Ethical wildlife & culture expeditions across South America and beyond. We design small-group journeys through Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Chile, Argentina and Costa Rica for birders, photographers and curious travelers who value nature, culture and ethics as much as they value great stories and great photos.
Plan your expedition, slow your pace, and let the wild world come to you.
Ethics, expertise, and extraordinary experiences
We aim to create transformative travel experiences that connect travelers deeply with nature and local culture while minimizing impact. We believe in ethical wildlife observation, fair collaboration with local communities, and leading with respect for every ecosystem and each person we encounter.
Celso Cárdenas – Founder & Lead Expedition Guide
Still Wild Expeditions was founded by Celso Cárdenas, a naturalist guide and expedition leader with over 19 years of experience leading small-group journeys across South America. In 2024 he received the Sumner-Thoren Award – Best Trip Leader in the World
recognizing his deep field knowledge, calm leadership and respectful approach to wildlife and local communities. A passionate birdwatcher, Amazon naturalist and Galápagos tour leader, he now often shares the trail with his young son – a little adventurer who reminds him that every journey is also about what we pass on to the next generation.)
Where wildlife is respected, people are honored, and your journey leaves a positive footprint.
We believe that truly wild moments don’t need to be forced. Our trips follow strict guidelines: no baiting, no harassment, minimal playback, respectful distances and itineraries designed around animal welfare, not just checklists. This means fewer ‘staged’ encounters and more authentic, unforgettable ones — the kind that stay with you for life, not just for the photo.
We work hand in hand with local guides, communities and family-run projects in every country we visit. You don’t just see a landscape — you meet the people who call it home, listen to their stories and, when possible, share a meal or a moment with them. Our expeditions are built to create genuine human connection, not just quick stops for photos.
Travel can protect or destroy. We choose the first path. Whenever possible, we support local conservation, education and community projects through the partners we work with and the trips we design. Each itinerary is crafted to leave a lighter footprint while creating deeper impact for the places and people you visit.
From the Galápagos Islands and condors soaring over the Andes to jaguars slipping through the Pantanal wetlands, from Patagonian winds to the warm rain of Central America’s forests—our journeys follow the wild heart of the continent. Every tour is tailor-made, thoughtfully designed around each traveler’s interests, pace, and sense of adventure. Ecuador is our home base, but our journeys go far beyond its borders.
A compact country with extraordinary diversity: Andean páramos, cloud forests, Amazon rainforests and the legendary Galápagos Islands. Ideal for travelers who want maximum wildlife, landscapes and culture in minimum travel time.
Our Brazil journeys explore the country’s wild heart: Pantanal for jaguars, Bonito for crystal-clear rivers and vibrant aquatic life, and Parque das Emas for elusive maned wolves—vast landscapes, open skies, and unforgettable night drives.
Where ancient cultures meet wild nature: Andes, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley and highland communities blend archaeology, living traditions and wildlife—perfect for sunrise ruins, midday markets and misty ridges with Andean birds.
Every traveler is different. Instead of pushing standard “copy-paste” packages,
we start with who you are and what you love. Then we design a journey that fits.
