Juan Carlos Gonzales

My name is Juan Carlos Gonzales Taipe. I was born on April 21, 1978, in Puerto Maldonado, where I grew up and still live. From a young age, I was drawn to nature, which inspired me to study as an Official Tourism Guide at the Jorge Basadre Grohman Institute. I began my career as a guide in 2002, motivated by the constant contact with nature and the opportunity to learn new languages.

 

Over the years, I’ve specialized in birdwatching, which allows me to connect visitors with the incredible birdlife of the Amazon. In addition to Spanish, I speak English and German, enabling me to share the Amazon rainforest with a broader audience. One of the most thrilling experiences I've had was encountering jaguars twice in the forest. Being so close to such a majestic predator filled me with adrenaline and respect for its place in the ecosystem.

 

My favorite activity is visiting the macaw clay licks, where you can witness these colorful birds gathering on the clay walls—a truly unforgettable natural spectacle. The jaguar is my favorite animal, not only for its strength but because it symbolizes balance and power as the top predator in the jungle.

 

Working in the rainforest makes me incredibly happy. Tambopata is my office without walls, full of life and biodiversity, and every day surprises me with the sheer number of species that can be found in such a rich area. In my free time, I enjoy being with my family, traveling, and I always make time for soccer, another passion of mine. I firmly believe that everyone can contribute to conserving the Amazon rainforest, whether through donations or participating in conservation projects.