
OUR GUIDES
WHO IS BEHIND NORTHxSOUTH?
Meet our passionate team! At NorthxSouth Expeditions, we share a collective adoration for the mountains, exploration, and connecting with remarkable individuals and cultures. This is the driving force behind everything we do.
Check out our stories below!
OUR GUIDES



DAVID GARCIA
Director + Lead Guide + Co-Founder
David is an Ecuadorian mountain guide who has been climbing since he was just 11 years old. He has led numerous expeditions in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Mexico, and Argentina, and has guided in Russia. David is a member of the Ecuadorian Association of Mountain Guides (ASEGUIM) and the Union Internationale des Associations de Guides de Montagnes (UIAGM). David is currently serving on the ASEGUIM board as the Representative to the Applicants for all ASEGUIM aspirants. David has also earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the National Polytechnic University of Quito, Ecuador.
David takes a unique approach to guiding, making sure to personalize the expedition to each client according to their capabilities and aptitudes by adapting the routes and itinerary to their comfort level and level of experience. As a guide, David prioritizes safety, positivity, and patience to ensure that each client has the best experience possible. He truly believes that his work is the bridge that allows people’s dreams to become reality.
Outside of work, David can be found pursuing his personal climbing endeavors, paragliding, practicing yoga, traveling, and dancing!
CERTIFICATIONS
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IFMGA-UIAGM Aspirant Guide
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ASEGUIM Guide
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AIARE Level 1 - Avalanche Safety
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AIARE Level 2 - Avalanche Safety
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Wilderness First Responder/CPR
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High Mountain Rescue Course (Ministry of Labor) – Quito, Ecuador
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UIAGM RAS 1 - Rope Access Standard
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Rock Climbing Course - Deutsche Alpenverein DAV Sektion Oberland – Munich, Germany
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National Guide specialized in Adventure (Environmental Ministry) – Quito, Ecuador
SIGNIFICANT ASCENTS
Ecuador:
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200+ ascents of Cotopaxi (19,347’) via the Outer Crater Circuit and Inner Ring Circuit
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50+ ascents of Chimborazo (20,548’) via the Traverse, Sun Ridge, and Thielmann Glacier Direct Route
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50+ ascents of Antisana (18,875’) via the South-Northwest and Maximum Routes
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50+ ascents of Cayambe (18,996’)
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100+ ascents of Iliniza Sur (17,267’) via the Normal route, Southeast Ridge Route, and the East Ridge Route
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El Altar: Obispo (17,451’) Grade D+/TD
Bolivia:
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Huayna Potosí (19,974’) via the West Wall
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Pequeño Alpamayo (17,618’) via the Direct Route
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Cabeza de Cóndor (18,530’) via the South Face
Argentina:
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2x ascents of Aconcagua (22,837’)
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Aguja Guillaumet- Couloir Amy
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Aguja Poincenot- Ruta Williams
International:
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Pico de Orizaba (18,491’)
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Mt. Elbrus, Russia (18,510’)
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Naranjo De Bulnes, Spain via Muricana 550m 6b+/A2 (7c+)
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Blaueishütte, Germany via Freibeuter 390m mixed 6c
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Blaueishütte, Germany via Weg der Methusalixe 400m 6a+
Peru:
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Artesonraju (19,767’) via the North Face
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Ranrapalca (20,217’) via the North Face
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Tocllaraju (19,790’) via the West Face
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Huamasraju (17,828’) via the Arista SO - NO – Normal Route/Direct Route
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Chopicalqui (20,817’)
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Pisco (18,871’)
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Huarapasca (17,757’)
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La pirámide del Garcilazo (19,308’) via the North Ridge
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7x ascents of Urus Este Esfinge (3,280’) via the 85 Route and South Face
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Karma de Cóndores (1000’) 5.11+


