MY STORY

Origins

I come from a big family. My parents told me that if everyone had made it, we would be 12 siblings. Two passed away before I was born, and one more brother left us a few years ago. Now we are nine.

I'm the second to last. I was born in Quito (December 1, 1975) but as soon as my mother left the maternity ward we went to live in San José de Minas — the town I call home.

A quick note about my parents. They're both from Chespi, a remote hamlet tucked away in the mountains near Minas.

Life there was tough — very tough — which pushed them to leave and settle in San José de Minas. When I was ten, the bus from Quito to Minas took 3 hours 30 minutes; today, with a paved road, it's about two hours.

Childhood

My clothes told a story: sweaters, T-shirts, pants with holes, patches and loose seams. To hold the pants up, sometimes a strap would go from the front buttonhole, over the shoulder, and hook into the back — rustic but effective.

I started wearing shoes at around ten. People would break bottles on the streets we walked and once I stepped on glass that almost took a toe.

Don't get me wrong! Even if my outfit gave off a certain image, my spirit always shone golden. Jumping into puddles, mud, tall grass — feeling those odd but delightful tingles on your feet… that was another level! 😄

That's my childhood in a nutshell. There are countless angles to look at it, but let's keep going.

Teenage years

Whatever trend came along, I adapted fast: music, slang, clothes, hairstyles (I wore a long lock on my forehead — my little churito, a "magnet" for the girls), tech, and more.

"Adapting to what's new is still part of me — only now I'm more selective."

My passions back then:

• Travel
• Gymnastics
• Soccer
• Swimming
• Drawing
• Playing guitar and singing
• Technology
• Girls
• Learning English

Some were short-lived, others stayed. I developed many of them well; in a few I truly stand out. And about the girls — that phase ended long ago. Today I have a wife and a son, whom I love with all my heart.

Adulthood

With my eyes set on tomorrow…

Work: I began at 16 as a barber and continued until I was 27; that craft funded my life and my university studies.

Family: I built a home — my wife, my son and me — and we live together under one roof.

Education: I earned a degree in Historical-Cultural Tourism and became a licensed National Tour Guide in Ecuador.

In short

Childhood taught me that happiness lives within, and that staying close to Mother Earth renews your energy.

From my teenage years I keep a passion for travel and for connecting with people from all over — to understand life beyond my own backyard.

As an adult I discovered the most beautiful role of all: being a father and a husband.

Frequently Asked Questions

A few quick answers about touring Ecuador with me.

Are you a licensed tour guide in Ecuador?

Yes. I'm a licensed National Tour Guide in Ecuador with a degree in Historical-Cultural Tourism.

Do you offer private or custom tours?

Absolutely. Most trips are private and tailor-made around your interests, dates and pace—culture, markets, nature, photography and more.

Which areas do you cover?

I guide in Quito and across mainland Ecuador. Many itineraries start in Quito and may include Andean towns, cloud forest and key cultural spots, depending on time.

What languages do you guide in?

Spanish and English.

How can I check availability or book?

Message me on WhatsApp at +593 987 892 734, email info@marcohh.com, or call the same number.

Do you work with solo travelers, families and seniors?

Yes. I regularly host solo travelers, couples, families with kids and seniors, adapting the pace and activities to everyone's comfort.

Phone: +593987892734