20 Years of Chimu Adventures

Chimu Adventures has turned 20 years old! As we celebrate our 20th anniversary in August 2024, we thought we’d take some time to head down memory lane and look back on how far we’ve come. 

As we look back on two decades of Machu Picchu sunrises, zodiac cruises through icy Antarctic waters, and even a polar plunge or two, we can’t believe how quick the time has flown by. Chimu began with a passion for travel and a dream of offering life-changing experiences. From offering our first Inca Trail trip in 2005, chartering our own Antarctic vessel in 2013, and jetting travellers off to see the South Pole and the Southern Lights, Chimu has always tried to think outside the box, creating unique adventures and keeping the dream of travel alive, even through the pandemic. 

And today, we’re still just as excited about travel, delivering authentic, sustainable, and unforgettable journeys to Antarctica, the Arctic, and Latin America. 

Here’s a timeline of Chimu’s biggest moments over the last 20 years!

2004

Chimu Adventures was incorporated as a company on 29 July 2004 — the adventure begins! Founded by Chad Carey and Greg Carter, Chimu began out of a desire to offer incredible expeditions to Antarctica and South America. 

The name Chimu comes from the ancient Peruvian culture of the same name. An innovative civilization; the Chimu were residents of coastal Peru, unlike the Incas, who were mountainous people. The Chimu constructed the largest adobe city in the world, worshipped the moon (not the sun like many others) and crafted some of Peru’s finest artwork.

Today the name Chimu perfectly reflects the company’s ethos of innovation, creativity and daring to be different.

“We wanted to bring a product to the travel industry that didn’t pigeonhole the traveller into a set itinerary, rather offer them options based on specialist information, combined with the flexibility to tailor to their needs, without costing a fortune! Having spent so much time in Latin America we knew this was possible, we just didn’t understand why this option wasn’t readily available to would-be travellers."

2005

In 2005, Chimu ran its first-ever trip, taking guests on Peru’s Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. They also became one of the first companies to offer an online booking engine for the Inca Trail, making it easier and simpler than ever for customers to book their dream holiday. 

2006-2007

Over the next two years, Chimu expanded into Bolivia, Chile, Brazil and Argentina and offering travellers amazing adventures to new destinations. 

In 2006, Chimu also opened its first office, located in Sydney’s Bondi Junction.

2008

In November 2008, Chimu began planning their first Antarctica charter — and not without a bit of excitement! Both Chad and Greg travelled to Antarctica on the MV Ushuaia, with the aim of inspecting the ship for a potential partnership.

However, the ship runs aground, becomes front page news worldwide, and they needed to be rescued by the Chilean Navy. In the end, no one was in any danger and everyone went home with a great story to tell. 

2013

Restored to fighting fit condition, the MV Ushuaia is back in Antarctic waters as Chimu launched its first Antarctic charter in March 2013, a huge milestone.

2015

Giving back to the community has always been at the heart of Chimu’s mission, with various charitable initiatives including charity auctions on each Antarctic ship and the founding of M.A.D. Project, Chimu’s registered non-profit organisation that gives back to a range of causes. 

In 2015, Chimu Adventures was honoured at Kirribilli House by Australia’s Prime Minister for their exceptional fundraising efforts. 

2016

Ken Done, one of Australia’s most famous contemporary artists, held an art exhibition based on art he created in Antarctica on a Chimu voyage. Dubbed Pinktarctica, the journey and subsequent artwork raised funds in support of the McGrath Foundation, along with the Mawson’s Huts Foundation. 

2016 also saw Chimu’s first expedition to East Antarctica, taking explorers to a rarely visited area of the continent. 

2017

Casa Republica, Chimu’s hotel, opened in Lima, Peru. This boutique hotel in a stylish area of the city, Barranco, is a beautifully restored mansion that dates back to the 1920s. 

2018

A huge milestone in Chimu’s Antarctic presence, a charter agreement was signed to operate the Ocean Endeavour for three seasons — while the company was also managing five other Antarctic charters that year!

While the global pandemic that was soon to come meant the first Chimu Ocean Endeavour operations wouldn’t start until 2022, the team began to compile experts to look after the ship’s expedition program, ensuring guests had the best possible off ship experiences in Antarctica. 

2020

While Covid restrictions and border lockdowns meant overseas holidays were off the table for a while, Chimu still wanted to offer travel experiences that would inspire and delight, in a safe way. 
This led to the launch of Chimu’s Antarctica Scenic Flights and Southern Lights by Flight, taking Aussie travellers for scenic flights like no other onboard a Qantas operated Boeing 787 Dreamliner. 

2022

In a world-first, Chimu became the first company to offer travellers a non-stop scenic flight from Australia to the South Pole. Departing from Melbourne in November, guests were treated to rare views of both the South Pole and Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station — and researchers at the base were delighted in the rare sight of seeing an overhead aircraft!

November 2022 also saw the launch of the Ocean Endeavour’s first Antarctic season with Chimu. With some guests waiting almost three years for the journey, due to Covid delays, it was an emotional season, filled with happiness, as Aussie travellers were finally making it on their long-awaited Antarctic journey of a lifetime. 

2024

Chimu started off its 20th year with an unbelievable Antarctic journey, a charter featuring none other than Australian singer-songwriter legend Paul Kelly. He delivered two exclusive performances for Chimu guests, but was also accompanied by artist Ben Quilty and Australian media personalities Andrew Denton and Byrne. 

In August, Chimu celebrated its 20th anniversary with a star-studded celebration in the Rocks, overlooking the majestic Sydney Harbour. We look forward to the next 20 years and we can’t thank you enough for being part of it all!