
Get to know us
The spiral, our work methodology
The core represents the individual, from where the journey of self-knowledge begins.
In the middle is the community; the individual expands toward the other, where the social bond becomes the seed of change.
In the outer layer, there is the natural environment as a mean of both personal and social development.
Our work team

Felipe Sanhueza
Academic content coordinator

Felipe Sanhueza
Academic content coordinator
Felipe holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of Chile and an MA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Groningen, with a specialization in environmental ethics and policy.
He has experience working in education since 2014 and has certifications in teaching, learning systematization strategies and learning neurology.
In recent years, he has combined his passions for teaching and the environment, focusing on environmental education to help others understand our natural surroundings and raise awareness of the importance of conservation and sustainability.
With his experience and knowledge of environmental philosophy and ethics, he has proven to be a valuable asset in promoting social change and environmental protection. His focus on education has been key in fostering behavior change and building more sustainable communities.

Javier Galilea
Instructor

Javier Galilea
Instructor
Graduated from San Sebastian University with a major in Expeditions Engineering and Eco-tourism. Born in Coyhaique, lived mostly in Aysen the XIth Region (Chilean Patagonia), which is why he’s always been in contact with nature and the environment, practicing various sports related to mountaineering and equestrian world. Some of his sports achievements are: Winter expedition to the Northern Ice Fields, ascents in the Central, Patagonian and Bolivian Andes as well as broad range horse rides.
For the past 6 years has been guiding groups through touristic programs for which he has different certifications such as Wilderness First Responder, courses in Equestrian Culture from the Patagonian School of Guides, 4X4 Safe Driving from the Chilean Automobile Club, amongst other.

Lara Stone
International Program
Coordinator and instructor

Lara Stone
International Program
Coordinator and instructor
Studied environmental science at the University of California, Santa Barbara. During her studies and environmental work, both within the United States and abroad, she became interested in connecting others to nature through outdoor education. To help raise awareness in this area, she volunteered as a teacher for the non-profit organization Environmental Education for the Next Generation, interactive classes covering the state standards in science and ecology for children ages (5-7). In her free time she likes to hike, climb, surf, and learn from the people and culture everywhere she goes.
Leadership course, UCSB, Adventure Programs TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages)
Certified in: Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness Medicine Association.

Macarena Rivera
Communication area coordinator

Macarena Rivera
Communication area coordinator
Graphic Designer graduated from the University of Chile.
Has more than 5 years of experience as a graphic designer, developing print and digital graphic pieces.

Nelson Rivera
Director and instructor

Nelson Rivera
Director and instructor
He has more than 35 years of mountaineering experience, including having been a member of the first Chilean expedition to Mount Everest. Throughout his career Nelson has worked as a mountaineering guide and instructor, with vast experience as a rescuer with the Andean Rescue Corps of Chile and the Chilean Ski Patrol.
He also specialized in avalanche control systems, which allowed him to provide support to the winter operations of major mining companies.
Lecturer at San Sebastian University in the department of Expeditions Engineering and Eco-tourism.
Nelson has participated in leading expeditions in the Central Andes, the Patagonian Andes, the Peruvian Andes, the Bolivian Andes, and the Himalayas. He is certified in backcountry first aids a Wilderness First Responder. In addition to climbing mountains, Nelson has a passion for the marine world and has been scuba diving for more than 25 years.
This enthusiasm for the outdoors led him to found COE and create a space for the nurturing of self-development, social skills, respect and love for the natural environment.

Nicolás Belmar
Instructor

Nicolás Belmar
Instructor
Chilean, professional in ecotourism , consultant in nature based tourism, professor at San Sebastián University in Expeditions Engineering and Eco-tourism, climber from the Escuela Nacional de Montaña (ENAM) and a lifetime scout.
He has 11 years of experience in nature based tourism and mountain guide, with expeditions all throughout Chile both north and south. Some of his expeditions have been: Ascent of Ojos del Salado, Mulas Muertas, San Jose Volacano, El Plomo, Northern Ice Fields, Laguna Verde, Lago General Carrrera, Cochamo, Torres del Paine.
Has specialized in environment awareness through courses in Chinese philosophy, certified therapist in Chi Kung, a Perma Culture designer PDC (Instituto El Manzano), certifications in Leave No Trace from the NOLS, and is a certified in Remote First Aid (WFR).
He has worked developing projects for Local and private communities in San Pedro de Atacama, Caspana and Toconce, rural communities in O´Higgins and Cuenca del Lago Caro in Aysen.

Rodolfo Rada
Rafting and Kayak Guide

Rodolfo Rada
Rafting and Kayak Guide
Certified by Tourism Training Institute— Vancouver, Canada, in Business Administration, Eco-Tourism and Adventure Tourism.
His passion for adventure has taken him as a guide to rivers in Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and Zambia.
Lecturer at San Sebastián University in the department of Expeditions Engineering and Eco-tourism.
Head of the Eco-Micro Project: an Ecological Bus dedicated to giving recycling workshops and promoting renewable energy across Chile.
White Water Rescue course, UBC— Canada.
Open Water PADI License.
Wilderness First Responder.

Valentina Canales
Coordinator of Educational
Programs and Instructor

Valentina Canales
Coordinator of Educational
Programs and Instructor
Graduated as an expeditions engineer and eco-tourism from the Universidad San Sebastián.
Her personal and work experiences have led her to work in charge of groups for more than 10 years.
Thanks to her games and reflection dynamics, she generates an atmosphere of joy and trust that’s allow transform any situation into positive results, making the groups to be strengthened and creating spaces for personal growth.