Bundled up to protect against the chilly fall weather, we were all greeted with smiles and warm hugs from our Ecuadorian friends, Henry Sisa and Christian Valencia. This was an exciting moment, one of those rare occasions when you finally meet friends you rarely get to see in person. They had made the trek to our office in California to spend some quality time with our Travel team. They came bearing gifts from their native Ecuador — fruity chocolates, brightly colored scarves, straw sun hats, and more — all souvenirs from a country they have dedicated their lives to sharing with others.
Both certified tour leaders and naturalist guides with over a decade of travel industry experience, Henry and Christian are the founders of Adventure Journeys, a 100% locally-owned and operated tour operation based out of Quito, Ecuador, and Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. As we warmed up over coffee, Henry and Christian gave us a unique glimpse into the unparalleled beauty and ecological diversity of the Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos Islands.
Sometimes called “The Country of Four Worlds,” Ecuador is unique in that it is comprised of four distinct climate zones: The Amazon Rainforest, Andes Mountains, Pacific Coast, and Galapagos Islands. This South American nation boasts the world’s highest biodiversity per square mile, including hundreds of endemic species that can be found nowhere else on the planet.
Why Adventure Journeys?
With Adventure Journeys, you get more than just a trip to Ecuador or the Galapagos. Henry and Christian craft a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that takes you through the highlights of a fascinating country and the pristine islands made famous by Charles Darwin. You will snorkel with sea lions and tortoises, trek and bike along volcanic trails and waterfalls, and raft through remote areas of the Amazon rainforest. Spend time spotting wild horses, condors, and foxes, and meeting the people of the country by strolling through colorful local markets.
As we often say in our office, “the journey is the destination.” Henry, Christian, and the entire Adventure Journeys team live and breathe this motto. During our time together, they shared stories of the countless friends from around the world they have made through their guiding expeditions, many of whom now return annually. To them, each traveler is special, and they work tirelessly to ensure our guests have truly unforgettable experiences.
As we waved goodbye, our little group grew quiet as we replayed in our thoughts the amazing stories of unforgettable landscapes and adventures. Soon after, we submitted vacation requests and checked flight availability for what will certainly be our next adventure.
We’ll See You There.