Renzo Zeppilli 2014
From an early age, Renzo developed a deep love for the natural side of his native Peru, which he is passionate about sharing with Nat Hab guests as an Expedition Leader on our Amazon River voyages. Renzo was born and raised between Peru’s capital of Lima and the nearby Andes Mountains. Nature, especially birds, attracted his attention as a child. Eventually deciding to pursue a career that would allow him to spend and share time in nature, Renzo studied nature tourism business management at the University of Nueva Sparta in Caracas, became a licensed guide, and then went on to attain a master’s degree in environmental education, preparing him to become a field expert. Renzo worked first in southeast Peru, within the intense biodiversity of the Upper Amazon rain forest. He then traveled extensively through South America, working as a researcher on conservation projects and as a naturalist/bird guide in Brazil’s Pantanal, the Caribbean coast of Colombia, the Ecuadorian cloud forest, and also in Cuba. He is a board member of the Peru Bird Records Committee (PRBC) and has seen more than 1,500 bird species in his native country.
What Our Guests Say
Over the last 20 years, we have taken about 60 tours with a variety of tour operators. We have had three favorite Expedition Leaders. We now have four. In every way, Renzo is a pro.
Renzo is that rare Expedition Leader whose energy and love of the natural world is boundless. His enthusiasm about the many varied aspects of the Peruvian Amazon is infectious and motivates the traveler to want to learn more and to participate in all activities of which he is a part. He is a delight to know, and I came home feeling privileged to have gotten to know him and the natural world he so obviously loves.
Renzo was an amazingly gifted guide, combining a depth and breadth of naturalist knowledge, a passion for Cuban culture, attentive and insightful interactions with the group and very effective logistical planning. He seems to thrive on connections with his contacts in Cuba and also with the group, making him a most wonderful nature guide and cultural ambassador. He is a gem.
