Exceptional Guides

Travel with our guides and you not only gain a broader perspective on each region, you tour like a local. Suddenly, you gain access to people and places not found on the pages of travel books. And while our guides develop fun-packed itineraries, experience has taught them that there's a balance between thorough planning and a willingness to embrace the impromptu. They know it's often the chance encounters—the desert rainbows, roadside fruit stands, monkey sightings, campfire stories—that color your memories most vividly. Read on to learn about a handful of these outstanding individuals.

Please note: The list below is only a sampling of our guides and the trips they lead. A listed trip may be lead by a different guide.

Top Guides

Each year we honor the very best of our terrific guides. See the top guides that were most recently recognized.

Anderson

Tanzania Classic Safari

Kilimanjaro Safari Extension

Anderson was born in Lesiraa Village in the heart of Maasai country. The Maasai are pastoralists, and as a young man Anderson herded his family's livestock in the bush. That taught him much about the wild animals that live in his homeland, and was his inspiration to go to college, where he continued to learn about animal behavior. During his studies, there were three choices for his professional course: park ranger, park warden, or a park guide. He chose to be a park guide so he could share his knowledge of animals with others. He enjoys explaining the animals' behavior in their natural environment to our members. Anderson's favorite animal is the giraffe, the national animal of Tanzania, which he describes as being very "elegant." Anderson is quick to share with REI members a very interesting sleeping habit of the giraffe. However, you'll have to join Anderson on safari to find out what it is! Anderson, who has been guiding for REI Adventures since 2007, loves his work as a guide and is very proud of his profession. He likes working with REI in particular because our vision aligns with his: "having the idea and commitment of taking care of nature for future generations." He also believes life is a learning process. Anderson has three beautiful young children: two boys and a girl.

Chris

Canadian Rockies Hiking Plus

A man of the mountains, Chris spends his summers leading hiking tours and his winters as a ski instructor. He enjoys capturing the beauty of the hills in his photographs. Of all the places he's been, the Main Ranges of the Canadian Rockies are among his two favorites: "The way the water flows through the canyon and beneath these magnificent towering peaks is magic. It's a spot I never want to leave once I get there." His other top destination is Mistaya Canyon in Banff National Park.

Claire

Cinque Terre Hiking

Tuscan Hilltowns Hiking

Claire is a free spirit with a tremendous passion for world travel. Some trip members become as fascinated by Claire's life and accomplishments as they are by beautiful Tuscany. Claire has a doctorate in comparative French literature and philosophy and has translated several books from French to English, just two of her five languages. In addition to being an avid cyclist and hiker, she is a connoisseur of fine Italian wine and cuisine. A resident of Florence, she's been leading trips in Italy and France for the last nine years.

Françoise

Tour du Mont Blanc

Switzerland Hiking: Eiger to The Matterhorn

Born in Lyon, France, Françoise moved to Chamonix in 1976 so she could climb and ski. After many years exploring the mountains above Chamonix and in other parts of the Alps, Françoise decided to become a guide and passed her exam in 1979. She started guiding in the Chamonix area in 1982, but at the end of the 1980s, she discovered a new passion-paragliding. She passed her certification in this sport and created her own paragliding school in Chamonix, staying very busy for eight years. Fortunately for us, Françoise came back to guiding and has been leading REI trips in the Alps since 2002. Françoise says guiding REI trips is a great way to experience cultural exchanges and share different points of views. Interacting with people has always been inspiring for her. Françiose loves guiding REI members in particular; she says they are very sport oriented, well prepared for the level of activity, and have a great sense of curiosity and discovery. She is married and the proud mother of two.

Gerald

Active Nicaragua

Gerald's knowledge of Nicaragua's hidden gems is second to none! He lists his favorite Nicaraguan destination as Ometepe Island because, he says "travelers will always remember Maderas Volcano as a challenge, and I get to use my best gear from REI." A native of Managua, Nicaragua, Gerald spent 10 years in Houston, Texas before returning to his home country as a guide to the places he loves best. Travelers tell us that while they were impressed by Gerald's insights of the archeology, history, culture of the area, it is his friendship they treasure most.

