Metropolitan Touring

Story

For more than 70 years, Metropolitan Touring creates life-changing travel experiences across South America. You embark on unforgettable adventures through the Amazon rainforest, the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia while discovering spectacular landscapes, rich cultures, and extraordinary wildlife. Every journey reflects a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and authentic hospitality, ensuring every detail becomes a lasting memory. With decades of expertise, Metropolitan Touring crafts meaningful itineraries that connect you with ancient civilizations, vibrant local traditions, and breathtaking natural environments. Award-winning hotels, expedition vessels, and premium travel experiences combine with exceptional gastronomy, carefully selected locations, and personalized service to deliver unforgettable adventures. As South America's first carbon-neutral tour operator, Metropolitan Touring integrates sustainability into every aspect of its operations, protecting ecosystems, supporting local communities, and promoting regenerative tourism. Every journey invites you to experience South America responsibly while creating meaningful connections with the destinations you visit.

Mission

Metropolitan Touring passionately creates journeys for our explorers that transform their lives and generate positive impact for people and planet.

Vision

Be the leader in expedition travel, owner of iconic properties, recognized for our impact on South America’s sustainable development.

A Vision of Sustainability

Travel with the confidence that every journey helps leave the world better than it was found. Since 1953, Metropolitan Touring has operated with the conviction that travel should create a positive impact. Today, three expedition vessels and three boutique lodges not only minimize environmental impact but also support ecosystem conservation, fund scientific research, and strengthen the communities at the heart of every destination. Experience regenerative travel that creates real, measurable value for both people and nature.

Pillars of Regeneration

• Education - Support education as a regenerative force. Metropolitan Touring invests in educational initiatives, from the On-board Education Program, which has welcomed more than 1,785 Galápagos students to experience their islands firsthand, to workshops and learning opportunities that strengthen the knowledge and skills of employees and local communities. Every educational initiative creates meaningful and lasting change.
• Entrepreneurship - Help strengthen local economies through every journey. Metropolitan Touring actively sources products and services from local entrepreneurs and businesses, turning every purchase into a direct investment in the communities that make each destination unique.
• Ecosystem - Explore destinations while helping preserve their natural and cultural heritage. Metropolitan Touring follows responsible tourism practices that protect biodiversity, minimize the environmental impact of operations, and actively contribute to conserving the ecosystems that make every journey possible.
• Equity - Travel with a company that values inclusive growth. Equity is embedded throughout Metropolitan Touring's operations. Local residents make up 89% of the Finch Bay Hotel team, 48% of the Mashpi Lodge staff come from surrounding communities, and women represent 50% of the Executive Committee. This commitment ensures that the people who bring each destination to life also benefit from tourism.

Positive Impact

Every journey contributes to measurable results:

• More than 1,785 local students and suppliers have come aboard to discover their territory and strengthen their connection to Galápagos conservation.
• 2,284 hectares are conserved through a carbon offset model that supports sustainable livelihoods in the Andean Chocó.
• 40% of food and supplies for Galápagos operations are sourced locally, strengthening regional producers and supply chains.
• 50% of the management committee are women, supporting equitable leadership and stronger destinations.

Carbon Neutral Commitment

Travel knowing that every journey supports climate action. Since 2017, Metropolitan Touring has implemented a Carbon Neutral and Regenerative Fee that offsets the emissions generated by your trip while supporting the regeneration of the destinations you visit.

In 2025, Metropolitan Touring measured and verified 15,287 tCO₂e across all operations, certified by SGS under the INTE/ISO 14064-1:2019 standard. Every carbon offset remains transparent, measurable, and verifiable. Beyond reducing environmental impacts, every trip actively contributes to restoring nature and improving the wellbeing of local communities.

Commitment to Regenerative Travel

• Metropolitan Touring: An Agent of Change - Experience tourism that creates shared value for travelers, communities, and the natural world. Every journey helps transform tourism into a force for positive change.
• Casa Gangotena: A Good Neighbor - Support Quito's Historic Center by contributing to its social fabric, local businesses, cultural heritage, and community life in one of Latin America's most important historic districts.
• Mashpi Lodge: A Promoter of Wellbeing and Prosperity - Discover the cloud forest while supporting the development of surrounding communities. Mashpi Lodge demonstrates that conservation and community prosperity can grow together.
• Finch Bay and Expedition Cruise Vessels: A Guardian of the Galápagos' Grandeur - Explore the Galápagos while helping regenerate the archipelago. Every expedition contributes to protecting this extraordinary ecosystem and preserving its natural grandeur for future generations.