Maruja Colonia
Founder & General Manager
Maruja has lived the mountaineering lifestyle since her youth and brings deep local insight, passion, and commitment to every expedition. She studied tourism management at CENFOTUR Huaraz and is known for her warm leadership, strong integrity, and dedication to community support.
She actively participates in charitable initiatives to improve opportunities for children and families in remote Andean villages like Vicos — the hometown of her parents — and she treats every traveler like family.
Gilf Laurente
Co-owner, Lead Mountain Guide & Mountain Educator
Gilf Laurente is a world-recognized guide whose expertise goes far beyond navigation and logistics — he is widely respected for his deep understanding of mountain environments, culture, and safety, as witnessed by international trekkers and media. Gilf was featured in Outside Online guiding travelers through the remote and iconic Cordillera Huayhuash, where his intuitive leadership, local knowledge, and ability to interpret the landscape helped make the trek one of the most memorable experiences for visitors. He is officially certified as a high mountain guide by the Peruvian government and is among the select few guides in Peru who combine technical climbing skill with deep ecological understanding and cultural awareness — including fluency in Quechua and English, and knowledge of local flora, fauna, and mountain climatology.
Gilf Laurente is a world-recognized guide whose expertise goes far beyond navigation and logistics — he is widely respected for his deep understanding of mountain environments, culture, and safety, as witnessed by international trekkers and media. Gilf was featured in Outside Online guiding travelers through the remote and iconic Cordillera Huayhuash, where his intuitive leadership, local knowledge, and ability to interpret the landscape helped make the trek one of the most memorable experiences for visitors. He is officially certified as a high mountain guide by the Peruvian government and is among the select few guides in Peru who combine technical climbing skill with deep ecological understanding and cultural awareness — including fluency in Quechua and English, and knowledge of local flora, fauna, and mountain climatology.
Gilf has more than 25 years of professional guiding and mountaineering experience, leading treks and climbs across:
- Peru (Cordillera Blanca & Huayhuash — including Jirishanca, Yerupajà, Siula Grande)
- Bolivia (Cordillera Real & Apolobamba)
- Cultural treks in Cusco and other Andean regions.
He also teaches and mentors aspiring guides, ensuring rigorous safety standards and deep respect for the Andean landscape are passed to new generations.
Why this Matters to you
Travelers who have experienced Huayhuash with Gilf report that:
- His guidance transforms the trek into a true cultural and mountain immersion.
- He enriches the journey with local insights, from medicinal plants to traditional beliefs connected to the mountains.
- His leadership makes even challenging passes feel safe and meaningful.
These testimonials — from serious adventurers and Outside Online contributors alike — confirm what many clients experience firsthand:
Gilf is not only a guide — he is a trusted companion in the Andes.
Summary of Gilf’s competitive strengths
- Officially certified Peruvian mountain guide
- Featured in Outside Online for his leadership in the Huayhuash Circuit
- Recognized for skills in safety, local cultural interpretation, and environmental respect
- Decades of experience guiding small-group expeditions
- Educator and mentor of future professional guides.