Edison Landeta never planned to be a guide; it just happened naturally for him.
“I’ve always enjoyed helping people and guiding them along the way,” he shares. After returning to Ecuador from England, a friend invited him to try guiding. Just a couple of tours were enough to inspire a deep passion. He worked with various companies, including Celebrity Cruises, and eventually got his official license when the tourism laws changed. “That’s when I became a professional guide, and I’ve never looked back.”
A Long Connection with GEO
Edison talks about Geo Boutique Travel Designer as more than just a company; to him, it feels like family. “From the first time Fernanda invited me on a tour, there was a great vibe, a connection,” he says. That good feeling has lasted for over 20 years. “It’s been an amazing relationship, and I’m so grateful to the whole team. With GEO, you just want to give your best.”
Every Tour is Personal
Edison doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all experiences. For him, every traveller is different, and that’s what makes each journey special. “You have to listen and feel their energy,” he explains. “Beginning with the ride from the airport, I start chatting and observing… are they curious, quiet, or funny?” He adjusts the pace, tone, and content of the trip based on those first impressions. “It’s not just a tour; it’s a shared journey.”
Discovering the Heart of Quito
When asked about his favourite place, Edison doesn’t hesitate: Quito’s historic centre. “It’s such a treasure. In 1978, it was the first city ever named a UNESCO World Heritage Site,” he says proudly. “In just a few blocks, you can feel centuries of stories. “It’s a city with a soul and sharing that with guests is a true pleasure.”
Unforgettable Stories from the Journey
Two decades of guiding means plenty of unforgettable moments. He recalls getting stuck in the Amazon due to a landslide, but instead of panicking, they played cards and created trivia games about Ecuador. Another time, during an indigenous protest, he had to evacuate guests on motorcycles and even hired a small plane to get them safely back to Quito. “There’s always a way. You stay calm, and you turn it into a story they’ll never forget.”
Life Beyond the Road
When he’s not on tour, Edison loves being at home. He enjoys gardening, whether taking care of his plants, or planting new ones. He also likes working on his car and feels good when he fixes it himself. Most of all, he loves spending time with his pets – playing and relaxing with them. “These simple things help me recharge and feel at peace,” he smiles.
His Invitation to the World
“To anyone who hasn’t been to Ecuador yet: you really should come and experience it for yourself. We’re proud to be one of the world’s 14 megadiverse countries, which means we have an incredible variety of plants and animals. In just a few days, you can explore the lush jungle, towering mountains, beautiful beaches, and, of course, the amazing Galápagos Islands. It’s a small country, but it’s packed with wonders waiting to be discovered. You won’t regret visiting!”
For more information on Ecuador or adventures with Geo Boutique Travel Designer, please contact millie@americas.co.uk
