Allow me to introduce myself; I am Gustavo Cevallos, a 39-year-old Ecuadorian-Chilean, born in the picturesque city of Quito, Ecuador, and raised amid the breathtaking landscapes of Santiago de Chile. My story is one woven with the threads of passion, adventure, and a profound connection with the mountains.
My journey began amidst the towering peaks and pristine glaciers that surrounded my childhood. Even as I pursued the dream of becoming a professional soccer player, the allure of the mountains was ever-present. Every spare moment was dedicated to escaping into the embrace of nature, a testament to my unwavering love for adventure and the great outdoors.
At the age of 17, I embarked on a new chapter of my life when I moved back to Quito to pursue my university education. It was here that I found my true calling - mountaineering. Joining the Mountaineering Club of the Catholic University marked the beginning of my transformation into a dedicated mountaineer. I embarked on countless courses, climbed Ecuador's majestic peaks, and embarked on my first expeditions beyond its borders. The dream of conquering the high mountains of Peru, Argentina, and Chile became a driving force.
In 2003, fortune smiled upon me as I embarked on my inaugural journey to the Cordillera Blanca, marking the first of many unforgettable trips. At this juncture, I recognized that the mountains were not just a passion; they were my life's purpose. I resolved to transform this passion into my profession and embarked on rigorous training with the Ecuadorian Association of Mountain Guides (ASEGUIM). The path was arduous, demanding, and challenging, but the moment I graduated as a guide was a source of immense pride.
In 2008, I set my sights on the Aconcagua via the Polacos Glacier in Argentina, the first of six expeditions to this awe-inspiring peak. Eager to explore even more distant mountains, I was awarded a scholarship in 2009 to undergo a two-month mountain course with the German Alpine Club (DAV), marking my first encounter with the majestic Alps. These mountains instantly captivated my heart and have remained a part of my life for over a decade.
My journey has taken me to the mountains of France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic, each experience enriching my expertise as a professional mountain guide. I have had the privilege of guiding in Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Peru, France, Italy, and continue to grow and learn in this ever-evolving profession. Currently, I stand on the brink of completing my IFMGA training, solidifying my status as an international mountain guide.
My grand dream now beckons me to the Himalayas, to scale and explore its towering summits. I am unwavering in my belief that with hard work, discipline, and perseverance, this dream shall become a reality.
I look forward to sharing the magic of the mountains with you, creating unforgettable experiences amidst the most stunning landscapes I have had the privilege to know. Together, we shall embark on a journey filled with awe-inspiring beauty and adventure.
See you soon on the mountains!