Hugo Santa Cruz

With more than 20 years’ experience guiding in protected areas across Bolivia, Chile, Panama and Costa Rica, Hugo has built an outstanding reputation as a naturalist guide for English‑speaking travellers. His career has taken him through a wide range of Neotropical ecosystems, and he has developed an extensive knowledge of the region’s ecology, ornithology and zoology. He specialises in birdwatching and wildlife observation, as well as environmental interpretation and wildlife photography.

Alongside his guiding work, Hugo has trained local guides and park rangers in various protected areas in both Bolivia and Costa Rica. His courses have covered ecotourism, environmental interpretation, ornithology, and wider aspects of sustainable tourism, helping to strengthen local capacity within conservation areas.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism, postgraduate studies in Sustainable Development, Photography and Higher Education, and a Master’s degree in Protected Area Management from the Universidad para la Cooperación Internacional in Costa Rica. He also speaks advanced English, certified by the University of Michigan.

Beyond guiding, Hugo has worked as a consultant on ecotourism and protected area management projects for governmental, non‑governmental, and private organisations, and is a former university lecturer. He is also an accomplished photographer and writer, contributing to books and magazines on nature conservation, ecotourism, and protected areas.