When you think of a family-owned business, you might picture a son running a local car shop or cousins working together in a cozy café. But how many families have nurtured and sustained a business for nearly forty years, seamlessly blending their relationships and values into every facet of their operation?
In the lush heart of Ecuador, where the Andean peaks embrace the vibrant Galapagos Islands, one family's adventurous spirit has flourished for four decades. This is the story of Quasar Expeditions—a family-owned company that has redefined luxury eco-travel through deep-seated passion, unwavering loyalty, and a commitment to creating extraordinary adventures. Here, the essence of family isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the heartbeat of every journey.
A Family Steeped in Heritage
First, a step back in time. The roots of Quasar are deeply intertwined with Ecuador's rich heritage, with a rare glimpse into Dolores Gangotena de Diez's remarkable background.
Born into the esteemed Gangotena family, Dolores grew up surrounded by Ecuador’s vibrant cultural heritage. Her uncle, a former President of Ecuador, and her grandfather, a past mayor of the city of Quito, were prominent societal figures. Dolores' father and aunt, both well-educated art collectors and conservationists, also played pivotal roles in shaping her appreciation for art and nature. This familial environment laid the foundation for Dolores' future endeavors, nurturing her passion for cultural and environmental conservation.
The Gangotena family's ties to the luxurious Casa Gangotena in Quito—now a cherished retreat for many Quasar Guests—reflect a long-standing tradition of elegance and hospitality. This rich cultural heritage and deep love for the arts have subtly influenced Quasar Expeditions, infusing each adventure with a unique recipe of sophistication and sustainability.
Dolores' humble demeanor and down-to-earth nature conceal her prestigious upbringing, with warm hugs and a genuine smile revealing her true essence. Her life is defined not by her family’s status, but by her authentic love for nature and her resolute commitment to conservation. It was this dedication that inspired her to chart a transformative course for her family’s legacy.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
Dolores' transformative trip to the Galapagos Islands in 1969 ignited a spark. Inspired by her biology teacher’s fervent commitment to conservation on what had to be the world’s most epic field trip, Dolores envisioned a way to share the islands' remarkable beauty with others. “My first visit to the Galapagos changed my life,” she recalls. “It inspired me to offer others the same transformative experience.”
In 1986, Dolores and her husband Eduardo Diez embarked on a new adventure by establishing Quasar Expeditions. Their initial voyage aboard a small sailing boat laid the groundwork for what would become a renowned name in luxury adventure travel. From the very beginning, Dolores and Eduardo infused their itineraries with peak wildlife encounters, led by a crew and Naturalist Guides they considered family.
Experiencing Moments of Wonder Together
As Dolores and Eduardo’s own family grew, so did their commitment to sharing their love of nature and wildlife with their three sons— Francisco, Fernando, & Eduardo Jr. Family trips were more than vacations; they were cherished opportunities to connect with the natural world and create lasting memories together.
Dolores played a crucial role in these formative years, demonstrating that love and partnership extend beyond personal relationships into the professional realm. She recalls the challenges and triumphs of balancing work and family life: “There were times we felt overwhelmed, especially when we needed more staff and had to start from scratch. But our mutual support and the ability to laugh about the problems made it all worthwhile.”
Francisco fondly recalls a childhood adventure that perfectly captures their unique (and enviable) upbringing:
“I remember when I was about 10, my brothers and I were in Gardner Bay on Española Island. One of us had left our hat in the sand, and a curious sea lion pup came along and turned it into a toy. We spent the next half hour watching the sea lion pups play with the hat, surfing the waves and stealing it from each other until they eventually lost interest and we got our hat back. It was such an unexpected and fun moment I remember to this day.”
Left to right: Francisco, Fernando and Eduardo Jr.
These magical moments across Ecuador and South America deeply influenced the Diez brothers. With parents focused on environmental stewardship, they grew up with a profound appreciation for the adventures their parents created and the memories they made. This early exposure to nature and their shared experiences inspired Francisco and his brothers to become actively involved in the family business, continuing the legacy of blending adventure with family bonding.
