Aventura, originally known as Los Tinellers, is an American bachata group that was formed in The Bronx, New York. The band consists of members Romeo Santos, Henry Santos, Lenny Santos (Len Melody), and Max Santos (Max Agende), who are all of Dominican descent, with Romeo also being half Puerto Rican. Aventura is recognized as one of the most influential Latin music groups, pioneering the modern bachata sound and significantly contributing to the genre's evolution. They were the first major bachata act to emerge from the United States rather than the Dominican Republic.

The group released five studio albums over a decade, producing numerous hits such as "Cuándo Volverás," "Un Beso," "Mi Corazoncito," "Los Infieles," "El Perdedor," "Por un Segundo," and "Dile al Amor." Their success led them to sell out iconic venues like Madison Square Garden and earned them nominations for prestigious awards, including the American Music Awards, Latin Grammy Awards, Billboard Latin Music Awards, and Premio Lo Nuestro. Aventura has gained international recognition and often refers to themselves as "K.O.B.," or "Kings of Bachata."

History
Formation and Early Years (1993–1996)
In 1993, Lenny Santos and his brother Max Santos formed a small band called Banda Sueño, which included a cousin. Seeking a more serious musical endeavor, they eventually met Anthony, a singer and composer, who was introduced to Lenny by a mutual friend. Anthony, who sang with his cousin Henry in their church choir, brought Henry into the group, and the four of them formed Los Tinellers—a name derived from the Spanish pronunciation of "teenagers." The group performed locally in The Bronx, gaining attention for their unique style.

In 1995, they were discovered by Elvin Polanco at the Bronx Dominican Parade, which led to the release of their debut album, Trampa De Amor, in 1996. Despite a modest beginning with limited commercial success, the album featured early versions of songs that would later become hits for Aventura.

Rebranding as Aventura and Innovating Bachata (1996–2000)
In 1996, with the guidance of new manager Julio César García, the group rebranded as Aventura, adopting a more polished image similar to popular American boy bands. They signed with Premium Latin Music, Inc. in 1998, which provided the resources needed to advance their career. Their debut album under the new name, Generation Next (1999), introduced a modernized bachata sound by blending traditional elements with R&B, pop, hip-hop, and rock. Although it initially faced criticism, the album marked the beginning of Aventura's influence on the genre, leading to the creation of what is now known as Urban Bachata.

Breakthrough with "Obsesión" and International Success (2001–2003)
Aventura's breakthrough came with the release of their second album, We Broke the Rules (2002), which featured the hit single "Obsesión." The song achieved significant success, reaching the top of charts across Europe and expanding bachata's reach globally. During this period, Anthony Santos adopted the stage name Romeo Santos to differentiate himself from another bachata artist with a similar name, further cementing his image as a romantic figure on stage.

Mainstream Success and Major Albums (2003–2011)
Aventura continued to gain popularity with albums like Love & Hate (2003) and God's Project (2005), which featured collaborations with prominent artists and marked their mainstream breakthrough in the United States. Their live performances, including multiple sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden, solidified their status as international superstars. Their final studio album, The Last (2009), was a major success, topping various charts and producing several hit singles.

Hiatus and Solo Projects (2011–2018)
In 2011, Aventura announced a hiatus, with members pursuing solo careers. Romeo Santos achieved significant success as a solo artist, releasing multiple albums that topped the charts. Henry Santos also launched a solo career, while Lenny and Max Santos formed the group Vena. Despite the hiatus, Aventura's legacy continued to grow, with the release of compilation albums and several reunion performances.

Aventura remains a defining force in Latin music, known for their innovative approach to bachata and their impact on the genre's global popularity.