Meet Our Team & Regional Destination Experts | VA Expeditions
At VA Expeditions, our people are our greatest strength. Each member of our team brings not only deep professional expertise, but also an authentic passion for Central and South America and a genuine dedication to sharing our continent's treasures with the world.
They are passionate about what they do, proud of their cultural heritage, and committed to curating meaningful, transformative connections for every traveler. Driven by curiosity and excellence, they continually evolve — both as travel professionals and as local ambassadors — ensuring every expedition is authentic, safe, and unforgettable.
Our Founders:
René Hurtado Valencia - CEO & Founder
For me, travel has always been more than movement. It's about transformation — the kind that reshapes how we see the world, how we connect with diverse cultures, and how we grow as human beings. That belief led me, more than 16 years ago, to embark on creating a transformative travel company that has evolved into VA Expeditions.
In 2009, together with my brother Amílcar, I founded our company with a simple but powerful vision: to share the wonder of the Andes, the Amazon, and the magnificent diversity of Latin America with the world, while creating real economic opportunities for the local communities that make our journeys possible. What began as a heartfelt dream has blossomed into VA Expeditions — recognized internationally for our authentic, sustainable, and human-centered expeditions throughout Central and South America.
Today, as CEO, my mission is to lead our regional strategy and inspire a passionate team of destination specialists across Central and South America. At VA Expeditions, we craft journeys that go far beyond standard itineraries — they are life-enriching adventures designed to move people, inspire conservation, and build lasting friendships.
Our vision is to be the premier sustainable tour operator for Central and South America — a cultural bridge, a benchmark for eco-conscious exploration, and an industry innovator. While expanding across the continent, we remain firmly anchored in our values of authenticity, integrity, and community empowerment, ensuring every step we take benefits travelers, local host communities, and the planet.
Leadership, to me, is about creating lasting impact: building an organization that empowers lives, honors ancient traditions, and proves that regenerative travel is a true force for good.
Our Team - The Passionate Specialists Behind Every Expedition
At VA Expeditions, our team is far more than departments and job titles — we are a family of passionate Latin American travel professionals who pour our hearts into every single journey. From our bespoke Travel Designers who craft dream itineraries across Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, and Chile, to our operational concierges, logistics teams, and field drivers who ensure every detail unfolds smoothly, each person plays an essential role. Together, we combine high-level professionalism with genuine warmth, ensuring that every traveler is fully supported, every community is respected, and every expedition becomes an extraordinary memory.
Our Guides - The Soul of VA Expeditions
At VA Expeditions, our guides are the true heart and soul of every adventure. Each one is a master storyteller, a regional ambassador of Central and South America, and a licensed specialist who shares the warmth of their communities and an intimate knowledge of nature, archaeology, and local traditions.
Our guides are seasoned naturalists, historians, and mountaineers with years of field experience. Thanks to their expertise, enthusiasm, and attentive care, VA Expeditions has earned an international reputation for tour excellence and outstanding safety standards.
They know the secret trails, ancient ruins, and hidden biodiversity hotspots intimately. More importantly, they understand our travelers — tuning into your interests, rhythm, and travel dreams to foster a shared, enriching experience that feels like traveling with a knowledgeable friend.
Through ongoing professional development, safety certifications, and a steadfast dedication to sustainable tourism, our guides collaborate seamlessly with private drivers, camp crews, and local communities. Every shared smile, campfire story, and awe-inspiring vista is why traveling with VA Expeditions leaves a lasting impression for a lifetime.
Our Field Crews & Operations Team - The Backbone of Our Expeditions
Behind every seamless adventure with VA Expeditions is an extraordinary operations team working tirelessly on the ground — our Andean porters, logistical handlers, drivers, and expedition camp chefs. They are the quiet champions who make every journey safe, comfortable, and truly exceptional.
From the unmatched stamina and kindness of our mountain porters who support high-altitude treks with exemplary care, to the certified drivers navigating scenic mountain highways and coastal routes, each team member is essential to our success.
Their dedication extends far beyond logistics. They set up comfortable wilderness camps in breathtaking locations, prepare wholesome gourmet meals with local ingredients, and manage every operational detail with absolute precision.
United by pride in their heritage and shared purpose, their hospitality reflects the true spirit of Central and South America — warm, resilient, and welcoming. Thanks to their passion and hard work, VA Expeditions guarantees trips delivered with precision, excellence, and genuine heart.
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Committed to international standards of excellence, safety, and sustainable tourism.
