Leadership Expeditions Guide

Marco Garrido is a mountain guide, outdoor educator, and naturalist with more than two decades of experience living and working in Patagonia. Throughout his career, he has explored Chile from the high Andes of the north to the fjords, glaciers, and wilderness regions of Patagonia and Antarctica, developing a deep understanding of the country’s natural and cultural landscapes.

As part of Leadership Expeditions and Vertical’s experiential learning programs, Marco brings extensive experience in environmental education, wilderness leadership, and nature interpretation. His work focuses on helping participants develop a deeper connection with the natural world while strengthening leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and environmental awareness through direct outdoor experiences.

Marco has dedicated much of his professional life to teaching and training future outdoor professionals. He has served as an instructor in Adventure Tourism at INACAP, Ecotourism at DUOC UC, and Outdoor Education programs at Liceo de Chaitén, sharing his knowledge of wilderness travel, sustainability, and responsible outdoor recreation.

For several years, Marco managed a private reserve in the Vodudahue Valley, located within the Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park in southern Chile. During this time, he developed extensive knowledge of Patagonia’s ecosystems, flora, fauna, and conservation challenges, becoming a passionate advocate for environmental stewardship and nature-based education.

Having lived in Patagonia for more than 23 years, Marco has built a lifestyle deeply connected to the rhythms of nature and the challenges of remote environments. His outdoor experience extends across a wide range of disciplines, including mountaineering, kayaking, skiing, fly fishing, and mountain biking, allowing him to guide participants through diverse wilderness settings with confidence and enthusiasm.

Known for his positive attitude, sense of humor, and passion for teaching, Marco believes that meaningful experiences in nature have the power to transform people’s perspectives and strengthen their connection to both the environment and one another.

“When we step away from the distractions of everyday life and immerse ourselves in nature, we discover a perspective that few people have the opportunity to experience.”