OUR STORY: SINCE 1997

 Gonzalo Gil Lavedra

Gonzalo is an avid explorer of the unique and the unknown; he also has a knack, a six sense, for finding the special aspects of a seemingly mundane place or activity. With a  passion for books, literature and the arts. A raconteur and storyteller through photography and words, especially over a glass of red wine. 

Gonzalo was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and has lived in a dozen places around the world. Some of his favorite locations include Turkey, Thailand, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, and Peru. He has visited over 80 countries and is aiming to reach a hundred before he turns 50. 

His most recent and daring adventure was traveling solo the whole length of the Amazon river on cargo boats while sleeping on the deck in his hammock.

(pictured right in the red scarf with Berlin musicologist, Frances Falling)  

One could say that the world is my oyster; I am a wandering Jewess. I was born in Tel-Aviv and raised in  Hong Kong. I trained as a theatre actress in Tel-Aviv and received a  masters in screenwriting from a London university. I’ve been writing regularly for Israeli media for over a decade. I moved to Berlin in 2010 and was so compelled by the city’s history that I turned it into my  livelihood. I divide my time between my two passions—writing and guiding.

For more information have a look at my website: www.yourberlinerguide.com

Cesar was born in Barcelona, and holds a degree in Tourism from the University of Barcelona. He worked as a teacher for 8 years at the University and also lived and worked in Egypt for 3 years with a travel agency. Cesar has led tours all over the world for over 20 years and speaks Spanish, English, French, Italian and Catalan. When he is not leading tours he enjoys being bossed around by his beautiful wife and two gorgeous sons. His love for history, art, music, food and wine are the gifts he bestows on our guests, who often remark that being on tour with him is like traveling with a good friend who is showing you around his favorite places (and knows everything about them). And don’t be surprised, at the end of your trip, if you’re inspired to chant “All hail Cesar! All hail Cesar!” You won’t be the first. 

 Liam Brumley has been traveling the globe  for over 22+ years now (amazing fact for a man of his age).  Starting off at three months he visited France and Spain, where he explored the Dali &  Picasso Museum, Madrid and Salamanca.   Since then, it's a been a non-stop adventure. 

Liam frequently guides and organizes trips to Asia, Africa, Cuba, Costa Rica, South America and  Europe. 

When not in the field leading Earthbound Expeditions adventures, Liam can be found on the banks of a rushing river fly fishing or in the mountains skiing or hiking.  Or, simply kicking back and reading a great book.  His passion for learning, and life is contagious for all who have the pleasure to travel with him. 

 Holger Zimmer is a native of Germany, though he spent his early years traveling throughout Europe and the U.S. He also studied English literature and drama in Berlin, Germany and Dublin, Ireland. He divides his time between working as a tour guide and a broadcast journalist for various international media such as BBC, ARD German Radio, ORF Austrian Radio and RTE Irish Radio. He enjoys music of all kinds – ask him about his band! 

Tania Masi (pictured here with her Brazilian husband William) is a travel author and has published several articles and a city guidebook on Berlin and Tuscany. She has a degree in social geography from the University of Florence, but with an American mother, an Italian father and residing in Berlin, after having lived in New York City and Sao Paolo, likes to call the world her “home” and traveling her “bread”. She claims that sharing it with people is what makes it all worth it.

Guide Darina Krajakova (pictured on the right) knew early in life that she wanted to become a tour guide - as a child she was guiding her family around their apartment! So it is dream come true that she became a fully licensed guide in Prague and the Czech Republic. She has a deep interest in history, from the early times up to the present, including the Velvet Revolution in 1989 and she loves sharing stories with people. Darina graduated from the College of Economics in Prague but has spent more of her career immersed in culture, art and tourism. 

In addition to a busy guiding schedule, Darina also works in the field of the incentive tourism, helping to organize conferences and meetings in the Czech Republic. 

Alejandro Infante and guide Laura are just two examples of Earthbound Expeditions outstanding guides in Havana. Both have guided countless adventures across Cuba. Our hand-selected guides have a deep knowledge and love for this once forbidden land. Note: Earthbound Expeditions began operations in Cuba in 2012. Since then, we have organized over 100 trips to Havana and beyond for museums, public radio stations and botanic gardens.