Jim

Mt. Washington Winter Climb

Jim began his climbing career in the White Mountains of New Hampshire over twenty-five years ago. On May 24, 2006 Jim fulfilled a life-long dream and became the first New Hampshire native to climb The Seven Summits. Jim contributes his success in the mountains to his training in the harshest weather in the world at home on Mount Washington. Jim works as a professional firefighter/paramedic, a registered nurse and a mountain guide. Teamwork and leadership are guiding forces in his personal and professional life. Jim receives nothing but top notch ratings from our guests.

Jimmy

Costa Rica Jungle and Sea Multisport & Arenal Volcano Extension

Costa Rica Ultimate Adventure and Manuel Antonio & Beaches Extension

Costa Rica Family Adventure

After his studies, Jimmy went straight to leading trips. For him, it's the perfect job, combining his love of people with the rich and varied landscape of Costa Rica. With four languages under his belt, he enjoys learning about different cultures and derives great satisfaction from getting to know the folks who come on his tours: "The people I get are always the best. They really make the difference."

Jorge

Northern Patagonia Multisport

Wine Roads of the Andes Cycling

An absolute delight, Jorge eagerly shares his love and first-hand knowledge of Argentina and Chile. Born in Buenos Aires, he caught the exploration bug young, traveling extensively in Europe, the U.S. and South America. He has a degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and plays a mean classical guitar. When he's not working as an adventure travel guide, he's on an adventure himself. You'll most likely find him cycling in Argentina or exploring the hidden corners of remote Patagonia.

Karen

Yosemite Half Dome Backpacking

Yosemite Lodge Hiking Adventure

Yosemite Backpack

A clinical laboratory scientist with such diverse interests as psychology, photography, sewing and backpacking, Karen appreciates "the chance to increase people's awareness of their inner and outer worlds simply by being who I am and doing what I love." Among her favorite memories as a guide is running into two vibrant 60-year-old women taking the same hike she had led them on the year before. "It's those seeds I sow that end up feeding me when they become ripened fruit!"

Haris

Greek Island Hopper

Haris's full first name is Charalampos, which means shine from joy, or happiness. Hailing from the Greek island of Evia, he loves the outdoors, especially the sea. In fact, after waterskiing for the first time at age 10, he was so inspired he decided to become a waterski instructor. In 1997 Haris began hiking and developed an interest in nature preservation. In 2000 he graduated from college, first in his class, with a degree in environmental studies and with certification to guide in national parks and recreational areas. Also in 2000, he completed training as a lifeguard by the Greek Coast Guard and began guiding for REI Adventures. Four years later, Haris started a second degree, History of the European Civilization, which he completed in 2010. Haris also loves to travel and has hiked throughout Greece, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Italy and his favorite destination, Venezuela. He also enjoys sailing, sea kayaking, books, music, and movies. Haris is married and has a lovely 1 year old daughter.

Iain

Scotland Highlands and Islands Hiking

Iain has a natural talent for creating an atmosphere where every member of a group will feel comfortable just being himself or herself. This, combined with his humor and contagious enthusiasm for the Scottish Hills, has clients stating that his leadership was the highlight of their trip. He has 12 years' guiding experience and is particularly interested in the Scottish landscape and the way it has evolved over time. Iain completed his Munros (the 282 Scottish mountains over 3000') in 1984, and he has climbed, scrambled and hiked all over the world. His good humor and entertaining stories make him an extremely popular guide.

Larry

Death Valley Hiking

Zion & Bryce Canyon Hiking

Zion New Year's Adventure

Sierra Day Hikes – 3 Day and Sierra Day Hikes – 4 day

Larry has been guiding for REI Adventures since 2003. On a recent trip to Nepal, Larry served as a volunteer on a dental/medical team in Chyangba and successfully summited his first Himalayan peak, Lobuche (20,080'). In addition to climbing, Larry has cycled across the U.S.A and is an avid hiker, birder and photographer. Excellent at catering to the individual interests of each group member on our trips, his knowledge of Utah's and California's natural history and geology is extensive.

Marco

Costa Rica: Jungle & Sea Adventure

Costa Rica Family Adventure

Costa Rica Ultimate Adventure

Marco has been a guide for over sixteen years and guiding REI groups for nine years. Born and raised in Costa Rica, Marco lives with his wife Lety and his two children in the Central Valley suburb of Desamparados. He holds an advanced diploma at the Costa Rica North American Culture Center and has extensive knowledge of nature from Costa Rica's forests to native wildlife. Marco is a passionate environmentalist working for sustainable tourism in Costa Rica. Guests are taken in by his contagious enthusiasm and energy fed by his passion for nature. He is often referred to as the Pura Vida (full of life) guide!

