TRANSFORMING

TRAVEL

OUR VISION

We want to be the leading ethical travel platform in Guatemala, where women from around the world come together to explore, connect, and empower each other. Through responsible tourism, meaningful cultural exchanges, and sustainable impact, we envision a future where travel is not just an experience—but a force for change, creating opportunities for local communities and inspiring women to dream bigger, travel farther, and embrace the world with confidence.

OUR VALUES

Women Empowerment

We create meaningful travel experiences that empower both local Guatemalan women and international travelers through cultural exchange, responsible tourism, and community impact.

Exploring With Purpose

Our mission is to provide ethical travel experiences that support local communities, uplift women, and inspire travelers to explore the world with confidence and intention.

Ethical Tourism

We want to make a positive impact on the people of Guatemala by supporting local businesses, vendors, and communities through our trips while also sharing the beauty of this country and culture.

About us

We're more than just organizers; we're the driving force behind ExploreNGO and we’re dedicated to creating your once-in-a-lifetime adventure! With unwavering availability and a shared commitment, we're here to craft every moment of your journey into an unforgettable experience.

Since 2018, founder Michelle Sutter has found a second home in the incredible country of Guatemala. In 2020, she founded The M Story, an NGO dedicated to empowering local women and providing education programs for children in Guatemala. Later, Michelle launched ExploreNGO in 2023 to connect global citizens and make impactful travel possible.

Now in 2025, ExploreNGO is adding Women’s Group Travel to our programs. This idea started when two young women from opposite sides of the world - Michelle Sutter from Switzerland and Kayla O’Neill from the United States - crossed paths in Guatemala and realized they shared the same dream: empowering women to travel and experience the beauty of Guatemala. With Swiss founder Michelle’s eye for detail and quality and U.S. Manager Kayla O’Neill’s energy and drive to seize every opportunity, they knew we could create something unique together. What started as a friendship connection turned into a business collaboration with the goal of sharing their love for Guatemala through ethical travel experiences.

The story of ExploreNGO… a story of global connection.