We Didn't Like How Things Were, So We Started Our Own Adventure Travel Company

I still remember the exact moment I knew I wanted to do something different. It was in Cusco on a trip in "Valle Sagrado" Sacred Valley, and we spent maybe 15 minutes at each spot. We were crammed in a van and 75% of the trip was driving. They say you " get what you pay for," but the higher end tours are the same. Every tour takes you to the same three restaurants for a buffet and do not give you any time to truly explore or enjoy the amazing landscape. So $20 or $100 for the same exact tour? Why?

Our guide? He’d take home just enough to get by, maybe less than what some of the travelers had spent on their hiking boots. He didn’t complain. He rarely did. But we talked. And what he shared stuck with me: he loved his job, but the companies didn’t value him. The money rarely trickled down. The work was unstable. The itineraries were rushed. And the magic of the mountains? It often got lost in the logistics.

And that’s when it hit me: the adventure travel industry was broken—and we could build something better. Is it truly an adventure if you don't actually have time to explore? Who wants to spend $1000s of dollars to spend 30 minutes at a lake. Being an explorer myself, it frustrated me not being able to truly explore the new landscape that I am in and knowing people cannot get ahead even if they work extremely hard, that does not sit well with me.

From Frustration to Action

I have been working in and around the travel/tourism world for years—guiding, coordinating, traveling ourselves, and witnessing the patterns repeat. Large companies selling “adventure” as a packaged commodity. Local guides doing the heavy lifting while receiving the smallest slice. Cookie-cutter itineraries promising authenticity but delivering crowds and clockwork checklists. And travelers, despite the glossy brochures, often leaving without the deep, meaningful experiences they came for.

I wasn't okay with that. So we asked ourselves the hard questions:

• What if we created an adventure company that actually prioritized people—both the travelers and the guides?

• What if our itineraries didn’t just hit the popular spots, but brought people to places that felt wild, raw, and real and gave people time to truly experience.

• What if we kept our groups small, not because it looked good in marketing, but because it made for better experiences? Who truly wants to be packed into a van like sardines?

• And what if we actually listened—to our guides, to local communities, and to travelers hungry for something deeper?

It didn’t take long for us to realize we had to stop asking and start building. So we did.

Adventure seekers on our way to Humantay Lake

Building a Different Kind of Adventure Travel Company

We didn’t want to start just another trekking company. We wanted to build something that challenged the norm. Here's what we decided would set us apart:

1. Guides Come First

Without guides, adventures can be difficult to come by. They’re not just walking encyclopedias or GPS replacements—they’re cultural bridges, mentors, first responders, and mood-makers. With some of the mountains I have climbed, I could have not done them without an incredible guide. I knew from day one that we’d pay fairly, offer as much consistent work as I could, and treat our guides like the pros they are. That meant involving them in itinerary design, giving them space to share their own stories, and making sure their voices mattered. Traveling around South America and getting to know so many people which I can now truly call friends, I got to know what each person goes through as guides, as people in their country. So I decided to help them as much as I could whether it's a gear stipend, money for traveling or training, or just being paid in dollars because their money is losing value. Little things like these are what keeps people coming back. I put my trust in them , so they can also put their trust in me.

2. Small Groups, Big Experiences

We cap our groups at 8 to 10 people, and sometimes fewer. Why? Because everything changes when the group is small. You move through the mountains quieter, you get to know your guide better, and you actually connect with the place and the people around you. Less waiting around, more real moments. I am big on connections. Being able to speak Spanish, it does give me an advantage to be able to connect more with the locals, but I also put in the effort to try and have a conversation with everyone I encounter. It's easier with a smaller group. I want more time with the locals and my guide to truly connect with the place.

3. Off the Beaten Trail—Literally

Yes, we’ll take you to iconic peaks and postcard-perfect places. But we also seek out trails that few outsiders know, festivals most tourists never hear about, and routes that make you feel like you discovered something. We prioritize places that need more visibility—and where tourism, done right, can actually help the local community because that's what we are all about. We are about helping local communities prosper while also giving you incredible moments.

4. Meaning Over Mileage

Sure, we love big miles and high passes. But not every trek or tour needs to be about pushing your limits. We believe in slowing down. Spending time in one place. Sharing meals with locals. Sitting by the fire and letting the stories flow. Because when you look back on your trip, it won’t be the elevation gain that stays with you—it’ll be the conversations, the laughter, the stillness. If you want mileage over meaning, we can plan that for you as well!

5. Ethical, Sustainable, Transparent

We’re not perfect, but we’re trying—every day. We work with local businesses, avoid greenwashing, and strive for honest, transparent pricing. No surprise add-ons. No mysterious “service fees.” Just fair, direct adventure. What I have noticed in my travels is that the pricing never includes a lot of fees. Our pricing includes not only fair wages for the people who make this company great, but for all the little things like entrance fees. A cheap tour is great who doesn't like to save money? but I like to know everything up front.

Just a group of friends on a great trip to Ausangate.

Adventure with a Purpose

Starting an adventure touring company means providing unique experiences that make you stand out in a crowded market. Go beyond usual tours to create immersive adventures that leave lasting memories. We look to do exactly that while making it a better place to work.

At its heart, this company is about connection. Between people and landscapes. Between cultures and ideas. Between travelers and the guides who make it all possible. When we lead a trek, we’re not just guiding people up a mountain—we’re sharing something we believe in, something worth protecting.

And when a traveler tells us, “This trip changed the way I see things,” or when a guide says, “I finally feel respected for my work,” we know we’re doing something right.

Looking Ahead

We’re still growing. Still listening. Still learning. But we’re proud of the foundation we’ve built. And we’re even more excited about where we’re going.

This isn’t about being the biggest. We’re not chasing mass bookings or massive profits. We’re focused on impact—on doing a few things really, really well. Crafting unforgettable treks. Supporting local economies around the Andes. Creating a work culture that inspires. And building a community of adventurers who care about where they go and how they get there.

If you’ve ever come back from a trip feeling like something was missing—like you wanted more than just a checklist of sights—we get it. That’s why we’re here.

We believe adventure should be real. Raw. And radically human.

Welcome to our journey.