Be Guided By Experts
Born in the remote foothills adjacent to Manu National Park, where the Andes descend into the Amazon rainforest, Simon Pinares Churana has spent most of his life immersed in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Growing up between cloud forest trails, rivers, and indigenous communities gave him a deep understanding of the rainforest long before becoming a professional guide.
For decades, Simon has explored the forests of Manu, learning the movements of birds, mammals, and wildlife through firsthand experience in the field. His strong connection with native Andean and Amazonian communities has shaped not only his knowledge of the region, but also his respect for the cultural traditions and ancestral wisdom that remain deeply rooted throughout southern Peru.
In 2012, Simon worked alongside Charles Hamilton during BBC documentary productions in the Peruvian Amazon, contributing his field expertise, wildlife tracking skills, and intimate knowledge of Manu’s remote ecosystems. Throughout his career, he has also led expeditions and trekking groups for major tour companies operating in Manu National Park and across the Andes of Peru.
Today, Simon specializes in high-quality birding, wildlife photography, and nature expeditions throughout Manu National Park and other key birding destinations across Peru. His ability to identify bird calls, locate rare species, and understand animal behavior makes every excursion an immersive experience for photographers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
Known for his calm personality, exceptional field skills, and genuine passion for the natural world, Simon creates journeys that go beyond traditional tours. Whether searching for Andean Cock-of-the-rocks in the cloud forest, photographing macaws in the Amazon lowlands, or exploring hidden trails deep inside Manu, his guiding style combines expertise, authenticity, and a profound connection to the landscapes he calls home. For Simon, guiding is not simply about finding wildlife — it is about sharing the spirit of the forest, the stories of its people, and the extraordinary beauty of Peru’s wild places.
For decades, Simon has explored the forests of Manu, learning the movements of birds, mammals, and wildlife through firsthand experience in the field. His strong connection with native Andean and Amazonian communities has shaped not only his knowledge of the region, but also his respect for the cultural traditions and ancestral wisdom that remain deeply rooted throughout southern Peru.
In 2012, Simon worked alongside Charles Hamilton during BBC documentary productions in the Peruvian Amazon, contributing his field expertise, wildlife tracking skills, and intimate knowledge of Manu’s remote ecosystems. Throughout his career, he has also led expeditions and trekking groups for major tour companies operating in Manu National Park and across the Andes of Peru.
Today, Simon specializes in high-quality birding, wildlife photography, and nature expeditions throughout Manu National Park and other key birding destinations across Peru. His ability to identify bird calls, locate rare species, and understand animal behavior makes every excursion an immersive experience for photographers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
Known for his calm personality, exceptional field skills, and genuine passion for the natural world, Simon creates journeys that go beyond traditional tours. Whether searching for Andean Cock-of-the-rocks in the cloud forest, photographing macaws in the Amazon lowlands, or exploring hidden trails deep inside Manu, his guiding style combines expertise, authenticity, and a profound connection to the landscapes he calls home. For Simon, guiding is not simply about finding wildlife — it is about sharing the spirit of the forest, the stories of its people, and the extraordinary beauty of Peru’s wild places.
