Darwin

Hi,
I’m Darwin, 32 years old and I’ve been guiding since 2015.

I got to know the world of travel when I was 10, when my dad used to work in a hotel in Cusco and he introduced me to travelers from around the world. As a kid, listening to foreign languages, seeing new gadgets and listening to stories from countries and cultures from the other side of the world really made an impression on me. But amazed as I was, I would find my calling in guiding much later by a sudden turn of events.

Fast forward 15 years and I found myself working in a travel agency behind the counter for a year when one day and all of a sudden, the owner of the agency called me up and said “Alright Darwin, all guides are busy so tomorrow you’ll have your first group. A 4-day trek to Machu Picchu. 16 travelers. Best of luck”.

So there I went, without training, with some doubts but with lots of energy. Truth be told, I felt like giving up on Day 2 but I kept going. In the end, it was an amazing experience and I’m still in touch with those guys up to this day.

It’s been 7 years now since that first group and hundred of miles under my heels but the passion of guiding is still burning strong. I love nature and outdoor landscapes and I feel a deep connection with the territory. Sharing that passion with travelers is something I just can’t describe. I guess passion is contagious and probably that’s why I’ve witnessed over 20 marriage proposal leading my trips! 🙂 So if you’re planning the big day with your significant other, just let me know. No traveler has gotten a No for an answer with me and you won’t be the first one, definitely, you have my word.

Being a local Cusquenian and speaking Quechua fluently (less than 5% of guides do), I pride myself in bridging cultures for a deeper and more meaningful experience and seeing that in the shining eyes of my travelers pays off like nothing else.

I’ve been guiding for exploor for a couple of years now and it’s been a hell of a ride. So that’s a bit a of my story and I’d love to know yours.

Cheers,
Darwin