Meet your guide

Juan Naivares

I chose to be a tour guide because since I was young, I always liked to learn about my culture and ancestors.

I am Juan Carlos, part of the Salkantay Trekking family. I was born on March 26, 1986, in the district of Santiago, province, and department of Cusco. My greatest motivation is my family; they drive me forward. When I am not on the route through the Peruvian Andes, I like to do sports.

The languages I master are Spanish, English, and Portuguese. Can I tell you a secret? I chose to be a tour guide because since I was young, I always liked to learn about my culture and ancestors. Today, sharing all the information I have gathered with people from different parts of the world, interacting with them, and arousing their interest, has become one of the most important things in my life.

My kindness, sincerity, knowledge, and joy set me apart as a guide. In addition, the information I provide focuses on flora, fauna, snow-capped mountains, and lakes, among others. As a cultural ambassador, my mission is to ensure the safety of my passengers and apply all my knowledge when explaining things to them; always with kindness, respect, and a smile for each traveler.

An anecdote I can share with you is about an emergency I had on the route. A passenger was suffering from sunstroke and lack of oxygen. I reacted calmly, clearing the area and giving instructions for good oxygenation. Fortunately, the passenger recovered and was able to continue her walk slowly and calmly. These emergency situations are unpredictable and inevitable. At Salkantay Trekking, we are trained to face these situations, always calm.

I have been a guide for about 5 years now, and of all the places I have visited, Choquequirao is the sacred destination that has impacted me the most. I must confess that this hike is not for beginners; you need physical endurance to reach the "Cradle of Gold"; however, the reward is gratifying. The Inca Sanctuary of Choquequirao is considered one of the strongholds of resistance and refuge, where you can appreciate imposing archaeological ruins. Why did the Incas choose locations in rugged areas to build their enclosures? I recommend exploring this center and immersing yourself in the mysteries of Choquequirao.

I have been working at Salkantay Trekking as a guide for about 2 years, and the routes I most frequently travel are the Salkantay Program and Alternatives. Reserve with the company; it will be a pleasure to show you the benefits our ancestors and nature have gifted us.

Here, we are a family united and 100% committed to providing quality service. We will continue forward with strength, humility, and dedication! See you soon!

• 
  LanguagesEnglish, Spanish & Portuguese
• 
  Based inCusco, Peru
• 
  Off the trailI like to do sports