South America Trip Leader
Gus was born in Lima, the capital of Peru, but somehow he's known ever since he was a kid that his soul belongs in the countryside. At only 7 years old, he fell in love with the Andes in the Central area of Peru. From then on, every summer was a joyful experience of nature, friends, beauty and simplicity. The seed of the outdoors started to grow inside him, making him realize that all things involving nature was his place in the world. Gus loves hiking, mountain biking, traveling, learning from people and if by chance you bump into him he might be exploring mountains, reading a book, or most likely eating a spicy Ceviche!
Life took him to Australia where he lived for two years, exploring Down Under and around. Here he travelled around and met people from all over the world. "I literally lived in a house with guys from five continents. There I learned how rich and unique the human cultures are, but in the end we are all beings trying to discover life! Thanks 'Straya!'" Back to Motherland, Gus joined the action with Active Adventures and it´s been 6 years now tour leading in Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. And that little 7 years old boy, with some grey hair, is still overwhelmed, humbled and marvels at the majesty of Mother Nature.
Gus says: "My grandfather was a very enthusiastic hiker of the highest peaks around the Central Andes until his last days, that's why I think my passion for hiking, trekking and the outdoors is in my genes." Tavo, as he is also known, found out that meeting different people while hiking and trekking matched the role of being a guide - so here he is!
What's your favorite travel destination?
Tough one. Mmm, Central Andes in Peru. Gold Coast in Straya, Fitz Roy in Argentina. But to live for good, the Sacred Valley in Cusco
What's been your most inspiring adventure?
Getting up to the Highest Pass on the Lares Trek in Peru, two clients started to cry. I've seen many people overwhelmed and getting emotional in Machu Picchu or Patagonia. But in this case it was somewhat different. Only after 2 hours they suddenly hugged me and the Porters and started to cry again. Back home, they said to me that the Trek was a Life Changing Experience for them. I have no doubts about it.
What's your favorite Active Adventures trip?
Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure in Peru. You get the majesty of the Andes and the wilderness of the Amazon in no more than a 30 minutes flight. Also the Patagonia Hiking Adventure. I love the back-to-back action and Fitz Roy!
What's destination would you like to experience?
Everest Base Camp in Nepal, Queenstown in New Zealand, Galapagos in Ecuador.
What are your hobbies and special talents?
I love to read, football (the real one!) and travel. I like languages and love to ask clients about their countries. And of course, I love to eat well :)
Testimonials
“Wonderful! Fantastic! Superb! Excellent! They're are no superlatives that don't describe Gustavo. I love him. He was ALWAYS working to make sure everything went well for us. He helped me with my Spanish. He is patient, charming, considerate, funny, sweet, and incredible kind. When my sinus problem kicked up, he spent an unbelievable amount of time trying to help me find Pseudoephedrine. I gave up long before he did, and started to feel guilty because he was far more worried about me than I was!”
- Roni (Sun City West, Arizona, United States), Jaguar June 2018
“Gustavo was awesome!! He was kind, considerate, always aware of everyone and ensured that no one was left out of the mix. Gustavo was fun to be though he also maintained control with an easy going manner. If he didn't know the answer he would always do a followup. I believe Gustavo is a real asset and ambassador to A.A. ”
- Shelly (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada), Jaguar September 2018
“Gustavo was great! Always smiling and extremely helpful to all participants! He’s a keeper!!”
- Leland (San Diego, California, United States), Jaguar October 2018
