Roland Kenneth Balarezo Takahashi has a wealth of experience in the field, including certifications in various areas such as language proficiency, tourism guidance, and maritime navigation. With a career spanning over two decades, Roland has honed his skills as a Naturalist and Excursion Guide, leading travelers through the rich biodiversity of the Tambopata region with expertise and enthusiasm. His extensive knowledge of the Amazon rainforest enables him to engage and educate guests on the wonders of the natural world. Roland's commitment to providing exceptional service and fostering a deep appreciation for nature aligns perfectly with Aqua Expeditions' mission of offering immersive and responsible travel experiences.

Roland Balarezo Takahashi
Naturalist & Excursion Guide (rotation)
Juan Diego Matute Tenazoa brings a rich background in gastronomy to the table. Born in Iquitos, Juan's passion for food shines through his diverse skill set and extensive experience. With fluency in English and intermediate proficiency in Italian, along with specialized courses in culinary arts from ISTER Gastronomy and Culinary Art Institute Loreto, Juan is well-equipped to deliver exceptional culinary experiences. Juan's journey in the culinary world has been marked by roles of increasing responsibility and expertise from his early days as an assistant chef at "La Casa de la Nona" to his tenure as the Head Chef and owner of "Barbaro's Restaurant”. His proficiency extends to various cuisines, with a solid background in Italian cuisine from his time at "Pizzeria Trattoria Punto Italiano." With a blend of culinary mastery and managerial finesse, Juan is poised to elevate the dining experience for guests aboard Aqua Expeditions' luxury vessels.

Juan Diego Matute Tenazoa
Head Chef
Juan Tejada Rengifo is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience. Hailing from the vibrant city of Iquitos in Peru, Juan’s journey in the labor market has been marked by a continuous pursuit of excellence with a solid educational background and fluency in English and German at an advanced level. Having worked with renowned companies, Juan's expertise in guiding expeditions and providing enriching experiences is well-recognized. Currently serving as a Naturalist and Excursion Guide at Aqua Expeditions, Juan continues to showcase his passion for the Peruvian Amazon and its biodiversity. His extensive tenure with Aqua Expeditions, spanning from October 2007 to present, underscores his deep understanding of the region's ecosystems and his commitment to delivering unforgettable journeys for travelers seeking to explore the wonders of the Amazon rainforest.

Juan Tejada Rengifo
Naturalist & Excursion Guide (rotation)
Alex epitomizes the quintessential Amazonian guide, boasting over two decades of diverse experience in the tourism industry. His journey began in Iquitos, where he cultivated a deep passion for hospitality and adventure amidst the lush expanses of the Amazon rainforest. With a robust background in business administration and fluent English proficiency, Alex seamlessly blends logistical acumen, unparalleled customer service, and profound environmental knowledge to craft extraordinary experiences for travelers. As a Naturalist and Excursion Guide at Aqua Expeditions, Alex continues to lead immersive journeys into the heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Leveraging his extensive expertise, he orchestrates tailored adventures that resonate deeply with each traveler, ensuring unforgettable encounters with the wonders of the Amazon. With Alex at the helm, guests embark on transformative expeditions, forging lasting memories of their Amazonian exploration.

Alex Enriquez Aguilar
Naturalist & Excursion Guide (rotation)
With a passion for showcasing the natural beauty of the Amazon and providing
memorable experiences for travelers, Juan has built a distinguished career in the tourism industry. He has contributed his expertise to esteemed organizations such as a host of cruise companies, and Samiria Ecolodge, where he excelled as a Naturalist and Excursion Guide. Additionally, Juan has served as an English translator at Clinica Ana Stahl for five years, bridging communication gaps and ensuring effective understanding between English-speaking patients and healthcare professionals. Furthermore, he has dedicated two years to educating others as an English professor, nurturing language skills and fostering a love for learning. Juan is enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue his journey with Aqua Expeditions, where he can leverage his extensive experience and passion for environmental conservation to enrich the travel experiences of guests. With a commitment to excellence and a track record of delivering exceptional service, Juan looks forward to contributing his skills and knowledge to create unforgettable adventures for travelers exploring the wonders of the Amazon.

