Our Team
FOUNDER
Jim Kane is recognized leader in the field of sustainable travel and a frequently invited speaker on the subject of transformative travel at conferences and educational institutions throughout the U.S., amongst these, the Educational Travel Conference (ETC), the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at UCLA, the Luxury Expo and the Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS).
The former Community-Based Travel columnist for Transitions Abroad magazine, Jim founded Culture Xplorers in 2003 with a simple vision: to foster an immersive, participatory travel experience by connecting travelers and local people through a celebration of their culture and traditions.
Making a positive impact through travel is at the core of Jim’s philosophy. The Culture Xplorers Foundation, which he started in 2007, works to foster the sustainability of local culture among indigenous communities world-wide.
Through deep-rooted relationships and the strength of Jim’s local teams, Culture Xplorers has earned a reputation for innovative, transformative travel programs and has been recognized by the leading U.S. travel press. Read more in our press section.
TEAM LEADERS
Outstanding local teams are a hallmark of a Culture Xplorers experience. Meet the team leaders who will make your journey with us unforgettable.
PERU: DANIEL SALAZAR
Daniel, a native of Lima, became a Carmelite friar more out of a desire to help people than any religious dogma. During part of his years with the order, Daniel lived in rural Andean communities, forging a deep connection with proud people there that continues to this day. After 12 years, Daniel left the order and met his wife Maricarmen. They now have a beautiful boy, Mateo.
After working in the airline industry, then consulting for several of Peru's top hotels, including training customer service staff, Daniel decided to give trip leading his full attention. He has been Culture Xplorers Peru team leader since 2005 and is expanding his role as CX expands into new destinations in South America, including Argentina, Bolivia and Ecuador.
GUATEMALA: PASCU ROBREDO
Originally from the Basque region of Spain, Pascu has traveled the world, for a time as a concert producer and tour guide in Europe. From the moment he visited Guatemala for the first time, he fell in love, both with the country - and with his future Guatemalan wife, Alejandra.
A resident of Guatemala since 1998, Pascu is passionate about his adopted country’s art, culture, architecture, cooking, music, literature and brash natural beauty. Pascu speaks seven languages perfectly, including the Maya language Kaqchikel. It is impossible not to be inspired by his contagious enthusiasm and tremendous and varied wealth of knowledge, all of which he happily shares with Culture Xplorers travelers.
CHIAPAS & OAXACA: ROBERTO MURPHY
Brought up in both the US and Mexico, Roberto possesses both a linguistic and cultural fluency that is much appreciated by Culture Xplorers' clients, in particular in Chiapas, his family's home for more than a decade.
Widely regarded as one of the best guides in Southern Mexico, Roberto's expansive knowledge of Mexican history, art, archaeology and anthropology is matched by an ability to transmit his passion and to share his insights as well as many personal anecdotes with Culture Xplorers' travelers.