Santiago Bejarano trained in Environmental Sciences in his native Ecuador and began his guiding career by bringing visitors to the jungle and highlands of Ecuador and the storied Galapagos Islands, where he worked as a naturalist. He later moved to Britain, where he lives with his British wife and their two children, and now divides his time between Ecuador and Europe. Santiago guides for us on the high trails of the Alps of France, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland and into the epic fjords of Norway. “Guiding gives me the chance to be a link between cultures and to share my passion for nature. It also allows me to spend a lot of time in a place I really love—out in nature itself.” He is fluent in English, Spanish, and German.
Santiago did a great job—he knew a lot about the areas, cultures, architecture, etc. Really good leader, and a really good guy!
Santiago's gentle character and approachability appeals to every type of traveler. His interpretive skills are fantastic and his enthusiasm to share his knowledge is infectious. He is also extremely mindful of his guests, often anticipating their needs before they have even expressed them.
Santiago was tremendous in all respects. He was one of the best guides we've ever had!
Santiago was terrific! One of the best we have had! And he is a great conversationalist. He just keeps the stories and area information coming. Friendly, helpful, courteous, and flexible to adapt to the groups/participants needs.
Santiago was enthusiastic, fun and funny. We enjoyed his stories and his company.
A great leader, a joy to be around, put everyone at ease.
Santiago is very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor. We would love to take another trip with him sometime in the future.
Santiago was a fantastic leader. He is optimistic, patient, insightful, and very good at explaining upcoming hikes/options, etc. I found him to be a delightful person, and thoroughly enjoyed conversing with him at dinner or on the hikes.
The trip itself was very good—well organized, interesting, and fun. But our guide and the group we traveled with made it an EXCELLENT trip!
Fantastic—personable, hardworking, and enthusiastic.
Santiago was friendly, funny, and charming, yet professional and serious when appropriate. We thoroughly enjoyed him as a leader.
Santiago shines as a Trip Leader: excellent communication and linguistic skills; creative responses to constraints of weather and client abilities and preferences; detailed knowlege of alpine trails and towns; and effective decision-making. A most congenial and highly responsible leader who inspires confidence.
Santiago is a superb leader and traveling companion. His concern for each of us and his effectiveness were both at the top.
Santiago was a true professional and a delight to be with. His knowledge of the trip and his ability to modify the trip (depending on the level of the hikers and the weather) were all attended to with great care and skill. We felt safe, comfortable and enjoyed our time with him. A true pro.
Santiago was a true professional and a delight to be with. His knowledge of the trip, his ability to modify the trip (depending on the level of the hikers and the weather) were all attended to with great care and skill. We felt safe, comfortable, and enjoyed our time with him. A true pro.
One cannot ask more of a Trip Leader. Santiago did a superb job leading our group through the Alps. He is extremely knowledgeable of the many cultures, languages, and geography of the area. He did an outstanding job caring for the many members of our group. He helped make our trip a wonderful and memorable experience.
I can't imagine a better leader than Santiago.
Santiago gets the highest marks. He was personable, diplomatic, resourceful, attentive, flexible, conscientious—everything a guide or trip leader should be and more. He made the trip a success.
Santiago was great. Passionate about the area, history, and different cultures, genuinely interested in making sure that everyone had a good trip.