Reflecting on the early days of working together, Eduardo Sr. shares, “It has been a blessing working with my wife and sons. I was able to convey to them the entrepreneurial spirit that has guided me throughout my own life.” This spirit, coupled with Dolores’ visionary qualities, laid the groundwork for a family business built on passion and integrity.
A Family Team Effort
Quasar’s growth over the years is a testament to the collaborative strength of the Diez family. Eduardo Sr. recognized the unique personalities and interests within his family, understanding that their combined efforts were crucial to the company’s success. “We discovered each of the family member’s strengths and weaknesses (mine included!),” he says.
“Our family team effort has allowed us to achieve incredible things together.”
This team dynamic is more than just a business model; it’s a way of life. The seamless blend of personal and professional lives within the Diez family has created a company culture that values unity and shared success.
Left to right: Fernando, Dolores, Francisco, Eduardo Sr., and Eduardo Jr.
Passing the Torch: A Legacy of Excellence
The transition of leadership to the next generation presented its own set of challenges. Yet, Eduardo Jr., Francisco, and Fernando embraced this responsibility with the values their parents had instilled in them. “It has been our mother and father’s pioneering spirits that have pushed us always to do things better,” Eduardo Jr. notes. “This has fueled our passion for offering one-of-a-kind, life-changing experiences.”
Eduardo Sr. took pride in handing over the reins to his sons. He says, “For me, personally, it was a challenge when the time came to ‘pass the baton.’ After some mixed feelings and ups and downs, it became clear that my sons were more than prepared to take the company to higher levels.”
Fernando Diez acknowledges the complexities of running a family business but celebrates the rewards of overcoming these challenges together. “Working with family isn’t always easy,” Fernando admits. “However, overcoming the obstacles has been wonderful. My parents’ tenacity and teamwork have guided us throughout our careers.”
The family’s commitment to maintaining their relationships while building their business is reflected in Fernando’s recollection of a pivotal promise made by their father. “He made us promise that if business ever started to interfere with our family relationships, we would step aside so that family could always come first,” Fernando explains. “That promise has made all the difference.”
The Pioneering Spirit Lives On
Today, Quasar Expeditions stands as a beacon of luxury adventure travel, with accolades like Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for their Galapagos Yacht Safaris and Patagonia Overland Safaris. These recognitions are a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and excellence that started with Dolores and Eduardo’s initial dream—though they could never have guessed their growth and success as lovebirds forty years ago.
Meanwhile, Dolores and Eduardo Sr. continue their engagement with Quasar at the level they cherish most: sustainability. Revered as 'the fiercest protectors of Galapagos,' they are celebrated for their efforts to revolutionize the travel industry through responsible practices. Using Quasar as a platform, they actively combat over-tourism and foster collaborations focused on conservation across South America. Their commitment ensures that each Quasar adventure not only offers unforgettable experiences but also contributes to the preservation of the natural world.
An Adventure for Tomorrow
Quasar Expeditions continues to thrive, driven by a vision that goes beyond mere travel. Watch the family’s “An Adventure for Tomorrow” video, and you’ll see the passion and dedication of the Diez family beautifully captured. It showcases their commitment to creating meaningful experiences while preserving the natural world for future generations.
Their adventures now span the breathtaking Galapagos Islands, the awe-inspiring landscapes of Patagonia, and the diverse wonders of Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, and Peru. Each journey is meticulously crafted to ensure that Guests not only witness the beauty of these destinations but also contribute to their conservation.
As Quasar Expeditions looks to the future, the family continues to grow. Today, you might find Dolores and Eduardo snorkeling with their grandchildren in the Galapagos, sparking the same inspiration in the youngest generations as Dolores felt when she first set foot on these enchanted islands.
The Diez family’s story is a testament to the power of passion, collaboration, and an unyielding commitment to adventure. They invite you to join them in experiencing the magic of Ecuador and beyond, creating memories that will last a lifetime. You’ll return home feeling embraced as part of their extended family, a cherished member of their adventure legacy.
Ready to embark on an adventure that goes beyond the ordinary? Watch the Diez family’s “Adventure for Tomorrow” video and discover the unparalleled beauty and spirit of Quasar Expeditions.