It’s easy to feel defeated if you’ve been job searching for a long time and not getting any responses. In my case I realized that change in perspective may be all I need to turn the corner and find some success. After COVID for many people, the hunt for a new job at 60 was daunting as many employers don't leap to hire people in their 60s. 

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On May 22, 2021, I applied the Elite Brands Culture Discovery sticker on my Jeep Wrangler because I still wanted to contribute and was not ready to retire. Starting a tour company and offering tours to Canadian Rockies it might not be exactly what I wanted initially, but I was tired trying to find a job in the Oil and Gas Industry to which I contributed for almost 30 years. Unfortunately I wasn't having any luck and this is why I decided to start Elite Brands Culture Discovery Tours and become Certified Guide to Canadian Rockies Parks.

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​The beginning was hard as I couldn't find any customers for many months but once the first travelers found me and started to book my tours, I soon discovered that I am enjoying my new career much more than I thought it would be. It surprised me how many of my skills I could transfer to my new carrier. ​Once I’ve made the switch, I found that a career change can be exciting.  For me meeting new people is so far the best beneficial and in return I am trying to get back to my customers honest and fresh perspective on Canadian Rockies and Badlands that have become my home and playground for the last 36 years.

 

 

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I was born and raised in Curarrehue, Araucanía Region and in 2024, I graduated  from Sustainable Tourism at Universidad Mayor in Temuco, Chile.

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I am a person who is deeply committed to the care and conservation of Chilean cultural and natural heritage. My personal interest centers on promoting responsible tourism practices that benefit visitors who share the value of respect for the environment and communities they are visiting.

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​I deeply believe that conservation of ecosystems is fundamental to maintaining environmental balance and biodiversity. Being born and raised in a mountain town like Curarrehue, surrounded by Mapuche communities, makes me understand the importance of all steps that must be taken to contribute  to the well-being of such communities to preserve their cultural heritage. Education and knowledge sharing is essential to obtain mutual respect and understand each other better. 

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I have significant experience in hiking and trekking and have explored a variety of trails across Chile, participating in walks and supporting guided tours and environmental interpretation. Some of the most notable locations include: "Conguillío National Park"; "Huerquehue National Park"; "Oncol Park and Natural Reserve"; "Nahuelbuta National Park"; "Radal 7 Tazas National Park"; "El Cañi Sanctuary;" and "Villarrica National Park.

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​I am very excited to become a Guide for the The Forgotten Path Travel Project and looking forward to contributing and helping travelers to better understand  the perspective of the community where I live.