 Natalia is a born and bred Roman, so naturally she is passionate about eating, drinking, cooking, history and discussing the universal stereotype of the Italian Mama. Oh, and she LOVES dancing! Natalia holds degrees as Interpreter and Translator in English and German and has been a tour manager for fifteen years. Most recently, she has passed the first level of certification to become a sommelier.

You'll be accompanied by some of  Africa's top wildlife guides while exploring the parks of Botswana and South Africa. 

And, it's a good thing. In the national park of 

Pilanesberg (for example) there are over 

7000 animals, 360 bird species, and more than 200 km of roads. While Botswana and Chobe National Park have the largest elephant herds in all of Africa. Having an enthusiastic, knowledgeable local guide is essential when exploring the African bush. 

Minor Alfaro was born and raised in Grecia, Costa Rica, where he became a local celebrity at a young age, singing with “mariachis” and guitar trios around the country and on T.V. After participating in a four month exchange program in Canada, he decided that he wanted to study tourism. He graduated from the Castro Carazo College and has been guiding tours throughout Costa Rica for 12 years, a career that provides him with the perfect opportunity to merge his gift for entertaining with his love for his country. His enthusiasm is truly contagious, and he says the best part of his job is the people he meets and the friendships that emerge on his journeys throughout Costa Rica. Minor still lives in Grecia and enjoys a quiet life (when he’s home!) with his wife, Amy, and their two children, Christopher and Jessica.

 
Ignatius Potgieter or Iggy, as he is affectionately known, is our local guide in South Africa and the neighbouring countries of Southern Africa. Born in the Zululand region, Iggy has developed a deep rooted love for the country's people and wildlife. With many years in the hospitality industry, Iggy turned to tourism in 2007 and completed his Diploma in Ecotourism Management in 2010. After a stint in the Ecuadorian Amazon working with local ecotourism lodges in a research role, Iggy returned home and settled in Cape Town where he has been happily guiding since. 

 Aurélien (pictured on the right with garden expert and national radio and television host, Joe Lamp'l in France in 2023) is one of Earthbound Expeditions finest European based guides. His passion for wine, gardens, food, culture and history is contagious for all who have the pleasure to travel with him. He is fluent in Spanish (his mother is from Nicaragua), English and French (his father is from France). Aurélien has guided tailor-made expeditions for over 20 years and continues to love sharing his knowledge with all.  Aurélien lives in Arles, France with his wife and two young children.   

 Since 2009, I have had the opportunity to lead tours throughout most European countries and Cuba, as well as circumnavigating the world on specialized cruise programs as a representative and educator. Multilingualism significantly sharpened my rhetoric and diplomatic abilities! In addition, during the winter months, I enjoy translating for various small enterprises and academic institutions, lecturing and teaching students, and helping pupils achieve necessary levels in English. Vibrant passion for languages and traveling are my driving forces, and I greatly enjoy my time with Earthbound guests. Cheers!

Christophe Chagnard acts as Artistic consultant and Tour Manager for Earthbound and is a French-born conductor, composer and guitarist, and one of the most sought-after musicians in the Pacific Northwest. Chagnard was the Music Director of the Lake Union Civic Orchestra (LUCO) and the co-founder and Music Director of the Grammy-nominated Northwest Sinfonietta from 1991 to 2015. You'll see Christophe on many of our music-focused journeys, delighting guests with his expertise not only in music, but in the arts, architecture, wine and cuisine as well. 

Vaclav's knowledge of Central and Eastern Europe amazes all. Being Czech, he has a deep understanding of the history, food, culture and geography of Poland, Slovakia, Germany, Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Time and time again, our travel alumni request that Vaclav be their guide on their next overseas adventure with Earthbound Expeditions. Heading to central or Eastern Europe? Ask for Vaclav!

Our partner and quick-witted Scottish musicologist in Vienna and Edinburgh. Hebe's knowledge and passion for Vienna is contagious. The city and the lives of great composers return to life as she dashes from the Fine Art's Museum to the Vienna State Opera House. Her love for all that is Vienna makes Hebe the perfect travel and dining companion for anyone who can keep up with her incredible pace. Hebe is pictured here with Earthbound Expeditions guide, Holger Zimmer in Vienna