Meet Kristel & the story of La Belgicana
Hola! I’m Kristel van der Veeken, and with La Belgicana, I take you on an adventure through Mexico — completely guided in English, German, Dutch, French or Spanish!
When you head out with me, you’ll notice right away: I’m active, love a good laugh, and prefer spending my entire day outdoors. But behind that high energy is a wealth of professional experience. I am a nationally certified tour guide, and for years, I organized and led large-scale round trips across Mexico for prominent, international travel agencies.
When the pandemic hit, I decided to start my own business. I was ready to leave behind the massive tourist crowds and rigid schedules. My mission became clear: to show travelers the real, authentic Mexico. Small-scale, relaxed, entirely at your own pace, and shared in your own language.
Nature, Archaeology, and Local Culture
I am an adventurer through and through. Put me in raw nature, deep archaeology, and hidden spots, and I’m in my element. What I love most about this work? Bringing people, cultures, and unique local food together. I love taking travelers to charming, authentic Mexican villages to soak up the vibe, meet the locals, and taste the traditional kitchen.
To keep my knowledge fresh, I rarely sit still in my free time. I love hanging out with the real pros and constantly taking courses with National Geographic Explorers, archaeologists, paleontologists, and marine biologists. I’ve even seriously learned techniques on how to safely catch and study snakes and crocodiles! I also love going way behind the scenes just for fun: I once had the amazing opportunity to explore the restricted substructures and ancient frescoes of Calakmul alongside the Director of INAH Campeche. Even though those spaces are strictly closed to the general public, all that insider knowledge and passion are exactly what I pack into my bag when we go on an adventure together!
How the Name La Belgicana Was Born
I wanted a name that truly reflects my personal approach. La Belgicana is a combination of Belgica (my home country) and Mexicana (my home base). It shows you exactly what you get when you travel with me: Belgian quality, organization, and reliability, seamlessly mixed with Mexican hospitality and adventure. And since my roots are in Belgium, your entire experience from A to Z is fully hosted in your language.
With La Belgicana, you’ll discover the deep jungle, hidden cenotes, and Mayan communities as if you’re traveling with a friend who happens to know the way perfectly. No boring tour buses, just a tailor-made experience.
Are you ready to join me on an adventure?