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Mission Statement

Adventure Life is committed to providing quality small group tours that have a positive impact on the local culture and environment. Groups are rarely larger than six, and each tour is designed or carefully selected by our company's founder with the goal of providing a fun and exciting holiday, while creating a better understanding between travelers and our wonderful hosts.

Everyone acknowledges the two sides of conservation – ecological and cultural – but little attention is paid to the latter. Adventure Life believes it is critical that local people be made active partners in developing a local tourism industry. Money generated by tourism should stay in the community. This means hiring local guides, staying in locally owned hotels, and using the local transportation infrastructure -- issues that have been at the heart of our travel philosophy from the beginning.

Background Information

Latin America was an easy choice for Adventure Life's founder, Brian Morgan. In his early twenties, he had the privilege to live and travel throughout the region. Returning home, he wanted friends and family to experience the same excitement and wonder that he enjoyed while traveling and working in Peru and Ecuador. Armed with a master's in economics, and using his experiences as an independent traveler and lots of help from Ecuadorian and Peruvian friends, he created a travel company that offers everyone -- from the savvy to the novice -- extraordinary travel experiences.

From its inception Adventure Life's philosophy has centered on small groups, handpicked native guides, and locally owned accommodations. Initially, trips were designed with a primary focus on cultural immersion, and while the most popular tours today still have a distinct cultural emphasis, other favorites include single and multisport adventures and ecological discovery tours.

Born and raised in Montana, Morgan hoped to live and work in his home community. Adventure Life is based out of Missoula, Montana. The company started with Brian's limited savings, a laptop, cell phone, a few meager flyers, a little novice enthusiasm and a lot of nose-to-the-grindstone hard work. The one-manned machine quickly grew to four, six, eight -- our company now has a fulltime staff of sixteen, numerous country coordinators abroad and is known worldwide. Morgan continues his passion for our company and travel by expanding itineraries and destinations. His most recent addition is Adventure Life VOYAGES, which takes travelers on small-ship expeditions to the world's most celebrated regions.

Latin American Specialists

Customized trips, small-groups, local guides, legendary destinations and a commitment to responsible travel -- this is Adventure Life. Adventure Life specializes in travel to the Galapagos, trips to Ecuador, Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, Amazon, as well as a number of tours to Andes, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala and Antarctica. Our itineraries are designed to offer the best of each region, while at the same time ensuring a positive impact on local culture and environments. Adventure Life's travelers are looking for something distinctive, authentic -- something personal and exciting that awakens questions and encourages answers. Whether enjoying a homestay in Guatemala, or a custom trekking trip in Peru, each trip is unique and flexible enough to suit any traveler.

"Fantastic! The assistance with the Galapagos flight check-in in Quito (which is complex, confusing and poorly signed) was particularly invaluable. Two guides just dealt with it - one getting the passes and one dealing with the luggage while we just stood and boggled. Amazing service. We also arranged an on-the-fly unplanned city tour when we arrived in Quito. Your local office dealt with it instantly and the guide even called ahead and got a museum to stay open late for us - wow!" - M. Wood, Islands and Incas 2008

South American Tours

Adventure Life's South American tours are steeped in Andean culture, and strive to introduce people to the area as travelers rather than tourists. We offer tours from 7 to 17 days long, ranging from quick visits into the jungle to comprehensive overland journeys. Classic sites like Machu Picchu and Torres del Paine are on the roster, along with off-the-beaten path adventures. Take a kayaking expedition through the Amazon Basin. Explore pre-Incan ruins during a trekking trip of Northern Argentina. Or bike down the slopes of Ecuador's Pichincha Volcano. While these tours are affordable, we spare no expense when it comes to finding the most exceptional local guides to lead our trips.

"The 14-day Inca Trail tour was truly outstanding, in large part because of our guide, Marco Palomino, about whom I cannot say enough good things. We were delighted with our wonderful small group (6), and Marco was simply amazing with the breadth of his knowledge and his passion for his country and its culture and history. He was sensitive to each person's individual needs throughout the trip, and his enthusiasm and sense of humor was infectious. I was impressed with how much we saw and experienced, and even more amazed by how much we learned along the way." - M.M. Marquez Inca Pathways, 2007

Central American Tours

The attractions of Central America are as varied as they are many: white sand beaches, lush rainforest, coral reef teeming with life, towering volcanoes, limestone sinkholes and spectacular caverns, vine-covered Mayan ruins – a multisport adventurer’s haven.

