Our Philosophy

At South Expeditions, we believe extraordinary journeys begin with genuine local knowledge and meaningful human connections. Since 1992, we have explored Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands, and Chile with curiosity, respect, and a commitment to creating experiences that go beyond sightseeing. Every itinerary is thoughtfully designed to reveal not only remarkable landscapes, but also the stories, cultures, and people that make each destination unique.

As a boutique Destination Management Company, we believe lasting partnerships are built on trust, attention to detail, and personal service. Whether working with international tour operators, travel advisors, or private groups, our goal remains the same: to create seamless journeys that inspire, operate with integrity, and leave a positive impact on both travelers and the communities that welcome them.

Built on Exploration

South Expeditions was founded in 1992 by Juan Rodriguez, an Ecuadorian-Chilean adventurer and explorer whose lifelong passion for discovery laid the foundation for the company. What began as a vision inspired by exploration has grown into a dedicated team of travel designers, operations specialists, and field experts who share the same commitment to authenticity, innovation, and exceptional service.

Today, South Expeditions is defined not by one individual, but by the people who bring every journey to life. Our team's first-hand destination knowledge, operational excellence, and genuine passion for Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands, and Chile allow us to create meaningful travel experiences that go far beyond visiting remarkable places. Together, we believe the most memorable journeys are designed by people who have spent a lifetime exploring, learning, and caring for the destinations they call home.

Emilia Salazar
Deputy Manager

Emilia brings together the different teams behind every South Expeditions journey, making sure each detail comes together seamlessly. Attentive and thoughtful, she listens closely to our travelers and partners, understanding their needs and expectations and helping turn them into journeys that feel personal, effortless, and carefully crafted.

Estefanía Guananga
Sales Executive

Estefanía is the link between our travel partners and the local teams who bring each journey to life. From planning future departures and answering every question along the way to coordinating reservations with our hotels, guides, and local providers, she makes sure everyone stays connected and every journey is ready to run seamlessly.

Javier Ramirez
Travel Agent

Javier is behind the planning and logistics of every journey, carefully coordinating each detail, special request, and arrangement from the first quote to the final day of travel. Always within reach, he stays connected with our travelers before and throughout their journey, making sure everything runs smoothly and helping create an experience they will remember for a lifetime.

Saskia Peñafiel
Sales Executive

Manages reservations and works closely with our service providers to secure the best arrangements for each journey. A skilled negotiator and problem solver, she adapts quickly to changing needs and last-minute requests, keeping every trip running smoothly.

Santiago Garzón
General Accountant

Santiago keeps the financial side of South Expeditions running smoothly. From ensuring our partners and suppliers are paid on time to overseeing imports, inventories, and financial details, his careful work behind the scenes helps keep every part of our operation organized, reliable, and ready for each journey.

Tour Leaders

At South Expeditions, our Tour Leaders are the heart of our immersive travel experiences. Each guide is not only deeply knowledgeable about the regions we explore—Ecuador, the Galápagos, and Chile—but also passionate about sharing the rich cultural and natural heritage of these areas. Our team includes experts who have chosen to become tour leaders because of their love for the outdoors, meeting people, and learning from other cultures.

All our Tour leaders are prepared for emergencies that involve prolonged patient care, severe environments, and improvised equipment. They undergo comprehensive medical training designed for remote professionals or wilderness leaders who venture into remote and challenging environments.

With such dedicated and well-prepared Tour Leaders, we ensure that every journey is not only enriching and enjoyable but also safe and seamlessly executed.