Today we’d like to introduce you to M Isabel Portilla.
Hi M Isabel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in Ecuador, into a family where travel was more than a passion—it was almost genetic. My grandfather, Eduardo Proaño, was one of the pioneers of tourism in Ecuador, literally mapping the country’s first routes and showing the world its four regions when no one else had. I grew up surrounded by this spirit of discovery, creating my first airline ticket at age four, and learning early on that travel was not just about movement, but about awakening the senses and connecting deeply with culture, nature, and humanity
Over the past four decades, I’ve worked in tourism with the same curiosity and freedom I grew up with. My path has always been guided by one principle: travel should transform us. It should remind us of what is essential, and awaken something within that makes us better, more conscious, more connected people.
That’s why I created Allexpeditions. Our philosophy is simple yet profound—we don’t just offer trips, we create immersive, life-changing journeys. Each itinerary is a thread in the tapestry of humanity, designed to honor heritage, protect nature, and inspire transformation. Today, seven years into this adventure, Allexpeditions is present in more than 20 destinations worldwide. What began as a dream has grown into a network of travelers, local partners, and what I like to call our “travel bees,” all working together to craft experiences rooted in authenticity and presence.
For me, this journey has never been about showing the unknown for the sake of novelty. It’s about revealing the truth of a place—and of ourselves. Travel has the power to open our hearts, dissolve the illusion of separation, and remind us that we are all part of the same story. That’s the magic of presence.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has definitely not always been smooth. Like many in the travel industry, the greatest challenge came during COVID. Overnight, the world paused, borders closed, and travel—the heartbeat of what we do—was brought to a standstill. It was not only a business challenge, but also a deeply human one, because at Allexpeditions we believe travel is about connection, and suddenly that connection was taken away.
But challenges also bring clarity. During that time, I returned to Corporate USA, where I applied my background in marketing to strengthen my skills and keep moving forward. At the same time, I stayed very close to our service providers and tour operators around the world, nurturing those relationships so that when the moment came to reopen, we would be ready—not only with programs, but with renewed energy and open hearts.
Now, seven years later—our anniversary was just a few weeks ago—I feel profoundly grateful. Today, Allexpeditions offers immersive journeys in more than 20 destinations, and we are preparing to expand into Africa and Central Asia. Every struggle has been part of our evolution, shaping us into a stronger, more conscious company ready to bring transformative travel opportunities to our global clients.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about AllExpeditions Travel?
Allexpeditions is not just a travel company—it’s a philosophy of how to experience the world. We create private, immersive, and life-changing journeys designed to go far beyond sightseeing. Our travelers don’t just “visit” a destination; they live it, breathe it, and return transformed.
What sets us apart is our focus on authentic connection. Every itinerary is carefully crafted in partnership with local experts, artisans, and guides so that each traveler experiences the cultural, natural, and human essence of a place. Whether it’s practicing yoga at sunrise near the Taj Mahal, sharing stories with women artisans in Rajasthan, or walking through olive groves in Andalusia, our journeys are designed to awaken the senses and the spirit.
After seven years, we’re proud to be present in over 20 destinations worldwide, with new programs launching in Africa and Central Asia. But what I’m most proud of brand-wise is that Allexpeditions has stayed true to its founding vision: to make travel an instrument of transformation. Our community of “travel bees”—clients, local partners, and collaborators—has grown organically, united by the belief that travel can be sustainable, spiritual, and deeply human.
If readers remember one thing about Allexpeditions, it should be this: we don’t sell trips; we create moments of presence, connection, and awakening. That is the heartbeat of our brand, and that is why every journey we design becomes part of a greater story—one that uplifts communities, honors heritage, and inspires travelers to become the best version of themselves.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Absolutely—none of this journey has been mine alone. I owe everything to my family, who are both my roots and my wings.
My grandfather, Eduardo Proaño, was a pioneer of tourism in Ecuador and a constant spiritual guide in my life. His vision of opening the world to travelers when no one else dared to was not just an inspiration—it became the foundation of my own path. His legacy reminds me every day that travel has the power to transform not just individuals, but entire communities
Today, my grown children continue to inspire me. They are the present, the voices of a generation that values authenticity, inclusivity, and purpose. Every program I design, I imagine through their eyes—what they would discover, how they would grow, what wisdom they would take with them. In many ways, they guide me toward making each journey a transformative learning experience.
And then there is my granddaughter, the future traveler. She represents the next generation we are building this legacy for—the ones who will inherit a world that we hope is more connected, conscious, and compassionate through the way we travel today.
So yes, my family are my mentors, my cheerleaders, and my compass. They are the ones who remind me why Allexpeditions is not just a business, but a living legacy of connection, presence, and transformation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.allexpeditions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allexpeditions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allexpeditions
- Twitter: https://x.com/allexpeditions
Image Credits
allexpeeditions Travel