Juan Garcia Arevalo
Naturalist & Excursion Guide (rotation)
Julio is a seasoned guide with extensive experience in the tourism industry. With a solid educational background that includes a certification as an Official Tourism Guide from SENATI, Julio has worked at various companies and has been with Aqua since 2011. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Julio is also qualified to teach in the educational sector, emphasizing creativity, responsibility, and ethical conduct in his work.
Julio's passion for avitourism and extensive training in various fields, such as plant and vegetation identification, ornithology, herpetology, and primate exploration, enhance his ability to provide informative and engaging experiences for tourists.

Julio Mozombite Rolin
Naturalist & Excursion Guide (rotation)
Armindo joined Aqua Expeditions in October 2008, bringing with him an impressive 30 years of experience from his time in the Peruvian Navy. A highly skilled river pilot, Armindo possesses in-depth knowledge of the waterways within the Peruvian Amazon’s River system. Renowned as one of the top captains in the industry, his extensive experience in navigation and management sets him apart. In addition to his expertise, Armindo is a qualified safety officer, proficient in leading critical safety operations such as fire clearance drills, ship abandonment and man overboard protocols, and ensuring safe navigation. He is adept at utilizing advanced navigation tools, including radars, GPS, echo sounders, virtual charts, anemometers, and inclinometers. Speaking both Spanish and English, Armindo’s leadership and expertise continue to contribute significantly to the Aqua Experience.

Armindo Pinedo
Captain
Juan Diego Fernando Peña Marichi is a professional chef specializing in Peruvian cuisine. He holds certifications in Good Manufacturing Practices, Hygiene, and Sanitation HACCAP from Expertum Consultoría y Capacitación (2020), and a diploma from Cevatur Iquitos. Juan's training includes studies at Zegel IPAE and D'Gallia. He serves as head chef for Aqua Expeditions, managing two luxury Amazon ships. His experience spans renowned restaurants like Amaz, Malabar, and Al Frio y Al Fuego. Juan's approach emphasizes creativity, sustainability, and local ingredients. His diverse background, passion for Peruvian gastronomy, and commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset in the culinary world, particularly in showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of Peruvian cuisine.

Juan Diego Fernando Pena Marichi
Head Chef
George Davila has been an integral part of the Amazon tourism industry for
decades. His extensive career spans a wide range of prestigious cruise companies and hotels. George's plethora of knowledge about the Amazon’s ecosystems, wildlife (especially native birds), and conservation efforts makes him a highly sought-after guide for travelers seeking a deep and immersive experience in the Amazon. George brings his expertise to Aqua Expeditions aboard the Aqua Nera and Aria Amazon vessels where he continues to share his passion for the Amazon Jungle with travelers from around the world. He leads engaging excursions and provides valuable insights into the region's natural history. George's deep connection to the Amazon and his talent of imitating several bird calls make him a valuable asset to Aqua Expeditions, enriching the expedition experience for guests.

George Davila Flores
Naturalist & Excursion Guide (rotation)
With a solid track record in the tourism sector, Aldo stands out as a versatile professional committed to excellence in customer service. His experience encompasses diverse roles, from waiter and bartender to receptionist, showcasing his ability to adapt to different responsibilities with skill. Possessing a solid academic background, with studies at Eureka 21 and certifications in professional English, Aldo excels as an official tour guide highly qualified and trained in logistics and hotel management. Currently, Aldo serves as a Naturalist and Excursion Guide at Aqua Expeditions, where he leverages his passion for nature and deep knowledge of the Amazon environment to offer enriching experiences to travelers exploring the world's rivers. With Aldo on board, each excursion becomes an unforgettable adventure, where the beauty and diversity of the Amazon are revealed in a unique and fascinating way.

Aldo Flores Hidalgo
Naturalist & Excursion Guide (rotation)