Find out why Marco loves being a guide in Costa Rica on the REI Blog.

Marie-Guislaine

Tour Du Mont Blanc

Switzerland Hiking: Eiger to the Matterhorn

A legendary hike like the Mont Blanc circuit demands a great guide, and we're happy to report that we've got her. In addition to the Alps, Marie-Guislaine has climbed in Peru, India, Nepal and Tibet,and her mountaineering experience makes her a great asset on rugged trails. An expert in plant chemistry and a pharmacist by training, she loves to "share the experience of the mountain, from flora and fauna to scaling ridges and reaching the top." Marie's personal interests in painting, dance and "the good cuisine" also make her a wonderful cultural resource. "My greatest pleasure is to see people enjoying their trip," says Marie. Several of her clients have come back for repeat trips, which is quite gratifying for her.

Maryanne

Grand Canyon Havasu Falls Hiking

Grand Canyon Havasu Falls Family Adventure

Superstition Mountains Backpacking

Death Valley Cycling

Napa Valley and Sonoma Cycling

Zion and Bryce Canyon Cycling

Maryanne got hooked on outdoor adventure as a child growing up in Washington state. Her first backpacking trip in junior high school fueled her passion for the wilderness, and not long after led to work at youth summer camps, where she served as a ropes course and climbing specialist, lifeguard, and group leader. While studying painting at Pacific Lutheran University, she led hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, and backpacking trips throughout western Washington for PLU's outdoor recreation program. In 2008, she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and in her free time she continues to paint in oils-her subject most often focusing on the spectacular places where she's traveled. Maryanne's adventures include climbing at Kentucky's Red River Gorge, backpacking through Wyoming's Bridger Tetons, navigating the wilderness of the Grand Canyon and exploring the Redwood coastline. When she's not guiding or painting, Maryanne is probably off somewhere on her mountain bike, hiking a remote trail, snowboarding, rock climbing, planning a survivalist backpacking trip, or trying to capture and study southwestern snakes and lizards. She enjoys triathlons as well, and even kicks back once in awhile to play some shuffleboard, darts, or Blokus. As an REI Adventures guide, Maryanne's vivacious spirit and thirst for adventure makes every trip exciting. She is also a certified EMT and Wilderness First Responder. Maryanne has been guiding trips for REI since 2008.

Miguel

Galapagos Islands & Otavalo Highlands Multisport

Amazon Basin and Galapagos Islands Family Adventure

Miguel is a skilled outdoor adventure leader who seems to know everything about Ecuador's natural and cultural history! Born and raised in Quito, Miguel is at home whether hiking the trails in the Otavalo Highlands or kayaking around the Galapagos. When he is not guiding, Miguel can most often be found mountain biking, bird watching, or spending time with his two beautiful children. The key to being a great guide? Miguel says: "Be authentic and honest."

Pavel

Prague to Budapest Cycling

Vienna to Prague Cycling

Pavel was born in Southern Bohemia, part of the Czech Republic, in the ancient walled village of Trebon, one of the many picturesque stops on our Vienna to Prague Cycling trip. Pavel has been proudly sharing his knowledge of his homeland with REI members since 2006. He graduated from Charles University in Prague with a masters degree in primary education, and later obtained a second degree in outdoor sports. During these studies, he also represented his school in international adventure racing. Passionate about travel, Pavel spent two years exploring countries throughout Asia and traveled for a year in New Zealand. When he's not guiding REI Adventures trips, this licensed river guide leads trips on Czech and Austrian rivers, and in the winter teaches skiing and snowboarding. Pavel enjoys meeting the active people who travel on REI trips and says it's great to see how complete strangers become great friends by cycling and working together to map out the daily rides. Happy REI members at the end of each trip bring him great satisfaction.

Peter

Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari Extension

Our head guide on Kilimanjaro and native of Tanzania, Peter has been guiding REI climbs for over 16 years and has led more than 600 summit climbs (we've lost count!). Peter's ability to sense the correct pace for each trekker and his soft-spoken, constant encouragement have earned him a high degree of respect for getting climbers to reach their goal – Gillman's point or Uhuru peak. As one customer put it: "I can't stress how great a person and guide Peter is for Tanzania, REI and Africa." And his customers don't forget him.

