La Paz Staff

Head Guides

Carlos Gajon Bermudez

Carlos is one of the most charismatic, professional and knowledgeable guides you'll ever meet. A La Paz native who grew up fishing with his grandfather on the Sea of Cortez, Carlos began guiding sea kayak trips in Baja in 1998. An avid surfer Carlos became a natural in a kayak and became an ACA certified sea kayak instructor and wilderness first responder soon after assisting on kayak trips. At one time a student of international law at the University of Baja California Sur, La Paz, Carlos is now on "sabbatical" from his studies to pursue his love of the outdoors by working as a sea kayak guide and he's a natural. Lucky us! Carlos is our most requested guide ever!

Miguel Angel Martinez

A La Paz native, Miguel began working sea kayaking trips in the mid 1980's. He drove a skiff, learned to cook and ran sea kayak camps in the Sea of Cortez for over 10 years until he changed jobs and began working for an airline. He learned English and returned to working kayak trips, this time as a head guide. Since his return to kayaking trips he has completed an ACA coastal sea kayaking course and was certified as a wilderness first responder. He is our first crew member ever to become a head guide.

Roman Cahero

Born in Mexico City, Roman has traveled extensively through out most of his country especially along Mexico's east coast as well as the US, Canada and Ireland. His time spent around the marine life of the Mexican Caribbean sparked an interest in marine biology so in 2000 Roman moved to La Paz to study marine biology at the University. He is now on "sabbatical" so he can guide for Mar Y Aventuras and experience the rich marine environment of the Sea of Cortez first hand. Roman completed two ACA (American Canoe Association) training courses and became a certified kayaker by the Irish Canoe association in the summer of 2008 while working as a guide for Atlantic Sea Kayaking in West Cork Ireland. Roman also holds Wilderness First Responder certification. He has been guiding sea kayaking trips with Mar Y Aventuras since February 2003. You will find Roman's love of the ocean, his country and wanderlust of travel infectious not to mention his ability to entertain groups with his guitar playing and singing.

Marco Aurelio Martinez de Escobar Martinez

Marco was born and raised in La Paz. Growing up on the shores of the Sea of Cortez and visiting the nearby islands since he was a young boy Marco developed a deep love and appreciation for the natural areas surrounding his home. In 2002 Marco began studying marine biology at the University in La Paz then changed to Alternative Tourism in 2006 because he had a strong desire to adapt his love of the outdoors into sustainable tourist development by combining culture, nature and conservation. Marco has completed two NOLS leadership courses, one in sea kayaking the other in backpacking, the wilderness first responder course and earned a degree from the University in 2008 in Alternative Tourism. He came to work with Mar Y Aventuras in the winter of 2008 and loves to share the passion he has for his "backyard" (especially the night sky) with people from different cultures as he works toward his goal of protecting the area's natural and cultural heritage.

Crew

Jesus "Chuy" Alvarez Encinas

Born in the small fishing village of Los Burros Chuy knows the Sea of Cortez like the back of his hand. With Mar Y Aventuras since our beginning in 1993 he has become chief cook and camp boss. A father of 2, Chuy's great sense of humor and ability to run a first class camp makes him our most requested crew member for trips from repeat clientele.

Alberto "Jarocho" Tejeda Lile

Jarocho is originally from the state of Vera Cruz, Mexico and is now one of our top chefs. He made his way to La Paz working on yachts as a chef and began working for us in 1996. He has brought some mouth watering recipes to our tables the most note worthy being his fresh fish Vera Cruz style from his hometown.

Martin Amador Leon

Born and raised in Nopolo Martin began working with Mar Y Aventuras in 1998 at just 18 years old. A bright young man he learned quickly the secrets of great tasting outdoor cooking and is now one of our head chefs.

Office, Warehouse and Hotel

Ricardo Amador

Owner, operator of Mar Y Aventuras

Ricardo has been fishing and boating on Baja waters since the age of 8. He began working expeditions in Baja in 1979 and has been guiding sea kayaking, bicycling and whale watching trips since 1986. Ricardo is the master of trip logistics and the one behind the scenes who makes sure everything is running smoothly. He speaks excellent English; having worked river rafting trips in Idaho and Costa Rica during the late 80s early 90s. He's often seen busily moving around the office and warehouse, assuring that the food, guides, crew and equipment are all going to the right places at the right times.

Sergio Mariscal

Client Services Coordinator for Mar Y Aventuras

Born in la Paz in 1985, Sergio is the oldest of three brothers. Since an early age Sergio has had a keen interest in tourism and began working in Eco-tourism in 2005 as a guide and in sales through internships with other tourist agencies. He has learned to speak English with classes from school and University and from practicing with his father who teaches English. Sergio received his degree in tourism development in May of 2008 with a speciality in planning and marketing. He loves his profession because he gets to meet many people from different countries and his position allows him to work in the office one day and in the field the next. With his variety of skills, he feels he can make a difference in the development of an organization, city and even state in a positive way with respect to the environment and sustainability.

Hugo Zavala

Client Services Coordinator for Posada LunaSol

Hugo Zavala, a native of La Paz, has been our evening reservationist at the Posada LunaSol hotel since 2006. A 3rd year student of modern languages at the University of La Paz Hugo is specializing in English and German and enjoys his work at the Posada because he meets people from all over the world and has the ability to practice speaking many languages. You'll find Hugo's good nature and helpful attitude in arranging anything from a car rental to a sea kayak trip welcoming upon your arrival at our hotel and office.