The person leading your trip makes it or breaks it. Every guide I work with is chosen for two things: deep, first-hand expertise in these landscapes, and a personality suited to leading small groups well. I’ve traveled and worked with each of them for years — and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. You’ll be in good hands, and good company, while you explore places most people never reach.
Sergio Ballivian — Founder and still your guide in the field
I’m not the owner who books your trip and waves from the office. I’m the one in the 4×4 beside you, at the overlook before first light, telling you where to stand when it breaks. Forty years behind the lens, thirty leading photographers into the Andes and Amazon, and I’m still out there every season, guiding, teaching, and scouting the next place worth going.
I grew up in La Paz, Bolivia, in a country of raw geography: the Altiplano, the Andes, the Amazon, the high deserts. I trained at the University of Calgary’s Outdoor Pursuits Program, then spent five years from 1991 at the National Geographic Society, working beside the photographers and technicians sent on assignment around the world. In 1994 I founded Explore Bolivia and pioneered firsts across the country: mountain biking the Andes, rafting class-4 Amazon rivers, the first sea-kayaking on Lake Titicaca. I launched Sergio Photo Tours in 1996, and later self-published two hardcover books from decades in the field, Altiplano and Madidi.
That’s the record. Here’s what matters more: after all of it, I still do the work most people my age hand off, the pre-dawn starts, the dust, the long wait for the light, and the moment a guest lands the frame they came for. That’s why I’m still on the ground with you, developing new destinations and teaching in the field, not sitting behind a monitor and a spreadsheet.
See my work at sergiophoto.com. Fine-art prints on request.
Drop me a note here, I will respond directly
Want me on your next trip? Send me one line about your dream shot and we’ll build it.
The local team behind your trip
Beyond me, your trip runs on a small circle of regional and country experts I’ve worked beside for years: senior Bolivian driver-guides who know the Altiplano and Amazon by heart, a professional photographer-guides, certified trekking and climbing guides, and specialist birding and naturalist guides across Colombia and the Andean cloud forests. Everyone is vetted for skill and for the temperament that makes a small group feel looked after, far from anywhere.
Our Client Adventure Stories
Hola Sergio!
Bolivia was spectacular. We couldn't have done it without you and Oscar. I am very appreciative.
We will stay connected!
Bill W.
McCall, Idaho / Eagle, Idaho
Bill W.
Hello Sergio, Jose and Javier,
It's been a few months since we were in Peru and the Huayhuash with your team. Last night we sat down to see some photos...and we were reminiscing about those blue andean skies and the golden colors across the landscape. Even the few cloudy days and nighttime rain added to the beauty we had the pleasure of enjoying....with no one around. You were right, it is remote, but it is also incredibly beautiful, impenetrable and frankly a little imposing. We felt small surrounded by such huge peaks, and when we saw Siula Grande where Joe Simpson and his partner had their epic survival...we understood the magnitude of those peaks. I don't know how they survived...We were in good hands as Jose and Javier were excellent guides and besides knowing many of the locals we met along the way they also shared the stories of the Shining Path and the hard times so many decades ago. We give your staff 5 stars for organization, transport, food and guiding. We felt we received a great service for a fair price. Thank you so much again and we know these memories will last us a lifetime. Salut!
Jean-Pierre and Claudette (the vagabonds of Quebec)
Jean-Pierre B.
Hola amigo,
Just managed to download all my photos of Patagonia. Holy cow, I got more shots that are possible prints than I remember. Bob called the other day, he's headed down to Miami in a month, so I am sure we're going to look and share photos of Chile. Considering the great weather we got, April really was the perfect choice for the colors and the warmer temps. The day at the ranch was great! That real gaucho looked like he came out of the Marlboro ad...tough looking dude...smoking and riding his horse. The light was awesome and I did get one shot with him in silhouette that is a favorite. The infrared photos of the vicuñas and the lonely roads...came out great! I'll post a few to Instagram, make sure to follow me. Hopefully your flight was not as bumpy as ours. Let's stay in touch. I may be up for another trip soon. Take care and be good. Sam
Samuel D.
Sergio,
Sam and I had a great trip! The colors in autumn were really spectacular and I am so glad we didn't get too much wind! I think I got some really nice shots of the waterfalls and the sunset across the horns! The guanacos with the Torres in the background were keepers for sure even though it's a classic shot, I am very happy with it. Man, the snowstorn/gale on Grey Lake was something else, but I think we got the best sailing window of the day. They guys before us saw clouds and the group after us saw rain. You can't take credit for the timing but Sam and I got some killer shots of Grey glacier and the snow-covered mountains. Thanks so much for sorting out the hotels. We slept like kings. Let's visit the Atacama Desert next time! Nora says hello and we send you our best wishes!
Patrick M.
Hey Serge,
I am off to visit my sister in Minnesota but just wanted to send a quick hello and thanks before boarding my flight. The Tuichi River trip was unlike anything I have ever done. I'm a city girl, but you and Ovidio and Jose were so good to me, I can't thank you enough. Hot and humid is not my fave, but the rainforest was magical. The monkeys, macaws and the giant armadillo were amazing! I never knew an armadillo could be so huge! Anyways, Rosita and Ana-maria were such great cooks....oh my god! The fresh fish cooked in the bamboo tubes and the catfish in the banana leaves...soooo delish. The fresh made bread made me gain a few extra you know whats...so now I have to go to the gym to sweat it off. My bags finally arrived a day later back home but all's well that ends well. Sending all you guys a big hug from Aspen. Keep me on your mailing list, hopefully soon I can visit with my fiancee. XoXo Amy
Amy T.
Sergio! Saludos desde Chile!
Quiero espresar mis sinceros agradecimientos por el gran trabajo que nos brindaste atravesando el Altiplano en tu Land Cruiser! Vaya hombre....los otros que van 6 por auto no saben lo que se pierden en no poder viajar contigo. Comodos con solo 4 personas por auto, deliciosa comida, y tu conocimiento de la zona del Salar de Uyuni y Sud Lipez es impresionante! Te felicito porque nos dejaste con los mejores recuerdos para toda la familia. Mis hijos aun se recuerdan de los poliganos de salt, la luz espectacular en la mañana ilumbrando el Thunupa y cuando nos mostraste las mommias en la cueva! Y las manadas de vicuñas corriendo hacia laguna Colorada! Wow! Nos hemos enamorado de Bolivia y su gente. Un fuerte abrazo y espero que vayamos al Parque Nacional Madidi contigo muy pronto.
Jonathan, Ingrid, Jose y Tanja
Jonathan W.