About Us
My name is Ricardo Santos. From an early age, the world of arts was my stage: I worked as a freelancer in Portuguese television and cinema, always studying and nurturing my passion for the cultures of different peoples. My academic journey led me to study film in Rio de Janeiro and fine arts, first in Portugal and then in Brazil. During my second stay in Brazil, I worked intensively with video and photography.
In 2017, I returned to Portugal and continued working with video and photography. However, over time, the stress of this world began to weigh on me. I longed for a more natural life, more connected to nature and the old ways of living. Since childhood, I had always been the organizer of adventures, planning trips and itineraries for friends on honeymoons and vacations, always seeking to discover new places.
One of my greatest adventures was, with only three months of driving experience, driving from Porto to Amsterdam, without maps or GPS, in 1999, at the age of 19. This experience cemented my love for exploring unknown paths. Many people told me I would make an excellent tour guide.
In 2018, I decided to follow this advice and, together with my partner, moved to the Algarve, where I worked with tours for five years. I learned a lot about the business, received excellent reviews and results, and then decided to return to my home region. Although born in Porto, I spent much of my life in Guimarães or between the two cities.
This is how NorthXplorers Tours was born. Our goal is to offer unique experiences in the northern most region of Portugal, focusing on Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, and the only large natural reserve in the country, Peneda-Gerês, along with its adjacent parks. Imagine exploring places with wolves and wild horses, traditional shepherding cultures, rich fauna, paradisaical waterfalls, countless rivers and dams, and remote villages.
I decided to create private and personalized tours for small groups, providing intimate tours where it is possible to feel the energy of the reserve, immerse oneself in nature almost silently, and venture with activities and overnight stays in remote and wild places. My goal is to offer a more natural and authentic way of life, away from conventional tourism, allowing each visitor to discover the true heart of northern Portugal.
With this narrative, the story of NorthXplorers Tours becomes a journey of life and passion, showcasing the authenticity and love for exploring and sharing the natural and cultural beauties of northern Portugal.
