Every journey has a story. Here’s ours. Discover the people, values, and passion behind Quimera Travel Experiences.
Quimera Travel Experiences is an independent, family-run travel agency and outdoor activities company. We were born in 2015 and, from the very beginning, our purpose was simple: to reveal the authentic Algarve through guided walks and tours, where nature, culture, and immersive experiences intertwine.
We believe there is no better way to discover a place than on foot. Walking invites us to notice what often goes unseen along the way, while leaving a lighter footprint while encouraging a greater appreciation for the places we visit.
Based in the Algarve, this is where we develop most of our activities. However, our spirit of exploration and the growth of our team have led us to expand our horizons to other regions of Portugal and beyond. That’s how we grew form a local nature tourism project into a broader platform for designing meaningful travel experiences.
Quimera was born from a dream. The name represents something that seems distant, almost impossible to achieve. For us, it represents that inner drive to explore, that is never fully satisfied.
That’s why we create journeys for those who believe there is always a new horizon waiting to be explored. For those who are curious about the world, seek authentic experiences, and value the meaningful encounters that happen along the way. The joy of travelling on foot has transformed our lives and given us a new purpose: to create meaningful travel experiences, and it is something we want to share with others.
Because we believe that every journey begins with a dream. And that some of the most beautiful dreams are the ones we choose to pursue.
“A dream you dream alone is only a dream.A dream you dream together is reality.”
— John Lennon
Our mission is to build bridges between travelers and destinations by creating authentic travel experiences that leave a positive impact on travelers, local communities, and the places we visit. We are committed to delivering excellent service while promoting sustainable, innovative, and responsible tourism.
We believe the most meaningful journeys are those that connect us with places, people, and the stories that bring them to life. We envision a future where travel enriches both the traveler and the destination, fostering genuine connections while contributing to the long-term preservation of the places we explore.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We believe every journey can inspire positive change, which is why we promote responsible practices, support local communities, and share our love for nature with every traveler.
Michael is a nature lover with a passion for hiking and travelling. He holds a degree in Tourist Information and Entertainment from the University of the Algarve.
At Quimera Travel Experiences, Michael wears many hats. Whether developing new itineraries, guiding a hike, leading a multi-day adventure, or managing logistics, he is involved in every stage
of the journey. He also oversees marketing, safety, and represents the company at events and in the media.
What he enjoys most is meeting people, hearing their stories, and never stopping learning.
Friendly, approachable, and always ready to share new places, Michael loves creating journeys that leave travellers with unforgettable memories.
Administration Consulting from the University of the Algarve.
As co-founder of Quimera, she is the person behind much of what makes each journey possible.
From operations and travel logistics to customer support, marketing, and financial planning, she ensures every detail comes together seamlessly.
Creative by nature but highly organised, Catarina enjoys turning ideas into reality, coordinating projects from concept to completion. She is always focused on building a company that delivers exceptional travel experiences while growing sustainably for the future.
António is an experienced hiker and mountaineer with a passion for discovering new trails, sharing outdoor adventures with friends, and passing on his knowledge of geology and flora.
Born in Arcos de Valdevez, he knows Peneda-Gerês National Park like the back of his hand, having explored its mountains and trails many times with nothing more than a backpack.
His walks are known for their good humour, camaraderie, and spirit of mutual support. With extensive experience organising hiking events, António has been collaborating with Quimera Travel Experiences since 2016.
Born in Melun, France, to a Portuguese family, Silvano holds a degree in Tourism Animation
Management from the University of the Algarve.
With experience leading both cultural tours and nature walks, he enjoys introducing travellers to
the Algarve’s rich history, traditions, and landscapes. His calm approach and passion for sharing local stories help visitors experience the region beyond its most familiar landmarks.
