This year marks 25 years of distinctive journeys to South America for Southwind Adventures. The boutique tour operator opened its doors in April 1990 and, since then, has rewarded guests with authentic experiences that open the heart, mind and sprit to the wonders of South America.
Southwind’s roots run deep in Peru, helping to pioneer trekking and adventure travel in the Cusco region in the 1980s. The two co-founders, Luis Felipa and Suzie Shride, met while working in tourism on the ground level, gaining insights into Machu Picchu and its surroundings as a field guide and a travel specialist. In 1990, using connections with the most experienced guides and ground operators in South America, the Southwind brand was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Today, 25 years later, the tradition of top quality ecotravel and utmost expertise lives on. Recently, to display its intimate knowledge of Inca history and archaeology, Southwind has collaborated with its local guides to select the top sites inside Machu Picchu citadel and explained their meaning in a recent blog article What to Do at Machu Picchu: Exploring the Ancient Citadel’s Top 12 Treasures. This post is a sample of the kind of thorough interpretation and guidance that distinguishes each Southwind adventure.
Southwind President & Travel Specialist Tom Damon has seen the company grow up over time. “Having spent 18 years helping Southwind travelers realize their dreams of adventure in the Andes, Amazon and Galapagos, I’m grateful for our customers’ loyalty and friendship,” Tom says. “The trust of our customers is why Southwind continues to thrive.”
Many travelers come back with friends and family to travel with Southwind again, while many more refer their peers. To meet these requests, Southwind constantly seeks out emerging regions, improves itineraries, expands lodging options and adds to its destination repertoire.