Our team is standing by, ready to book you your ultimate vacation!
Emma Bridger, General Manager
Emma Bridger trained as a professional dancer and dance teacher at the prestigious Centre School of Performing Arts in London, England. Upon graduation in 2009 she received numerous propositions of international assignments, settling on an offer to join a dance company in Manzanillo, Mexico.
Almost immediately her love of Mexico and the Mexican people began, and after completing her one year contract Emma decided to take a two month sabbatical to explore and discover more of Mexico. Returning to England lasted just under two months before her true love of everything Mexico, and her yearning for the Mexican lifestyle surfaced. Her permanent return to Mexico was further enhanced by her choice of location; the internationally renown vacation destination of Cabo San Lucas.
Emma is currently teaching yoga at an exclusive spa resort while undertaking an online degree in International Development & Social Sciences through London School of Economics. Emma is extremely self determined and has a vivacious appetite for knowledge and success.
Canyon Travel is proud to include Ms. Bridger into it’s senior management. Emma is a welcome and positive addition, her ebullient personality seems to thrive in her daily work of making vacation dreams to one of the world’s remaining wonders come to life.
Carly Freemont, Travel Concierge
Our travel executive Carly Freemont personifies the term ‘English Rose’. Her outstanding allure and grace is far more than skin deep, a fact that our clients soon discover for themselves when she is doing what she does best for Canyon Travel; organizing and arranging vacation experiences of a lifetime, always with a smile and her friendly demeanor!
Carly was born and raised in Plymouth, England and like the Mayflower made her way across the Atlantic to settle on the American Continent. Her first love and resounding passion is Dance, so when she’s not arranging clients’ travel plans she is performing and making the most of her prestigious BA Honours Degree in Musical Theatre. Her education includes attending the world famous Italia Conti school of dance and Buckinghamshire New University where she attained her degree. As well as her education she has been involved in numerous music videos and musical productions while living in London and before deciding to make her continental shift.
Carly has first hand experience of the entire Canyon Travel tour schedule and is always happy to make suggestions to enhance your vacation experience.
Sian Farr, Travel Concierge
Sian grew up in small village in Halifax, England. Sian’s love for dance began at eleven years of age and after dancing and competing successfully for many years she went on to train professionally. Sian attended Calderdale College Dance Academy achieving a BTEC National Diploma in Dance.
After completing the 2 year course Sian received many job offers and eventually chose to work in Manzanillo, Mexico where she was able to continue with her love of dance.
After completing 2 contracts Sian returned to England to study for a Level 2 qualification in ‘Exercise to Music Fitness Instruction’. Sian also became a qualified Zumba instructor in this time enabling her to work self employed teaching Zumba and aerobics in schools, gyms and private classes. Since completing her studies Sian has returned to Mexico and is currently working with a dance company in Cabo San Lucas.
Sian will see to your requirements as one of Canyon Travel’s Travel Concierges.
Chal Gamez
Chal Gamez Rivera, Rio Vista Lodge Owner, Bird Expert, Historian
Owner, Rio Vista Lodge and expert on local birds and history.
Born in Chinobampo, El Fuerte, in 1959, Chal grew up like the aboriginal Indians, in the Sierra Madre Mountains. His Mother was 100% Tarahamara and Indian, his Father was part Spanish, but mostly Yaqui Indian. He is like most full blooded Indians of that region who grew up with loving parents and proper nourishment, a large, powerful, handsome man….very much the epitome of his ancestors.
Educated in El Fuerte, Chal graduated from High School and taught himself English. He worked hard in the limited local tourism industry at every level….starting as a bell boy, to owner of his own hotel. Not just any hotel, but the most famous lodge overlooking the El Fuerte River and the most valuable piece of land in town….given to him by his precious Mother.
Walking through town with Chal is an experience by its own self….as he is loved by young and old. The thing that makes Chal unique is his love of nature…..especially the almost 200 different species of birds he knows so well. Once you have experienced an adventure with Chal or his brothers, you will never forget it for the rest of your life.
Chal has the respect of the local Indians as they consider him to be “family”. Therefore, your experience with the Indians in El Fuerte will be unique and fulfilling.
Nacho Gamez
Nacho Gamez is Chal’s “little” brother and is the general manager of the hotel Rio Vista. Nacho spends his mornings in the local markets shopping for the best produce, meats and seafood for the Rio Vista Restaurant.
Nacho will often hand deliver your breakfast to your balcony table and has the unique ability to anticipate your every need. He is the first one up and the last to go to bed. Nacho is your “go to man” for all your creature comforts….day and night.
Do not be surprised if he hands you a margarita on your way to the train station!
Philip Gamez
Philip is Chal’s middle brother and the mystic who truly has a special relationship with all things wild in the jungle & on the wild river.
Taller, and with magic vision and incredible hearing, Philip can tell you way in a advance where specific birds & wildlife will appear.
He will raise his fingers to his lips and then point to a place….then suddenly hundreds of parrot or other exotica will flash before you….such is Philip’s special relationship with all the flora and fauna.
Philip brings the magic to your adventure.
Noal Gonzalez
Noel Gonzalez is the professional travel guide in Posada Barrancas & Batopilas.
Mario Munoz
Mario is the owner of the San Isidro Lodge.
