THE CURIOUS LEADING THE CURIOUS
About Miru
Expedition Planning Experts, Decades Strong
At Miru Adventures, we craft rare and unforgettable journeys to the world’s most extraordinary places. Specializing in small group and private travel, we offer immersive experiences that blend cultural discovery, meaningful wildlife encounters, and access to remote, breathtaking landscapes few ever get to see.
Our team is made up of seasoned professionals with decades of expedition and adventure travel experience across all seven continents. We’ve scouted the most spectacular corners of the globe, forged long-standing relationships with expert local guides, and fine-tuned the art of seamless, inspiring travel. That deep field knowledge shapes everything we do—from the rhythm of each itinerary to the lodges we choose and the unexpected moments that become lifelong memories.
Every Miru trip is thoughtfully designed to go beyond sightseeing. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins with a local archaeologist, tracking wildlife in pristine wilderness, sharing meals in family homes, or navigating hidden waterways by canoe, our journeys are grounded in connection, authenticity, and wonder.
We believe travel should be transformative. Whether you’re joining a small group departure or planning a custom private adventure, our team will work closely with you to ensure your experience is personal, enriching, and meticulously executed.
Let us take you somewhere remarkable. The world is vast—and your next adventure is waiting.
Richard Heller
Co-Founder
Managing Director
Rich has spent 15 years leading expeditions to some of the world’s most remote and beautiful destinations, from the poles to the equator. Having lived on five continents and visited 50 countries, he loves creating meaningful, transformative travel experiences. Skilled in navigating the challenges of hard-to-reach destinations, he approaches every journey with creativity and precision. As an Expedition Leader, Operations Director, and MBA, he combines hands-on expertise, thoughtful planning, and a love of adventure to bring people together through travel.
Jon Nicholson
Co-Founder
Director of Product & Planning
Jon has been planning trips professionally for over 50 years and possesses an unmatched knowledge of the travel world—knowing when and where to go, and how best to get there. Passionate about discovering new destinations or revisiting familiar places to uncover fresh experiences, he believes travel is one of the most rewarding ways to enrich your life. Having explored more than 100 countries across all seven continents, Jon brings a wealth of experience, insight, and a personal touch to crafting unforgettable adventures at Miru.
Kelsey Simmons
Co-Founder
Director of Field Operations
Kelsey, a seasoned field leader, began her expedition career nearly 15 years ago and has since explored all seven continents and over 90 countries. She has guided travelers across Europe, Southeast Asia, the Americas, Australia, the South Pacific, and the polar regions, with a passion for learning more about the world and its cultures. As co-owner of Miru Adventures, Kelsey combines field expertise, operational leadership, and creative vision to craft meaningful, memorable adventures for curious travelers like herself.
Heather Voisin
Guest Reservations Manager
From Antarctica to Africa, Heather has journeyed across all seven continents and explored more than 40 countries, guided by a deep curiosity about the world and its people. Over the past decade, she has honed her expertise in travel logistics and guest relations, combining organization with warmth and care. At Miru Adventures, Heather is dedicated to ensuring that every guest’s experience is seamless and rewarding, offering attentive support that reflects her own passion for exploration and discovery.
Luis Echeverria
Senior Program Manager
Luis brings 20 years of experience in the travel industry, with expertise across hotels, passenger ships, and expedition travel. He is passionate about operations and logistics, guiding programs from initial concept to seamless execution. Known for his skill in managing complex details and coordinating multiple moving parts, Luis ensures every program delivers exceptional experiences. A lifelong traveler, he draws inspiration from exploring new destinations and cultures, bringing a global perspective and innovative approach to every program he oversees.
Sam Riley
Program Manager & Leader
Sam is an award-winning filmmaker, wildlife photographer, scuba instructor, birder, and naturalist with a lifelong passion for the living world. From fieldwork in South America and West Africa to guiding across all seven continents, he has devoted his career to exploring Earth’s extraordinary ecosystems. At Miru Adventures, he channels that experience into crafting expeditions to some of the planet’s wildest and most remote destinations. Sam combines deep natural history knowledge with logistical expertise to design and lead immersive journeys that connect people to the natural world.
The Curious Leading the Curious
Our extraordinarily qualified network of Field Leaders are experts in their respective fields from across the spectrum of natural and cultural sciences. They were born curious about our world, to lead those curious about our world.
Our Field Leaders is how we’re different from mainstream tour operators. An adventure with Miru is customized to the unique expertise and knowledge of its respective specific Leader. He or she plays the key role in designing the itinerary and duration of the journey.
Custom Expedition Design
Not every adventure begins with us. Some start simply as an idea among the travelers who want to go together.
Maybe you’re part of a special-interest group like birders, cyclists, or polar enthusiasts. Or you might be a tour operator who already knows a group of travelers and need an established network of local operators and experienced guides for travel services.
Consulting Services
For expedition and tour operators, looking for planning, operations, staffing or reservations services, we’re here for you. Let’s make your existing or new program a reality.
Wherever you are thinking of going; whatever the vision, we know how to make it happen.