Page 11 - The Americas

We have a long held philosophy that our operations throughout the world should be managed and operated by the people of the host country. By training and empowering them, we are able to create positive employment opportunities and a secure income, while our travellers hugely bene t from the authentic experience that they deliver. We’re very proud of our sta and guides and judging by all the positive feedback we receive each year, so are our travellers. Let us introduce some of them to you:
Rene Flores is a graduate of Cusco University and started guiding our groups in Peru 15 years ago. He is trilingual in English, Spanish and German. Rene is also an expert in traditional Andean medicines and has given specialist classes on the subject in the USA. Rene’s
deep interest in Andean culture and musical traditions make him a truly fascinating guide with whom to share your Peruvian adventure.
Jose Ugarte has been leading tours and treks for more than 20 years and if he hadn’t become a guide, he would have become a botanist or biologist in the Amazon. We’re happy that he chose the former as he is now recognised as a leading guide, with a great sense of humour and endless knowledge also specialising in trekking and rainforest excursions.
Ernestina ‘Tina’ Valeriano has been working as a professional guide for many
years but everyone who meets her thinks she must have been born one. Raised in Cusco in a Quechua speaking family – the language of the Incas – she has a profound connection with the Andes which makes her a true favourite amongst our travellers.
Angel Armesto is our long standing mountaineering guide on the Aconcagua Expeditions. If asked, he would tell you that he has lost count of how many times he’s escorted groups on the mountain. Yet Angel’s mountaineering expertise runs much deeper with him guiding ascents on Everest and other formidable peaks from all corners of the globe. You are certainly in experienced hands when ascending Aconcagua with us.
Keri May is originally from Ottawa Canada, and has a passion for adventure that was
ignited when she took a summer job in the Rocky Mountains in 2007. Keri now creates unique itineraries for our Great Canadian Trails division and is responsible for the operations and developments in our exciting and growing suite of North American adventures.
Dr Ross Anderson lives with his wife in the Lakes District in northern England. He is a family doctor with a specialisation in high altitude wilderness medicine where he spends much of his spare time travelling as an expedition doctor. Dr Anderson is our medical consultant, advising on a whole range of matters, and he also conducts our annual Himalayan guides Wilderness First Aid training course in Kathmandu.
Lisa Porter is a certi ed Avalanche Technician and ACMG Hiking and Skiing Guide. Lisa completed her university studies in Alberta and BC, chairs the ACMG’s Communication Committee, and spends her free time hiking, skiing, climbing and biking from her home in Canmore. She shares her infectious passion for the mountains when leading our mountaineering trips and the Canadian Rockies Adventure tour.
Grant Meekins has an impressive background as Yukon’s ‘Athlete of the Year’, numerous rst ascents such as ‘Cineplex’ (M9) and ‘Rocky Mountain Horror show’ (M11+), and is a guide on international summits such as Ama Dablam, Lobuche and Aconcagua.
We are fortunate to have Grant teaching skills and helping people attain their dreams in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Bryan Caenepeel rst visited Alaska in 2005 but years on he calls Anchorage home. Guiding has been his passion and he has
led some 4000 travellers through the state. Mountains have always inspired Bryan
and you can expect a fun and interpretive experience when discovering the backcountry of the Alaskan landscapes.
Tara Davies is a certi ed Wilderness First Responder and has spent an immeasurable amount of time exploring the backcountry of Arizona. Born and raised in rural USA with a background in geology/hydrology, Tara has
a deep love for white water, backpacking, and canyoning. Her passion and intimate knowledge make her the perfect t for guiding our Grand Canyon Unexplored adventure.
Sam Fawkes USA-born Sam grew up with a great love of camping, backpacking, hiking, and rock climbing. A graduate of the esteemed NOLS program, much of Sam’s training took place
in the Paci c Northwest. Sam’s calm and easy going attitude along with his extensive outdoor knowledge means a stellar guest experience on our backcountry camping trips in the American Rocky Mountains and beyond.
Juan Carlos Nelson has been guiding multi activity holidays with us for many years and
is one of our top guides. He started in the warehouse 18 years ago maintaining bikes and gear and packing for our trips. He has been guiding for the last 15 of those years. He is trained in swift water rescue and is one of the best river guides in Costa Rica.
Christopher Lapcevic (Fez), has Costa Rica in his bones, with his father the architect of our Costa Rica program. Christopher started going on trips at the age of 12. Now in his twenties he leads our most demanding multi activity adventure trips. When he is not leading trips in Costa Rica you can nd him working in other countries like Cuba or the US or joining his dad on a crazy adventure.
Herve Valluy is French by birth but
Spanish speaking and has been leading trips in Patagonia for more than 15 years. He specialises in the Paine Circuit. His passion for trekking in remote terrains is infectious, as our groups on the circuit will attest. Herve always keeps things interesting.
Juliana Eguia was born in Argentina and has a love of her country that is contagious. Her love of the outdoors and mountaineering started in 2006; when she started exploring South America – especially Bolivia, Venezuela and Patagonia. She now lives in El Chaltén
– the capital of trekking in the south of Argentina. She loves sharing Patagonia – from its “mate” drinking culture to its mountains and glaciers. A fun adventure is guaranteed with Juliana!
Victor Olarte has been one of the managers and the driving force of our o ce in Cusco for more than 25 years. He has superb knowledge of the complexities of adventure travel. He really was one of the pioneers in Cusco and remains a well respected member of the tourism community. ere is no problem that Victor cannot solve having met thousands of our clients during their time in the highlands of Peru.
1300 720 000 > worldexpeditions.com
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