Ecuador: Where My Journey as a Travel Designer Began

Visiting Ecuador is like exploring a small world—beaches, mountains, and rainforest all in one place.


I was born in Quito, and my story with travel started at the age of 15. Instead of celebrating my birthday with the traditional Latin American party, dress, and waltz, I chose something different, so I took a train to Cotopaxi National Park with friends.

That decision changed everything..

Since then, I’ve celebrated every birthday exploring a new destination, discovering not only landscapes but also my identity and connection to Ecuador’s ancestral roots.

Following My Ancestors: The Qhapaq Ñan Experience

At 28, I felt the need to reconnect with my origins. This journey led me to the ancient Qhapaq Ñan, the legendary Inca road system that crosses several countries including Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.

I organized this experience on horseback for my birthday. At the time, no guide wanted to operate the trip for just one person, so I created a a facebook page called Aventuras del Páramo to gather a group. I found 8 travelers and none of them knew I made this for my birthday.
That trip didn’t just mark a personal milestone, it became the foundation of my business.
Through this experience, we activated local communities in the Andes, working with families who provided horses, accommodation, and food.

Galápagos: One of the Most Unique Destinations on Earth 

Another life-changing destination was the Galápagos Islands.
This archipelago is considered one of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations in the world, often compared to places like the Great Barrier Reef or even the biodiversity of Borneo.

The main islands you can explore include:

  • Santa Cruz
  • San Cristóbal
  • Isabela
  • Floreana
  • Española
  • Bartolomé
  • North Seymour
I’ve explored the Galápagos both through cruises and land-based programs, including full-day tours that allow a deeper connection with each ecosystem snorkeling with sea lions, observing giant tortoises, and walking among marine iguanas.

Ancestral Roots: From the Cañari Culture to Hidden Mysteries

My roots also led me to Cerro Punay, considered the origin of the Cañari culture my grandmother’s heritage.
From there, I continued exploring ancestral history through places like:
  • Laguna de Culebrillas, an artificial lagoon linked to the lost Cañari city
  • The continuation of the Qhapaq Ñan
  • And the mysterious Cueva de los Tayos

The Cave of the Tayos is one of the most enigmatic places in South America, often compared to legendary sites like Machu Picchu or even unexplored cave systems in Vietnam.

My first visit to the Cueva de los Tayos was in 2019. I realized there was very limited knowledge about safety when descending with ropes, especially considering it’s a 54 meter vertical drop. To reach the cave, you need to hike for about three hours before starting the expedition.
Since then, I began organizing these expeditions with experienced guides specialized in rope techniques and vertical descent. I also love sharing real stories from my experiences there, as well as the myths and legends that the local community holds about the cave.
In my tours, I make sure to involve local people so travelers can enjoy an authentic, adventurous, and safe experience. Departures are available from Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca.
I’ve completed over 20 descents into this cave, working closely with the local community and exploring the Amazon rainforest in depth.

Ecuador: A Paradise for Mountain Lovers

 
Ecuador is surrounded by volcanoes, making it one ofthe best destinations in the world for high-altitude trekking and climbing, similar to destinations like Nepal or Patagonia.

Most Iconic Volcanoes in Ecuador

  • Cotopaxi Volcano
  • Chimborazo Volcano
  • Cayambe Volcano
  • Antisana Volcano
  • El Altar (my favorite)

Hidden Gems (Less Touristic, Highly Recommended)

  • Sumaco Volcano
  • Cubillines
  • Chiles Volcano
  • Reventador Volcano

How to Start: Medium Mountains Before High Altitude

If you want to experience high-altitude mountains, you should start with medium-level hikes:
  • Rucu Pichincha (best for beginners)
  • Guagua Pichincha
  • Iliniza Norte
  • Pasochoa Volcano
  • Fuya Fuya
These mountains prepare you for more technical climbs like Cotopaxi or Chimborazo.

The Amazon: Wildlife and Raw Nature

Ecuador’s Amazon is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.

In places like:
  • Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
  • Yasuní National Park
  • Tayos Cave
You can experience:
  • Pink river dolphins
  • Monkeys, birds, reptiles
  • Dense jungle ecosystems described by explorers like Alexander von Humboldt

In a country this small, you can explore the Amazon, the Andes, and the Pacific coast within just a few days.


Travel Ecuador Your Way

I design personalized travel experiences across Ecuador based on your time, interests, and travel style.
You can choose:
  • Full-day experiences 
  • 3 to 7-day programs
  • 15 to 20-day immersive journeys

From culture and ancestral routes to adventure, wildlife, and luxury experiences. I’ll create the perfect itinerary for you.

Ready to explore Ecuador? Let’s design your journey.

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