José Argento, raised in a tiny farming community in Argentina, has had a deep connection to nature for as long as he can remember. With a degree in tourism and a specialization in glaciology, he loves to talk about ice fields and share adventurous tales of famous Patagonian climbing expeditions. José has led our adventures in Patagonia since 2013, and in his words, “I love laughing with my trip members. Working as a Trip Leader is the best job I can imagine. It gets me outdoors, in touch with people, and in touch with nature." Asked about a favorite tradition on WT trips, José notes, “A meal with Patagonian lamb—this is not just the lamb. Being by the fire, talking, enjoying the flames and a good Malbec with new friends- it seems simple but it is the best.” Having traveled and lived abroad extensively, from Europe to New Zealand, José is fluent in English, Italian, and of course Spanish. He spends half the year in Patagonia, and the other half training horses and practicing polo across the globe.
What a gem! Jose took his skills with the polo ponies into managing our crew of headstrong hikers with aplomb. Gently and kindly, he persuades everyone to do the right thing. Very strong local knowledge from ice bars to birding. Also, he would develop instant rapport with local waitstaff, other guides, and strangers on the street and trail. He made us feel so much more a part of the place.
Jose is a natural leader, and his deep knowledge of the natural and human history of Patagonia greatly contributed to the success of the trip. His leadership skills fostered a wonderful camaraderie among the group.
I have always been impressed with the trip leaders for ALL the trips I have ever taken with Wilderness Travel since 1981. Jose Argento, however is one of the VERY BEST! Wonderful disposition, very knowledgeable, totally organized, all around endearing, engaging! A true gem!
Jose was an outstanding trip leader...very sociable and fun to converse and joke with, but always very professional and keenly focused on providing the best possible experience for us.
Jose is one of our top leaders (we like them all). His combination of quiet confidence, ability to anticipate and read group dynamics, as well as his knowledge of Patagonia is amazing! He is a gem.
It was our great fortune and pleasure to have Jose as our trip leader. His attention to detail was outstanding and his knowledge of the area impressive. Perhaps most of all we came to think of him as a friend and were sad to part company with him at the end of the trip.
Jose made our group feel like ‘The Lucky Ones.’ He was an outstanding, caring, host and leader.
Jose was a great guide! He showed great concern for guests comfort, safety, and enjoyment during the trip. A very personable individual.
Jose is the best! Wise and savvy beyond his years. And his broad experiences are interesting and helpful to his leadership abilities
Jose is a special human being with a gift for making people feel good and welcome. He is peaceful, calm, engaging, easy to talk to, generous, caring, funny, open, sensitive, knowledgable, aware, and wise beyond his years. He was a joy to be around, always calm and with a smile for everyone.
Jose was superb—smart, knowledgeable, personable, calm at handling snags, and took time to pay attention to everyone.
Jose was superb in every way; it is difficult to provide enough superlatives.
Jose has the gift of motivating one to know what they are really capable of and that made this adventure even more memorable!
Jose is a gem! I really appreciated his friendly, low-key, but totally competent way of every detail of the trip.
Jose is one of the best group leaders I have encountered. He is very attuned to each participant, considerate, knowledgeable in a variety of fields, and has a great sense of humor. It is a pleasure to have hiked with him.
Jose was a truly exceptional guide. He took great care to assess our hiking ability and made sure to keep close to those who needed his help. He also made an effort to walk with each and every one of us individually and get to know us on a more personal level. He spoke excellent English and had a good sense of humor. Overall, a class act through and through.
Jose is very in touch and sensitive, anticipating traveler's needs and every detail. He obviously enjoys what he does as it shows in his performance!
Jose was kind, patient, informative, and protective, with a wonderful smile and sense of humor. We all fell totally in love with him!
Jose is a gem! He is wise beyond his years, attentive to the needs of everyone, and very well informed. He loves his country and it shows.
Jose is top notch! He is knowledgeable, friendly, thoughtful, and made sure I was taken care of. He is the BEST trip leader I have ever come across!
Jose was simply fantastic...the perfect trip leader and a wonderfully kind, sweet, competent young man. You have a real winner in him.
