The Crew
Andres Gonzalez - Management & Guide
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Andrés' maternal family explored the Eastern Andes for generations before settling in the Yopal area as one of the first families. Though having lived and studied in Bogotá and across the UK, Andrés always remained true to his inner farm boy and, having met life and business partner Julia along the way, eventually returned to the Llanos in a quest to establish a sustainable tour operating business. For our clients he uncovers the region's finest wildlife habitats, ecosystems, wild trails and routes and always returns mesmerized by the natural treasures, amazing fauna and local people. He holds a BA in Aeronautical Engineering and an MA in Renewable Energy but now much rather pulls the strings of Wild Llanos and guides clients with an eye for detail and a wealth of knowledge. Andrés is a human dynamo and living proof that birdwatching, wildlife photography, tour guiding and cattle farming can somehow be executed all at the same time.
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Julia Buschmann - Management & Guide
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Having grown up in the flatlands of Germany near the Dutch border where her grandfather took her to collect fungi and study the trees and birds, the leap towards becoming an eco-tour guide in the flatlands of Colombia doesn't seem too big. Following her interests in writing, travel and foreign cultures, Julia initially pursued a BA in English, Spanish and Economics and eventually an MA in Media and Public Relations in the UK. All was set for the obligatory climb up the career ladder and Julia worked as press spokesperson for the Scottish tourism board in Edinburgh. Seeking warmer climates and new adventures, the horse lover followed husband Andrés to his native Colombia, where she lost her heart to the Llanos region, its biodiversity, vast savannas and humble people. Julia is happiest when out in the prairies, watching birds and riding horses and jeeps with clients, when photographing and studying the flora and fauna, motorbiking across the plains and nurturing her inner wild child.
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Seudiel Gualteros - Guide
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Seudiel "Seco" is a bit of a local legend. Famous for having won the international Llanero competition "El Gran Llanerazo" not once but twice, he is your man to navigate the extensive prairies day and night, to stalk wildlife, to cross rivers on horseback, to ride wild bulls and horses, to catch piranhas... you name it! But most of all Seco is a passionate ambassador of his culture and dedicated to keeping it alive. He is a pioneer in tourism in the San Luis de Palenque area of Casanare and runs a lovingly constructed and decorated Llanos museum on his stunning little farm. Seco provides an infinite repertoire of songs, stories and insights. He loves to dance Joropo and to play the cuatro. He is one of those people that, once you have met, you will always remember!
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Mafer Roa - Administration & Operations Assistant
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Mafer is the busy bee behind the scenes at Wild Llanos. She tends to enquiries from national clients and assists with bookings and tour logistics. With a background in office administration and a certificate in accounting Mafer also keeps an eye on numbers and spread sheets and looks after the administrative part of the company including legal documentation and taxation. A born llanera, Mafer enjoys outings to the farm, horse riding and looking after animals from the office's dog to grooming the horses.
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GeiLER Vargas - Guide
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Geiler is a genuine cowboy. Participating in and supporting the organization of various events of Llano work and culture he has a passion for cattle work and breeding and training horses. Geiler particularly supports young people to work and live the customs and art of cattle work, and thus, to keep those alive. A warm, attentive and patient guide who enjoys answering questions about all things Llanos, looking for wildlife, horseback riding and providing insights into the region's culture, flora and fauna, Geiler is also at the forefront of bringing responsible tourism to the region as an alternative and sustainable way to generate income for local communities. A bright and diligent guy, Geiler is always on the lookout for possible improvements to provide clients with the best experience.
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And then there are plenty more lovely people that help make our tours amazing... a compilation of friendly and attentive chefs, hoteliers, more guides, drivers, local farmers and even musicians, dancers and storytellers. We are excited to meet you!
