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Diego has a passion for life and adventure. He has paddled professionally for over ten years in Canada, Peru, Brazil, Czech Republic, Korea and Ecuador. Diego studied geology and gave kayak classes in a university in Ecuador. He headed the Ecuadorian National Team in the Whitewater Rafting World Cup in Prague, Czech Republic in 2003 and in Inje, South Korea in 2007. Diego is part of the IRF (International Rafting Federation) and ACA (American Canoe Association) where he was trained in whitewater techniques as well as safety and rescue courses. Diego worked for the Ecuador Tourism Ministry developing a guide for water adventure sports in Ecuador and is a trainer for the new Barefoot pathfinders that will lead your way.
How everything started:
"When you come with Barefoot Expeditions, you are the most important element of the adventure."
Diego's passion for nature and outdoor activities made him study geology, which lead his way to explore the unexplored, search and investigate. Soon after he joined the climbing club of his university, where he learnt new climbing techniques to reach further and climbed Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Altar, Cayambe, Ilinizas to name a few. Then he started trainning in the art of river running and travel around the world to acquire more knowledge and practice in rafting and kayaking. At the same time he was inspired to build his own business observing how successfull adventure companies operate all over the world and getting insights into team building, staff training, footage and editing. On this journey Diego learnt English, French, and Portuguese. All of these habilities made him start Barefoot Expeditions in 2003 with nothing more than his kayak and his paddle. Since then, Barefoot Expeditions has made a considerable development to one of Ecuador's top adventure travel companies cooperating with GAP Adventures or Adventure Life. Being a pathfinder, his aim is constantly offering new adventures off the typical tourist tracks to show you Ecuador from a different point of view. We invite you to join us and experience freedom! |
We believe that a new type of traveler has emerged in the 21st century. A traveler with a thirst for adventure and that is aware of culture and the fragility and importance of wild life. A traveler that is far more knowledgeable than ever before. Barefoot Expeditions thrives on the challenge of serving this new type of traveler. We stand for low impact yet mind blowing adventure and experiential trips to Ecuador. Barefoot Expeditions represents our passion for nature, adventure travel and great service. Diego Altamirano founded Barefoot Expeditions and is a pioneer in the development of the adventure travel experience in Ecuador. Diego has represented and has lead Ecuador in a variety of international tournaments such as the worldwide whitewater rafting championships in Korea and the Czech Republic. Diego has explored Ecuador in search of new and thrilling trips that will bring you closer with nature at its purest. This endless exploration leads to the formation of Barefoot Expeditions as a way to share these experiences with the rest of the world. We want to share this passion with you. Come to Ecuador and experience freedom!