and Ruth Maki Green Valley, AZ
  • This (Ski Arpa) was the greatest ski experience I have ever had. It was worth every penny. Thanks a million.

    Johan Carsten Santiago, Chile
  • I can speak for both of us in saying we have a great admiration for Chile/Argentina, the people we met and places we visited. Going with Upscape was the best thing we did. You and your staff made the trip relaxing and stress-free right from the start, and truly more special than I think either of us thought it would be. I’ve already told several people about the trip and how your services added so much to it. We honestly can’t think of anything we would change…well, except staying longer!

    Kathly Elza Brown Baltimore, MD

Our Team

The Team

  • Jorge Swett
    Jorge Swett General Manager

    Jorge is an engineer and photographer who was born in Viña del Mar, but has also lived in the US and Patagonia. He discovered the joy of traveling when he was 18, and since then, has never stopped. His favorite spot is Patagonia, where he has shot some of his best photos.

  • Sira Berté
    Sira Berté Founder

    Sira Berté knew she hadn’t seen the last of South America after studying in Ecuador for a year in college. Sira worked in consulting for the Chilean Ministry of Economy, Ford Foundation, & UNDP, as well as in executive education, all of which helped provide the seed capital for Upscape.

  • Brian Pearson
    Brian Pearson Founder and CEO

    U.S. native Brian Pearson is the founder of Upscape. Since arriving to Chile in 2003, he has established and directed one of South America’s leading tour operators offering unique and exciting trips featuring the best of the Southern Cone.

Latest Press

Vogue Logo Color

“Brian Pearson, founder of boutique travel company Upscape and a pioneer of travel to the region, says cycling is the best way to discover the area’s rolling vineyards.”

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Hemispheres Rhapsody

“Knapp believes that país “will be a pillar in the future of fine wine production in Chile.” Brian Pearson, the founder of Upscape, a company that delivers travelers to boutique wineries in the Maule Valley, agrees.”

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Fodors Travel

Upscape’s day-long bike trip brings thirsty cyclists to award-winning wineries such as Emiliana and Loma Larga Vineyards. The coastal breeze provides the perfect temperature for cool-climate viticulture and ideal cycling conditions.”

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Travel Leisure

“On a trek with Upscape Travel, spend nine days traversing areas like the recently-opened Patagonia National Park.”

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Field notes