Mario was born in Maracay, Venezuela and has over 12 years of experience in the tourism business. He has owned his own business since 1998. Mario oversees the administration and operation of the agency. He keeps check on the quality of the activities and destinations we book for our clients and oversees the development of our programs and tours. He speaks Spanish and has working knowledge of German and English. When Mario created Turpial Travel and Adventure, he had one goal in mind: "To create the most unforgetable travel experience in Venezuela! He wished that once his clients returned home they remembered their vacation as an unforgettable experience...a true dream!"

Joanne Ruddell: Chief Travel Consultant

Joanne is half American/half Chilean and was born in Peru. She has over 8 years of experience in local, regional and international development affairs.  She has lived and worked in the USA, Europe and Latin America. She holds a bachelor in Business Administration from Lake Forest College (USA), a MSc in Local Economic Development from the London School of Economics (UK). She is bilingual in Spanish and English with working knowledge in French, Italian and Portuguese. Joanne evaluates each activity and ensures  their sustainability and low impact to the environment while supporting the local people.



 

Roger Manrrique: Tour Guide for Bird watching, Herping & Lepidopterist

Roger was born in Mérida, Venezuela. He studied biology in Los Andes University (Venezuela) and is our specialist in Andean fauna, Venezuelan wildlife, entomology (branch of zoology dealing with insects), and lepidoptery (branch of zoology dealing with butterflies and moths). He has worked over 20 years in lepidoptery and has 15 years of experience in Venezuelan birding. He holds one of the most important private collections of butterflies in Venezuela. Roger discovered three new butterfly species and a frog! The South American Handbook and the Venezuelan Handbook Travel Guide recommend him as a wildlife expert. The Lonely Planet, Venezuela Footprint, and Birding in Venezuela travel guides recommend him as a Venezuelan birding expert – specifically for the Andean Region. Roger speaks English and Spanish and looks forward to showing you his country’s wonders!
 
 

       
Oscar  Padilla M: Tour Guide

Oscar was born in Maracay, Venezuela, and has over 10 years of experience in the tourism sector. He is an enthusiastic and professional guide who enjoys leading successful and productive teams.  Oscar areas of expertise are in Venezuelan wildlife (birding) and in ophiology (study of reptiles and amphibians). He speaks English.



  

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