FATIMA SERRANO DUEÑAS
Guide
Fátima, known by her friends as Fáti, is an Ecuadorian mountain guide who has been venturing to the mountains since she was just 11 years old. When asked about her love for the mountains, she said, “the mountains have been the best playground/classroom that I've found, taking me to so many beautiful places and so many amazing countries, such as Bolivia, Perú, Colombia, México, Switzerland and Italy.” Fáti also has a Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts from the Universidad de los Hemisferios in Quito, Ecuador.
Fáti stands as a trailblazer in the Ecuadorian mountaineering community, distinguishing herself as one of only three female ASEGUIM guides in a historically male-dominated industry. Fueled by her passion, Fáti eagerly anticipates the completion of the UIAGM certification process, which will enable her to continue exploring uncharted territories and forge meaningful connections with extraordinary individuals. She embraces the journey of self-discovery and professional growth, constantly seeking to expand her knowledge and expertise.
During her leisure time, Fáti wholeheartedly pursues her personal climbing aspirations while also competing on an international level in trail-running. Beyond that, she loves live music, practicing yoga, and spending time with her dog.
CERTIFICATIONS
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IFMGA-UIAGM Aspirant Guide
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ASEGUIM Guide
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Wilderness First Responder/CPR - NOLS
MOUNTAINEERING SIGNIFICANT ASCENTS
Ecuador:
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15 ascents of Cotopaxi (19,347’)
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3 ascents of Chimborazo (20,548’) - via the Standard route and the Nicolás Martínez Route
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5 ascents of Antisana (18,875’) via the Standard route
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20 ascents of Cayambe (18,996’) via the Standard route and Santa Bárbara Ridge
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El Altar: Obispo (17,451’) Grade D+/TD
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10 ascents of Iliniza Sur (17,267’) via the Standard route and Southeast Ridge (Celso Zuquillo) Route
Bolivia:
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Pequeño Alpamayo (17,618') via the Direct route D+
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Ala Izquierda (18,234’) via the Directissima route D+
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Cabeza de Cóndor (18,530')
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Illampu (20,892’)
Peru:
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Alpamayo (19,511’)
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Vallunaraju (18,655‘) via the SouthEast Face
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Ranrapalca (20,217’) via the North Face
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Huamashraju (17,828’) via the South Ridge
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Ishinca (18,143’)
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Urus (18,012’)
Switzerland:
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Mönch (13,374’) via Route Nollen D+
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Lagginhorn (13,156’)
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Sustenhorn (11,490’)
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Gwächtenhorn (11,221’)
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Mitter Tierberg (11,162’)
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Grassen (9,665’)
CLIMBING SIGNIFICANT ASCENTS
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Esfinge (5325m), 1985 route - Cordillera Blanca, Perú - Big Wall
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Suesca, Mojarra, Macheta - Choachi, Colombia - Sport/Trad
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Inka Wakanka, Hatun Machay, La portada - Cordillera Blanca, Perú - Sport/Trad
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Arco - Dolomitas, Italia - Sport/Trad.
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Hatun - Machay, Perú - Sport/Trad.
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Tangán, La chorrera, Simiatug, Cojitambo, Giron, Oña, Zumbahua - Ecuador, Sport/Trad. (Highest Grade: 7b/5.12b
DANIEL AUQUILLA VERA
Guide
Daniel, an Ecuadorian mountain guide with a decade of experience, has climbed and guided in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. Additionally, he is a member of the Ecuadorian Association of Mountain Guides (ASEGUIM) and the International Union of Mountain Leader Associations (UIAGM). Furthermore, he holds a degree in Electronic Engineering, a field in which he worked for several years, bringing valuable background to his profile.
Daniel's mission is to transform each expedition into an exceptional experience. With a profound love for the mountains and years of challenges overcome in complex terrains, he is the ideal partner to help you achieve your mountain goals, always prioritizing safety. Daniel's greatest motivation is to help his clients bring their dreams to life. Whether conquering high summits or facing rock and ice walls, his commitment lies in making each adventure enriching and meaningful.
Beyond his professional sphere, Daniel is a passionate climber who constantly hones his skills and strength while planning future expeditions. His love for the mountains is reflected both in his profession and in his ongoing pursuit of personal growth.


CERTIFICATIONS
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IFMGA-UIAGM Aspirant Guide
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ASEGUIM Guide
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Wilderness First Responder/CPR - NOLS
SIGNIFICANT ASCENTS
Ecuador:
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5+ ascents of Cotopaxi (19,347’) via the North Face, the North Face by the Yanasacha Wall (D+ AI4), and the South Face
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5+ ascents of Chimborazo (20,548’) via the Standard route and the Arista del Sol (MD M5)
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5+ ascents of Antisana (18,875’) via the Standard Route and South Summit (D+)
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5+ ascents of Cayambe (18,996’) via the Standard route and Santa Bárbara Ridge
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4+ ascents of El Altar:
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Obispo (17,451’) (D+/TD)
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Canónigo (17,257’) via the North Face - Eastern Summit (MD-)
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Tabernáculo (16,995’) via the Standard Route (D+)
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Monja Chica (16,667’) via the Standard Route (AD+)
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3+ ascents of Iliniza Sur (17,267’) via the Standard Route, Southeast Ridge (Celso Zuquillo - D), and the East Ridge
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4+ ascents of Carihuairazo (16,463’) via the Standard Route and Northwest Ridge (D)
Peru:
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Alpamayo (19,511’) via the French Variant (D+ 65-80°, 10 pitches)
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Ranrapalca (20,217’) via the North Face
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Huamashraju (17,828’) via the South Ridge
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La Esfinge (17,471’) via the 1985 route (MD+ / 6c 750m)
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Ishinca (18,143’)
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Pisco (18,871’)
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Yanapaccha (17,914’)
International:
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Aguja Guillomet - Fitz Roy Group (8465’)
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Cerro Colorado:
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The Magic Spatula (5.11c (6c+) 150m)
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Guanaco Chase + Cimarron y Tabaco (5.10d (6b) A0 200m)
GUIDE CERTIFICATIONS
IFMGA/UIAGM
The IFMGA, founded in 1965 by guides from Austria, France, Switzerland and Italy, is the international umbrella for mountain guide associations from more than 20 countries in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania, representing a total of almost 6,000 guides. Each national association represents all of that country’s mountain guides who are qualified according to IFMGA guidelines.
Learn More: https://ifmga.info
ASEGUIM
ASEGUIM was founded in 1990, when the country's mountain guides met to create a union organization that groups, trains and legalizes this activity in Ecuador, in order to respond safely and efficiently to the demand for adventure tourism in Ecuador. the Ecuadorian Andes and at the same time, to have an organization specialized in mountain rescue.
Learn More: https://aseguim.org