Experts

We strive to make each journey a seamless and unforgettable experience for our travellers. Our dedicated team of professionals collaborates across various domains to ensure the flawless execution of every tour we craft. They also support our seasoned leaders who will be by your side. We promise an extraordinary adventure filled with camaraderie and expert guidance. Get ready to embark on a stunning journey through Colombia with us and create memories that will last a lifetime!

RENÉ
MONTERO

René, the visionary Director of Jaguarundi Travel, began exploring Colombia’s natural and cultural heritage from a young age. Since 2005, he has guided explorers across Colombia, building strong connections and an extensive network. René founded Jaguarundi Travel in 2010, focusing on conservation and responsible tourism. With a bachelor’s degree in Ecology and research experience in natural resource management, fauna conservation, and intangible heritage, he is deeply committed to environmental stewardship. When not steering the team or designing intricate routes, René dedicates time to honour nature through photography and personally leads tours, sharing his expertise to ensure a memorable experience for everyone.

DANIEL
LÓPEZ

Daniel combines his role as Jaguarundi Travel’s Operations Coordinator with a successful career as a professional naturalist guide. Passionate about Colombia’s biodiversity, he has extensive experience leading nature-focused journeys, with particular interests in birds, moths, and butterflies. His field expertise and attention to detail help ensure seamless operations and exceptional travel experiences. Whether coordinating logistics or guiding in the field, Daniel is dedicated to showcasing Colombia’s natural and cultural heritage with professionalism and care. He is also committed to mentoring future tourism professionals and promoting responsible tourism practices throughout the industry.

IVÁN
ROCHA

Iván is a tourism professional, certified guide, cook, nature photographer, and passionate naturalist with extensive experience exploring Colombia’s diverse ecosystems and cultures. Having lived and worked in multiple regions of the country, he has collaborated with community-based tourism and conservation initiatives while developing a deep understanding of local traditions and biodiversity. Iván specializes in birdwatching and wildlife interpretation, combining his knowledge of nature, gastronomy, and photography to create engaging and meaningful experiences. He is committed to responsible tourism that supports local communities, respects nature, and fosters authentic connections with Colombia’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

SEBASTIÁN
MORENO

Sebastián, with a bachelor’s degree in Biology, blends academic rigour with hands-on field experience. Starting with nature photography, he specialized in orchid taxonomy, focusing on Colombian species like Lepanthes. Over seven years, he has documented and described 65 new orchid species, underscoring his commitment to conservation. Known for his calm demeanour and field expertise, Sebastián leads nature tours with boundless enthusiasm, sparking curiosity in travellers and providing deep insights into Colombia’s diverse ecosystems.

GILBERTO
COLLAZOS

With over 25 years of experience in the Anchicayá Valley, Gilberto brings unmatched knowledge of one of Colombia’s richest birding regions. Initially working as an orthodontist, he gradually fell in love with the valley’s birds, insects, and other wildlife, until birding fully captured his heart. That passion led him to leave his first profession behind and dedicate himself entirely to guiding. Known for his professionalism, deep field knowledge, and commitment to service excellence, Gilberto is now one of the most respected birding guides in the region.

SEBASTIÁN
DI DOMENICO

Sebastián, a biologist and photographer, is dedicated to capturing Colombia’s natural beauty. Since 2017, he has explored the dense jungles of Colombia and Ecuador in search of elusive neotropical species. His wildlife photography passion has made him an ambassador for iShop Colombia and Sony’s Alpha Partner, merging technology with nature. Currently, Sebastián studies Andean bear populations in Chingaza National Park, a mission close to his heart. His stunning images and stories have been featured in The Guardian, National Geographic, and Wildlife Photographer of the Year, reflecting his dedication to conservation through the lens of his camera.

OSWALDO
TORO

Oswaldo is a birdwatching and mountain guide with more than a decade of experience leading nature expeditions throughout Colombia’s Central and Western Andes. His passion for birds began in childhood after a memorable encounter with a Blue-necked Tanager, inspiring a lifelong connection to nature. Today, he guides both national and international travellers, combining birdwatching, trekking, and environmental interpretation with extensive knowledge of Colombia’s biodiversity and Andean culture. A climber and musician who plays traditional Andean wind instruments, Oswaldo is known for creating safe, authentic, and memorable experiences in nature.

NICOLÁS
CABRERA

Nicolás, a photographer, filmmaker, and producer, has independently documented intangible heritage since 2003. Since 2011, he has created personal and commissioned projects on social, cultural, and artistic topics. As founder and co-director of La Loma Collective, he specializes in documentary, visual experimentation, and journalism. His long-term “Latent Universes” project led to the transmedia series Seeds: Molecules of Light, documenting “invisible” heritages. Seeds won recognition in the Latin American Photography 8 and POY Latam 2023 contest, the region’s largest documentary photography awards.

We are proud to dedicate this space to celebrate our local guides and community members whose personal stories reflect the country’s history. Their deep knowledge and commitment to preserving their surroundings are invaluable assets to our tours across the Colombian territory. They are essential to our explorations, offering expertise in local ecosystems and wildlife behaviour, and actively contributing to conservation efforts through research collaboration and habitat monitoring. Moreover, they have initiated remarkable projects that not only sustain their families but also uplift the communities they serve.