Raul

Machu Picchu: 10-Day Lodge Trek

Machu Picchu: 7-Day Lodge Trek

Raul is a Cusco native and Andean Renaissance man. He is a master tour organizer with intimate knowledge of the Andean culture. Raul was a pioneer in bringing mountain bike touring to the Cusco region, has climbed Mount Aconcagua in Argentina (22,841') five times and has been a river rafting guide on the class V Rio Bio Bio in Chile. An excellent outdoorsman and professional mountain guide with more than 20 years of experience leading groups, Raul has an easy-going personality and also enjoys history, geography, travelling, photography, bird watching and good wine.

Sampan (Pan)

Thailand Multisport

Pan is a native Thai who gladly shares his knowledge of the region's unique flora, fauna, geology and cultural history. He enjoys being outdoors and likes hiking. Pan has been assisting and leading trips for 20 years. His familiarity with the language (including a few hill tribe dialects) and local people adds a special quality to his trips.

Steve

Death Valley Hiking

Capitol Reef and Escalante Hiking

Sierra Day Hikes – 3 Day and Sierra Day Hikes – 4 day

Zion & Bryce Canyon Hiking

Zion New Year's Adventure

Steve has been guiding hiking adventures since 1992 and enjoys teaching clients about the intricate natural history and geology of the American Southwest. Steve is also an avid mountain biker, canyoneer and backcountry skier as well as an accomplished photographer and writer, making him one of our most engaging guides. Clients keep coming back to take another trip with Steve!

Tania

Greek Island Hopper

Islands and Myths Family Adventure

Tania is passionate about the outdoors, but what truly makes her a wonderful guide is that she adores showing clients the beauty of the places they visit as well as helping them get to know the culture and the traditions of the area. She has a natural talent for making everyone feel at home in Greece. She is also an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, camping, whitewater kayaking and scuba diving. Tania is a graduate of English language and literature and is an accredited mountain guide. She offers all her guests a cultural and adventurous experience that they long remember.

Tim

Ireland Coast to Coast Hiking

Born in earth-toned Texas, Tim quickly acquired a taste for the green of Ireland. He's been exploring the nooks and crannies of the Emerald Isle by foot and by bicycle for nearly two decades. Backed by his total devotion to and appreciation for Ireland, Tim is an exceptional guide. He adds a skillful blend of cultural discovery, outdoor exploration, and spreads of great food and local brew. Tim loves having a good time, and his sense of fun spills over onto every trail he hikes and each pathway he bikes. Tim's appreciation for the Emerald Isle is infectious. As one customer says, "He makes you love the Irish culture almost as much as he does." He also enjoys the company of folks who come on REI tours because "they each have a story to tell."

Thupten

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Lodge to Lodge Trek

Tibet: Journey from Lhasa to Everest

What better way to explore the Himalayas than with a high altitude guide who's spent his life in the rugged environs of the Solu Khumbu. A member of the noble Sherpa culture, Thupten is praised for his gentle humor and infinite patience. Over the years, he has cheerfully encouraged hundreds of trekkers on to greater heights. Picture yourself in a high mountain yak field, warming your hands on a cup of sweet tea while soaking in the alpenglow bouncing from Everest. Thupten can get you there.

Tom

Grand Canyon Backpacking

Tom has over 15 years experience planning, organizing and guiding multi-day outdoor adventures. He has been guiding our Grand Canyon Backpacking trip since we started it in 2006, and to date has made over 70 trips into the Canyon. Between the spring and fall departures of our backpacking trips in 2010, he completed a rafting expedition of the Colorado River. Tom has guided backpacking, kayaking and climbing trips all around the west, and has traveled to Central America, Pakistan and Fiordland in New Zealand. He spends the off-season at his home on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. A certified sailor, Tom has sailed Southern California, Tahiti and the Virgin Islands, and is passionate about astronomy and graphic design. Originally from Salt Lake City, Tom says he feels respect and reverence for the environment that comes from understanding and experiencing nature on a personal level. He loves to share in that journey with REI members. Guiding people in the great outdoors is his dream job.