Today we’d like to introduce you to Max Epulef.
Hi Max, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I currently live in Santiago, Chile. Ever since I can remember, I’ve had this deep, undeniable itch to explore the world. Living down here at the ‘end of the world,’ I always dreamed of discovering new cultures, tasting different foods, and experiencing everything out there beyond my comfort zone. As a kid, I spent hours watching travel documentaries, just imagining what it would be like.
My first trip abroad changed everything. But when I visited Orlando back in 2012, something clicked—I was completely hooked! From that moment on, I didn’t want to stop. Even more than traveling, I wanted others to feel what I was feeling. I wanted to inspire people to pack their bags, share practical tips, and help them avoid the rookie mistakes I made along the way.
That’s how my YouTube channel, Liga de Viajeros, was born. My first videos were pretty low-budget (haha!), but looking back, I’m so proud of how far it’s come. Today, with better gear, professional editing, and a dedicated team, I’m able to showcase destinations I never imagined I’d visit—from Orlando, New York, and Las Vegas to Mexico, Argentina, and Japan.
My biggest motivation has always been to take people along for the ride, especially those who dream of traveling or might not have the means to do so just yet—letting them experience the world through a screen. Over time, we expanded to Instagram (@ligadeviajeros) to connect with a more fast-paced community, but long-form YouTube videos will always have my heart; there’s nothing quite like sitting down with family or friends to watch a full travel vlog. Today, the project keeps growing, and I’m excited for everything ahead!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all—it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! Creating travel content today is challenging because there’s so much noise out there, but that’s where the challenge lies: standing out by being authentic.
I don’t believe in sugarcoating travel. I like showing the raw reality—the endless lines, the high prices, the meals that fell flat, or just how exhausted you feel after walking all day. People appreciate that honesty. Plus, I love sharing these experiences with others on camera, which is actually how the name ‘Liga’ (League) came to be; it’s never just about me—there’s always a team or companions involved.
Financially, it’s also been a constant reinvestment. Upgrading gear—moving to 4K cameras, better audio equipment, advanced editing software—takes a lot of effort, but I hold myself to high standards (haha!).
And then came the pandemic, which was a huge hurdle for travel creators. How do you show the world when the world is in lockdown? I had to reinvent myself. I started exploring my own city, interviewing people on the streets to bring some fun and lightness during such a stressful global moment.
Balancing all of this with personal life isn’t always easy, but I’m incredibly lucky to have the unwavering support of my family and my partner. They constantly push me not to give up and to keep chasing this dream.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Professionally speaking, my background is actually completely different from content creation (haha!). I work as a Public Administrator, which means I work for the government, striving to serve the public and contribute to the common good. Even though it isn’t directly related to tourism or media, it has given me the stability to fund my travels and invest in the equipment needed to build this community.
Balancing my public service job with content creation is where Liga de Viajeros fits in. What I specialize in is providing practical guides, step-by-step tips, and honest advice—helping people secure the right tickets, navigate reservations, and avoid unnecessary headaches. I do all of this purely out of passion and a genuine desire to help, without asking for anything in return.
What sets me apart is that close, transparent, and unfiltered style. I don’t consider myself a famous ‘influencer,’ but it fills my heart with joy whenever someone reaches out after a trip to say thank you or leaves a comment saying my videos helped them plan their dream vacation.
If there’s one milestone I’m most proud of, it’s definitely my trip to Japan. Covering that destination—from the theme parks to the food and actual costs—was a huge turning point for the channel. It resonated so strongly that several of our videos went viral, bringing a whole new audience to our community who are passionate about exploring the world.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My absolute favorite memory—and the one that changed everything—was my first trip to Disney World in Orlando back in 2012. Growing up, my family had fewer resources, and traveling abroad wasn’t as accessible as it is today, so making that trip happen took an incredible amount of effort, sacrifice, and dedication.
Going together as a family with my parents and siblings made it even more special. I vividly remember getting so emotional just looking at the castle, meeting characters, and experiencing the rides for the very first time. It was our first-ever trip to the United States, so everything felt like an absolute dream.
Of course, we made a ton of rookie mistakes (haha!), simply out of pure ignorance about how everything worked, but looking back, even those mishaps made the experience unique and funny. We took photos everywhere, and no matter how intense the heat was, how long the lines were, or how much we had to walk, everything felt magical.
As I mentioned earlier, that specific trip planted the seed for everything I do today. It sparked a passion that eventually inspired me to build my beloved channel and share that same magic with the world.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ligadeviajeros
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LigaDeViajeros
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ligadeviajeros