Wildlife enthusiasts seek-out Central America's protected reserves and national parks. Its rainforests are alive with howler monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, countless lizards, poison-dart frogs, exotic birds, insects and butterflies. Regions like Costa Rica proudly boasts some of the world's most successful examples of ecotourism -- our tours are an ideal way to experience conservation at its best and invite travelers to explore examples of thriving eco-lodges, ecotourism, and preservation efforts.

From the rugged to the relaxing, our adventures in Central America feature small lodges, naturalist guides, and a wide taste of what the region has to offer.

"I am 63 years old and I was seeking adventure. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it all - the hiking, the white water rafting, as well as the rowing and the zip lining. With the encouragement and help of all the people involved in the various activities, I did it all. It was a great experience! Pura Vida!! My tico nickname was 'Tortugita.' Like a little turtle (4Ft. 9in.) I was slow, but sure with much help and so much more laughter. Thanks to all for making it a truly memorable trip."- M.J. Phillips, Adventure Pacificia 2008

Multisport Adventures

We realize that people are looking to squeeze more variety into their limited vacation time. To that end, we have put together a number of multisport adventures that keep the blood pumping through miles of spectacular scenery. Not surprisingly, these adventurous trips are quickly becoming some of our most popular.

Costa Rica and Belize are well known for the myriad activities available there, and our itineraries here include sea kayaking, spelunking, and more. In Peru, we venture far from the standard Peru circuit with our Manco Multisport trip that combines mountain biking down the Andes, hiking in cloudforest, whitewater rafting, kayaking and a homestay on Lake Titicaca, and a short hike along the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Similarly, on our Mayan Multisport tour in the highlands of Guatemala, travelers explore lush cloudforest, peddle past stately volcanoes, and kayak across the azure waters of a deep caldera lake before spending the night with Mayan hosts. In the Galapagos we take an alternative approach to exploring the wildlife-rich islands with land-based adventures that include snorkeling, kayaking, biking and hiking excursions. The remote trek on our Ecuador Adventurer adds an extra incentive – at the end of the trail are the thermal waters of Papallacta Hot Springs.

"I don't really have the words to describe how great this trip was other than to say I had very high expectations and it far exceeded them. When I go on vacation I want to have fun, be active and see new things. I want to go to bed each night exhausted from a full day of activities. I got to do all of this on this trip. The Galapagos Islands are an amazing place. The animals are unique. The terrain and plants are so weird it seemed like we visited other planets at times, not just another part of the world. I can't recommend this trip or Adventure Life enough!" - M.J. Jagielski, Galapagos Multisport 2007

Local Focus

Our travelers are always quick to remark how impressed they are with our guides. Our guides are native to the regions we visit, and have a wealth of knowledge, passion and insight to share about their country. Exploring with a guide from the local area creates an intimacy that's just not possible with a North American guide. Many trip leaders are tri-lingual, speaking not only Spanish and English, but often Quechua as well. This means that whether travelers are in a rural village or browsing the Sunday market, their guide can create an immediate rapport with the locals and share the interactive experience with the adventurers. We also have experienced local partners on hand to offer their help and give travelers that extra piece of mind.

"You guys have an excellent crew there and Ayul Acuna has got to be one of the best guides there is. What can I say about Ayul Acuna. Let me think. Excellent. Fantastic. Funny. Knowledgeable. Friendly. Quirky. Weird. Hilarious. Great communicator. Next time I go to Peru, I am hiring him for the entire duration of my trip. I have not met a better guide in my life." - A. Ghosh, Machu Picchu Pilgrimage 2008

While using local guides helps shape a profound and memorable experience, it's just one of the ways Adventure Life strives to introduce our clients to Latin American culture. We are one of the few North American companies to offer homestays as part of our tours. In Peru travelers have the opportunity to spend the night with a family on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, and in Guatemala the hospitable K'iche Maya families of Totonicapan open their homes. In addition, our Peru travelers are encouraged to visit the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco (CTTC) and the Mantay Shelter. Both organizations -- while focused on different facets of the community -- are dedicated to educating and empowering local communities, and protecting the handicraft traditions of Peru.

