Mathias Onisseit
Originally from Germany, in 2010 I set out to explore South America and soon fell in love with the super-diverse country named Ecuador (and its neat little attachment Galapagos). What fascinates me the most about this country is the fact that it has it all: lush rain-forests, mystic cloud forests, snow-capped mountain peaks, endless beaches and the most particular ecosystem, the Galapagos Islands. Everything just a few hours travel away. Diverse landscapes along with equally diverse people. My goal is to make you experience all of this first-hand. If after your trip you wish to return to Ecuador (you wouldn’t be the first!) then my mission has been achieved.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I cover all Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands, but due to interest I focus on off-the-beaten-track regions such as Manabí and Azuay provinces, as well as on cloud and rain forest habitats including their unique wildlife, especially fungi, birds and also insects."
How did you get involved in travel?
"While at the biggest travel fare of them all (ITB in Berlin), I was looking for some new travel inspiration, I stumbled into what would be my future employer, a travel agency in Ecuador. Immediately I got excited about the idea of being able to share the fascination of this country with others and at the same time being able to live here."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"To me, there is not the one special travel experience, instead it is the simple things that make memories: waking up to the singing of birds and howling of monkeys, snorkeling with baby sharks on a sunny beach day, a stroll in the rain on a muddy cloud forest trail or the interminable hike to the top of an active volcano. And of course, all the incredible personalities that you meet along the road contribute to awesome experiences that last a lifetime."
Featured trips & expertise
Hiking in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador - 7 Days
Ecuador is famous for its snow-capped volcanoes and UNESCO historic sites, and you'll get to visit both on this 7-day itinerary. In Quito, visit colonial churches, stand on both hemispheres at the Middle of the World, and hike the nearby Ruco Pichincha Volcano. You'll also hike the Pasochoa Volcano, admire the scenery in Cotopaxi, and browse for gifts at mountain markets.
Best of Ecuador: Quito, Quilotoa, Baños, Cuenca, & Guayaquil - 8 Days
This eight-day itinerary is perfect for travelers hoping to see Ecuador's most notable national parks and explore the country's most populous cities. You'll begin your trip with a free day in the capital of Quito before heading off to hike the Quilotoa and Cotopaxi Volcanoes and explore Ecuador's gateway to the Amazon. Then, make a stop at Mount Chimborazo, take a scenic train ride through the Andes, and take a walking tour of the historic port city of Guayaquil.
Galapagos Islands Land-Based Adventure Tour: 6 Days
Land-based tours are a more economical and comfortable alternative to cruising the Galapagos. This 6-day itinerary takes in the highlights of the three main inhabited islands — from watching giant tortoises to hiking around an active volcanic crater and snorkeling with penguins and sharks.
Great Honeymoon Ideas for Ecuador
Ecuador makes for a superb honeymoon destination that combines romance and adventure: canoe in Amazon jungle and then enjoy a spa treatment, go wildlife watching and then stargaze in the Galapagos, climb a volcano and then dip in thermal baths. Use this guide to kick off your marriage in a country of astounding biodiversity, diverse landscapes and unique culture.
2 Weeks in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itineraries
Two weeks in Ecuador gives plenty of time to enjoy all three of the country's main ecosystems—Amazon, Highlands, and Galapagos—or focus on one to fully immerse yourself in the area. Use Quito as a base for day trips to local volcanoes and national parks while still exploring the capital's history, or opt to spend your time looking for wildlife on the remote Galapagos Islands. Alternately, maximize your trip by adding on a week in Peru to see Lima, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Read on for more unique itineraries.
10 Days in Ecuador - 5 Unique Itineraries
Local people are fond of saying that Ecuador is four countries in one: coast, highlands, jungle, and the Galapagos. Whether you want to relax on the beach, climb volcanoes, hike around Andean lakes, go zip-lining in the cloud forest, canoe up an Amazon tributary or cruise the Galapagos, there is a perfect itinerary for everyone.
Recent trip reviews for Mathias
Visiting the beautiful, welcoming country of Ecuador · Ecuador - Jun 10 - Jun 21, 2021
Would highly recommend traveling to the beautiful country of Ecuador. The country is welcoming and beautiful, and the people are even more so. We felt safe and well taken care of the entire trip. Our local specialist, Mathias, took care of all the planning/bookings. The local people, drivers, and guides could not be more genuine lovely people.
We visited the Amazon for 4 days, Quito for 2 days, and the Galapagos for 5 days. It felt like the perfect amount of time in each location, the only... read more
Mathias is extremely responsive and organized. · Ecuador - May 15 - May 22, 2021
Mathias is extremely responsive and organized. I asked for an adventurous trip filled with culture and that’s exactly what Mathias put together for me.
Thanks for your feedback, Arianna! It was a pleasure having you as our guest, it was fun planning this trip with you and I'm happy that you enjoyed it to the fullest!
Matias put together an awesome trip to an amazing country. · Ecuador - Jan 22 - Jan 31, 2021
Matias was amazing. Quick responses, answered all the questions we had, most before we thought to ask them. The partners he worked with were on time, friendly, and knowledgeable. The hotels we were set up in were all great, from hot tubs heated by volcanos to having breakfast with a troop of monkeys, it was places that were unique, clean and friendly. I would send anyone I know to Ecuador and I will give them Matias' contact information to make their trip as special as he made ours.
Thanks for your feedback, Jeremy! It was great having you guys as one of our first guests since the beginning of the pandemic. And I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed your time here to the fullest!
I wish you all the best and a great time on your next trips, maybe one day you will return to see the other parts of this beautiful country.
Hasta luego,
Mathias