Fred LePiere has recently returned from the Tahuayo Lodge, Iquitos, Peru, and has taken some excellent photographs of the staff and Tahuayo Lodge facilities. Because of this, we thought we would make a Tahuayo Lodge Guide Profile page to show you the talented men and women who will escort you on your Amazon Rainforest adventure in the Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve, Iquitos, north Peru.
Dustin Pinedo Gonzales
Dustin was born in Chino Village and as a child played in the forests of the Tahuayo Reserve. He went to elementary school in Chino, then finished high school in Iquitos city, before specializing in English studies in institutes in Iquitos and Lima. Dustin worked for several years as a research field assistant for scientists with the Wildlife Conservation Society before finally coming to the Tahuayo Lodge as a guide in 2009. His specialties as guide include wildlife tracking, birding and adventurous treks that include camping and / or jungle survival training.
Weninger Pinedo Flores
Weninger was born in Diamante Village, which is located far up the Rio Blanco (a tributary of the Tahuayo River). He went to high school in Iquitos and then on to the Iquitos National University (UNAP). Weninger came to work with the Tahuayo Lodge in 2000 and became a head guide in 2005. He is the most accomplished arborist on staff, and is capable of free climbing any tree in the forest. Because of this skill, Weniger has the responsibility of maintaining the lodge’s canopy platforms and ziplines. Weninger has assisted in extensive research work with Amherst College research associate Bart Bouricius and University of Nevada ethnologist Barbara Land. He is often assigned to guests with an interest in trees, culture, or wilderness camping.
Alfredo Dosantos Santillán
Alfredo graduated from the National University (UNAP) with a degree in biological sciences in 2002. He then did research for the Wildlife Conservation Society, with 7 scientific papers published and attending many scientific conventions. As our Facebook followers know, he is also a talented nature photographer. Alfredo came to work for the Tahuayo Lodge in 2009 as site manager of our scientific program. He also guides university groups and research expedition groups, trains student interns and subject to availability, guides individuals who have an interest in science or nature photography.
Nelly Priscilla Pinedo Alvarado
Nelly grew up in various remote jungle villages, as her mother was a teacher who moved around from one remote village to another. This gave Nelly a broad understanding of native culture in the Amazon Rainforest. As a young adult, Nelly graduated from SENATI Institute with a degree in English and later worked as a translator for Doctors without Borders, and then as a guide in another jungle lodge. She started with the Tahuayo Lodge as a trainee in 2011 and was promoted to head guide in 2012. Nelly has field research experience assisting with Rose Hores’ study of uakari monkeys. When not guiding, she assists co-owner Dolly in her work for Angels of the Amazon charity. In her third year as head guide, Nelly has never had less than a 5 star review.
Other Tahuayo Lodge guides
Donaldo Navarro Zamora
Donaldo studied English, tourism and biology in the Institute “El Milagro” in Iquitos city and graduated with certification as Official Guide of Biodiversity. He has worked as field research assistant to Rose Hores’ study of uakari monkeys and Fredrik Tegnér’s study of parental behavior in poison dart frogs. Donaldo worked as a trainee guide in 2012 and was promoted to head guide in 2013.
Christian Silva
Christian completed English studies at the National University (UNAP) and then worked at several other lodges in the Iquitos region before coming to work for the Tahuayo Lodge in 2005. His depth of knowledge on the culture and nature of the region as well as his friendly manner has made him a top guide, especially good with families with young children.
Alain Garcia
Alain studied advanced computer programming, English and tourism at the C.E.T. Pro. Maynas institute. He had 7 years of experience working in a couple of jungle lodges before he was invited to work in a temporary position for the Tahouayo Lodge in July 2013 during our high season. He did such a fabulous job that he was offered a full time guiding position. He has continued his great work, earning all 5 star reviews. In July 2014 Alain will receive advanced training for our primate population research on the Tahuayo Lodge trail grid.
The Tahuayo Lodge
Iquitos, PeruFrom the Tahuayo Lodge, you will explore the Amazon Rainforest’s wildlife-rich Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve with a private guide on a