Adventure Life VOYAGES

Following the success of our small-ship trips to Patagonia, Galapagos and Antarctica, we now offer expedition cruises to remote regions throughout the world. Alaska, Arctic, Vietnam, South Pacific, Azores -- Adventure Life VOYAGES is dedicated to reminding our travelers of the beauty and wonder of our planet. Put aside all existing views of a typical cruise. Small-ship expeditions take travelers into some of the most secluded and unique parts of the world, and offer a perfect combination of exploration, adventure and relaxation.

We've done the research, and offer our unbiased opinions and objective feedback. Whether travelers are looking for an icebreaker or research vessel, or a specialty designed luxury yacht, each vessel offers numerous itineraries and destinations to fit the needs of any traveler. Our years of experience help guide travelers to the best trip and ship for their needs.

"Even though I knew it would be beautiful down there, I was still stunned by how pristine and pure it was. I sincerely hope that humans can continue to touch this stark and beautiful continent lightly, control the visitations, and that the people that follow will feel the same desire to protect this special spot. Thank you so much - Adventure Life - for all the help, advice, and enthusiasm regarding the journey." - S. Ragle, Antarctica 2008

Story Tips & Ideas

1. Homestays: A few of Adventure Life's tours offer travelers the chance to spend a night or two with local families. The Highland Maya Markets and Mayan Multisport tours in Guatemala both spend time with families in the village of Totonicapan, while guests on our Inca Pathways or Manco Multisport trips spend a night with the Quechua people of Lake Titicaca’s floating islands. These homestays might be rustic, but they provide uniquely memorable and sometimes enlightening experiences.


2. Amazon Adventurer: This 8 day trip in Ecuador includes expedition kayaking down the Shiripuno River in the Amazon Basin. Paddling through Huaorani territory, travelers stop to meet these fascinating indigenous people, and learn about medicinal plants from a native Huaorani guide. For details, click here.


3. Giving Back to the Galapagos: Adventure Life is an active member of the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association, (IGTOA). Together we have created an effective way for the travel industry to help support Galapagos conservation. The travel industry and those who visit the Galapagos must meet the challenge of preserving this world heritage. In Nov. 2006, together with IGTOA, we launched a Galapagos traveler-funding program. As of June 2008, our travelers have raised nearly $40,000 for island conservation. Fomore information, click here.


4. Turtles and Rainforest: This hands-on trip in Costa Rica is great for families. Groups of no more than 6 guests stay at Pacuare Nature Reserve, helping researchers tag and measure the giant leatherback turtles that nest nearby. Travelers also help dig up the turtle eggs and rebury them so poachers can’t find the nests. Combined with a whitewater rafting trip and a few days at a remote rainforest lodge, the Turtles and Rainforest trip is a perennial favorite. Click here for details.


5. Manco Multisport: Bike down the slopes of the Andes towards the Amazon jungle, ride the wild whitewater of the Kosñipata River, hike through endangered cloudforest, and explore the natural beauty and inviting culture of Lake Titicaca with a kayaking excursion and homestay visit. Afterwards, take a charter flight back to Cusco and trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. A tremendous adventure in the Andes and Amazon of Peru. Click here for details.


6. Patagonia by Sea: Board the intimate motor yacht Cahualla for a truly unique exploration of the Northern Patagonian fjords and the charming island culture of Chiloe. Far from the beaten path, guests visit small fishing villages only accessible by sea, explore fantastic temperate rainforest and isolated natural hot springs in Pumalin Park, and enjoy the freshest seafood and delicious meals along the way. Click here for details.


7. Mayan Multisport: A different adventure awaits travelers each day as they explore lush cloudforest, peddle past stately volcanoes, and kayak across the azure waters of a deep caldera lake. Guests are steeped in local culture as they share in the daily lives of our Maya hosts, who graciously open their homes to guests for a night. Some time is spent exploring the colonial city of Antigua before bidding farewell to the natural and cultural treasures of Guatemala. For details click here.

Memberships

International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA)
Sustainable Travel International
International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO)
America Outdoors
Adventure Travel Trade Association
International Mountain Explorers Connection
Leave No Trace
Better Business Bureau