In this episode, Francesco Galli Zugaro, the founder of Aqua Expeditions joins us to share the story of how Aqua was born thirteen years ago in the Peruvian Amazon. His love of travel and adventure brought him to South America where the idea for Aqua was conceived while working in the Galapagos. Merging the safari concept with boats that are works of art, beyond the awe-inspiring nature of the remote destination, he realized that in order to showcase the local culture authentically, it meant involving the communities with guests and forming a locally recruited team. Francesco’s vision permeates every single detail and is the genesis of Aqua’s onboard magic that touches every point of their guest experience: from the daily excursions to the modern interior design and world class cuisine. A tour de force in small-cruise “expeditions”, Francesco has a relentless drive for exploration and expansion which has led him to take Aqua’s concept to the Mekong River in Asia and Spice Islands of East Indonesia. Get ready to set sail to one of the most untouched corners of the world with a man who, perhaps, embodies the adventurous spirit of a modern day Fitzcarraldo.
In this episode we talk about:
• How Francesco’s international upbringing and time spent in 16 countries have shaped his career and life path
• How an inkling to build a small river cruise ship in the Peruvian Amazon turned into being in the right place at the right time
• Aqua’s ethos and how they achieve a magical mix of luxury, simplicity, and authenticity
• Why the Amazon is a place that everyone should experience and structure of Aqua’s excursions
• The design process of their ships and a growing appetite for small ship cruising and soft adventure in remote places
• Aqua Expeditions commitment to fine dining and their collaboration with top Lima chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino in Peru
• Why Francesco’s motto of “Think Globally, act locally” embodies Aqua’s mission of sustainability and social responsibility
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