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Discover the Story Behind Your Guides: Jesse and Alina
Jesse
Jesse’s adventurous spirit was ignited in the small, quiet northern mining town of Snow Lake, Manitoba, Canada, where he grew up with a love for hockey and the great outdoors. After honing his skills as a Pipefitter in Alberta and earning his Red Seal certification, Jesse decided to pursue a different path in April 2014. He took a bold step by leaving his stable job to attend the Earthship Academy in Taos, New Mexico, where he learned the art of constructing innovative and sustainable Earthship homes. This transformative experience marked the beginning of a profound shift in his life.

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With a newfound passion for sustainable living, Jesse volunteered on multiple Earthship projects, including the
Earthship Alberta build. During the summer of 2014, he sold his house in Leduc, Alberta and put everything into a storage unit. During 2016, when he was certain that he would no longer live in Canada, Jesse sold his SUV and gave away everything that had been in storage, embracing a minimalist lifestyle aligned with his desire for greater freedom and self-sufficiency. He spent the next couple of summers camping and hiking across British Columbia. Additionally, he spent six months in the southern USA volunteering on organic farms through the WWOOF program in exchange for room and board, furthering his knowledge of sustainable living and self-sufficiency.
Hockey team photo
In 2014, Jesse’s journey took him to Peru, where he spent three weeks exploring iconic sites such as Machu Picchu and immersing himself in the Amazon rainforest. This trip included transformative ayahuasca, DMT, and Kambo ceremonies, which deepened his fascination with Latin American cultures and spiritual practices. His travels continued across Guatemala, Mexico, Ecuador, and Colombia, where he engaged deeply with local communities and embraced the region’s diverse cultures. In 2016, Jesse spent three months in Oaxaca, Mexico, volunteering with local farmers who worked for an organization that planted organic gardens in schools in the area to teach the children how they can grow healthy food without the use of chemicals. While assisting with the gardens, he learned about organic farming practices and had the chance to improve his Spanish. His time in Oaxaca also allowed him to authentically experience the Day of the Dead celebrations, further enriching his cultural connection to the region. In Guatemala, Jesse volunteered for three months teaching English in the small village of Punta Brava near Río Dulce. This experience not only enriched his understanding of the local culture but also allowed him to connect with the community on a personal level. Through these experiences and his several years in Latin America, Jesse became fluent in Spanish, reflecting his dedication to understanding and connecting with the people and places he encountered.
Group shot at Machu Picchu
Alina
Alina, a vibrant and passionate Colombian, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Avid Adventurers. Her multifaceted career spans being an environment engineer, performing as an aerial artist in circus events, and motherhood. Recently she added tour guide to the list, further broadening her expertise. Alina also has a profound love for mountain climbing, reveling in the thrill and sense of freedom that comes from reaching great heights. Despite her busy schedule, she always makes time to escape to the mountains, where she can embrace the exhilaration and serenity of her favorite pastime. Alina’s commitment to environmental sustainability and her energetic approach to life add a unique dimension to their tours. As a mother from her previous marriage, she balances her professional pursuits with her role as a devoted parent, showcasing her remarkable ability to juggle multiple roles with grace and determination.

You can see videos of Alina's performances on her
Instagram.
Alina giving a presentation as an environmental engineer
Alina and Jesse’s paths crossed in 2016 through a language exchange app called “HelloTalk,” where they connected while practicing their respective languages while Jesse was in Mexico. During Jesse’s first month in Colombia, while he was volunteering to teach English in La Mesa, Cundinamarca, Alina invited him to join her for a trip to Suesca to go hiking, climbing, and camping. This initial outing set the stage for a deep and lasting relationship, and they spent six memorable months together. However, as Jesse’s visa was about to expire, and he was still uncertain about where he wanted to call home, he left Colombia at that time to continue traveling. In 2019, while Jesse was back in Canada working as a fire ranger to save money for future travels, he and Alina reconnected online. Their renewed relationship led to Jesse to return to Colombia in October 2019. Amidst the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, they got engaged in 2020 and celebrated their love with a beautiful and intimate wedding with just close friends and family in Colombia in May 2023.
Jesse and Alina camping at Suesca

​Together
As a Canadian-Colombian husband-and-wife team, Jesse and Alina offer a unique blend of international experience and local expertise. Their shared passion for adventure, cultural immersion, and sustainable living shines through in every aspect of Avid Adventurers. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of exploring hidden waterfalls, the serenity of pristine beaches, or the rich tapestry of Colombian culture, Jesse and Alina are dedicated to crafting personalized experiences that resonate with your desires.

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Their combined knowledge and genuine love for Colombia ensure that your journey will be as enriching as it is unforgettable!

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