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| Company: Adventure Life Journeys | President: Brian Morgan |
| Phone: 406-541-2677 | Media Contact: Beth Conway |
| Fax: 406-541-2676 | Web-Site: www.Adventure-Life.com |
| Information & Reservations: 1-800-344-6118 | Address: 1655 S. 3rd W. Suite #1 |
| E-mail: trip.center@adventure-life.com | City, State, Zip: Missoula, MT 59801 |
Mission Statement
Adventure Life is committed to providing quality small group tours that have a positive impact on the local culture and environment. Groups size is kept to a minimum, 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.
Travel should be unexpected and fascinating. It should awaken questions and encourage answers. Part of our job is to make travel easier, but mostly we want our trips to make travel important, rewarding, and extraordinary.
Background Information
In his early twenties, Adventure Life's founder, Brian Morgan, had the privilege to live and travel throughout Latin America. 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. Following the success of our expedition cruises to the Galapagos, Patagonia and Antarctica, Adventure Life VOYAGES is now booming in its second year of operation, taking travelers on small-ship cruises throughout the world.
Small-Ship Experts
Antarctica, Alaska, Arctic, Vietnam, South Pacific, Galapagos, Azores -- our small ship cruises are dedicated to reminding our travelers of the beauty and wonder of our plant. Itineraries are chosen for their superb destinations, while at the same time ensuring a positive impact on the local culture and environments. And we do this without sacrificing hospitality or comfort. 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 our 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 need 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
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
What is an Expedition Cruise?
There are many different ways to explore the world - many different mean of travel. But there are very few options that combine the excitement, intimacy and ease of an expedition cruise. Adventure Life VOYAGES provides small-ship cruises to Africa, Alaska, Antarctica, the Arctic, Asia, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Mediterranean, North America, South America and the South Pacific.
World Travel
Our world is connected by waterways. Unlike any other form of travel, an expedition cruise opens the world to exploration, providing journeys from the ancient marvels of the Mediterranean to mystifying Easter Island. Destinations are chosen for their natural beauty and their rich culture. Icebreakers traverse the frozen waters of the Antarctic and Arctic. Research vessels cruise the lush coastlines of Vietnam and China's vibrant Hong Kong. Luxury yachts follow Africa's Cape Verde to the Canary Islands. Watch the sunset over the Pacific horizon or playful porpoises race along the bow. Wake up to brilliant blue icebergs or the Amazon jungle whose trees are alive with monkeys and macaws. A small ship cruise provides the means to turn ordinary travel into a world adventure.
Remote Locations
The size and skill of expedition vessels allow access to some of the world's most remote locations - some of which are only accessible by sea. Ships accommodates anywhere from 16 to 200 passengers. Unlike larger cruiseliners, expedition vessels are uniquely designed with the strength to handle the seas' powerful passageways, and are small enough to manipulate into isolated locations that are out of reach to larger ships. Vessels are equipped with zodiacs and allow daily excursions to secluded shorelines and up-close interaction with marine wildlife.
Ease and Safety
Small ship cruises combine the convenience of guided travel with the freedom and flexibility of a small-group. Comfortable cabins, attractive cuisines, cozy libraries and eye-opening lectures where onboard naturalists welcome questions -- small ships have a relaxing and friendly atmosphere where like-minded travelers can share the afternoon swapping stories of the day's adventure. Expert guides and knowledgeable crew enhance experiences off and on board. Vessels also carry naturalists and lectureres who eagerly share their insight of each region, and help prepare travelers for daily land excursions.
Excitement
While itineraries are designed to explore the best of each region, they allow room for the unpredictable and unexpected surprises that make each trip, each destination unique. It is impossible to plan for a humpback whale gracing the underbelly of a zodiac. Or a cultural exchange with a Peruvian woman in the Azapa valley. Or a fiery sunset over the Niger River. Or a howler-monkey lingering in the surrounding jungles of Tikal's ancient Maya ruins. Possibilities are as exciting as they are endless.
"One of the reasons I finally choose Adventure Life was the feeling I got when talking to your representatives. Daranne was enthusiastic and helpful in picking out the right trip for my family. Marrissa was very efficient in processing our travel info. This is the first time I have every done something like this over the internet and I always felt secure. When our flight got cancelled from NYC to Miami and I called the emergency number on a Saturday morning, Jennie answered the phone right away and helped us make some alternate arrangements. I later realized how nice she really was when I remembered the time change from here to MT and that I woke her up at 3:30 in the morning!" - W.L. Morgan, Galapagos 2007
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
Responsible Travel
The vessels we work with are experienced and licensed to assure that all of our travelers are safe and sound. But they go beyond just doing things by the book. A variety of the vessels are members of organizations such as IAATO, IGTOA, and AECO; organizations which recognize the close relationship between delicate environments and the travel industry. Before onshore excursions, travelers are educated on the "Dos and Don'ts" of responsible travel and how to be an active participant in preserving local ecology and culture. Many yachts also take independent initiatives to support sustainable efforts, such as the cleaning of the Spitsbergen coast or contributions to local Amazonian communities. For additional information on Adventure Life's commitment to Travel and Conservation, click here.
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 immerse travelers into the local culture and environments. 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 and our travelers to not only learn more about the delicate ecology of the Galapagos, but to actively 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.
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