Discovery Adventures Experts

The experts that inspire our trips

Explorers, teachers, dare devils and leaders – Discovery has some of the most dedicated and experienced experts working with us to bring the world into your view. They have laid the path to extraordinary places and helped to inspire us to take you there.

Kara Cooney, Egyptologist

Kara Cooney has an insatiable curiosity about the ancient world. As host of Discovery Channel’s Out of Egypt, Kara travels the globe to remarkable archeological sites to unravel the mysteries at the root of the world’s oldest civilizations. Kara spends a lot of time in the sand digging deep to uncover magnificent treasures and tombs that hold secrets of our great ancestors.

Dave Salmoni, Zoologist

Dave Salmoni knows how to be one with animals. As a renowned animal trainer and host of Discovery Channel’s Animal Planet Predator versus Prey, Into the Lion’s Den and After the Attack, Dave spends a lot of time with predators such as Grizzly Bears, 14-foot Crocodiles, Great White Sharks and his favourite specialty – the big cats.

Andy Dehart, Discovery Channel Shark Advisor

Andy Dehart’s passion for sharks began when he saw his first one at the age of five. He’s been working with sharks for nearly 20 years, having encountered more than 40 different species. As Shark Advisor for Discovery Channel’s Shark Week he shares his expertise to provide a better understanding to these revered and feared creatures of the deep.

This June, travel with Andy Dehart on an exclusive departure to the Galapagos Islands. View more details about this once in a lifetime opportunity!

The experts that lead our trips

Each Discovery Adventures tour is led by a talented and enthusiastic tour guide. Our guides are chosen specifically for their knowledge and passion of the destination you’re visiting. A few expert tour guides are highlighted below to provide you with an idea of what type of guide will accompany you on your tours.

Jose Bastante, Peru Tour Guide

Jose has an intense curiosity for the path less traveled. Along with a degree in Archeology, Jose has spent many years “in-field”, researching and participating in expeditions and excavations. His knowledge and stories of the ancient and mysterious sites of Peru will both amaze and entertain you. In his free time, Jose can be found in the mountains and jungles of Peru pursuing his passion for photography.

Mayer Magdy, Egypt Tour Guide

Mayer has a fascination with old things. He loves to bring the ancient mysteries of the past into the present. An expert in ancient Egyptian history, monuments and language, he is fluent in 5 languages. He will both educate and entertain travelers with his knowledge and unique stories.

Hanzel Martinetti Valencia, Galapagos Level III Naturalist

Hanzel knows a thing or two about nature. Educated as a biologist, he spent 3 years teaching the indigenous people in the Ecuadorian jungles. Hanzel is also a former Navy Seal and was in the Ecuadorian Navy for over 10 years. His passion for unusual wildlife lead him to acquire his Level III Naturalist credentials to become an accredited guide for the Galapagos National Park.

Osbel Porcel Quispe, Peru Tour Guide

Osbel loves his country and believes it is his calling to be an ambassador of the Peruvian/Andean/Inca culture. He is well educated and trained in courses that include sociology, anthropology, archeology and biology addressing the history and various cultures of all his region’s people. Osbel is also a trained Inca Trail Specialist and has lead over 500 trips along the trail. As a tour guide for the past 7 years, he enjoys sharing the wealth of culture and personal stories to enlighten newcomers on the many different faces of Peru. In his free time he continues to travel the world. His claim to fame an expert in Salsa, Merengue and other Latin dances!

Yorleny Jimenez Rojas, Costa Rica Tour Guide

Yorleny is a true nature lover. Her studies in Agro-ecotourism and passion for the spectacular natural beauty and 15 diverse ecosystems of Costa Rica has inspired her to share her knowledge with travelers visiting her country. Her experience as a nature guide and naturalist prepares her with an expert knowledge of Costa Rica's wildlife. From the mile high treetops to the crystal blue waters, Yorleny believes every day presents something new to explore and discover.

Gerhard (Guts) Swanepoel, Southern Africa Tour Guide

Guts is the perfect nick-name for this hardcore lover of life. A true explorer and extreme adventurer, Guts’ passion for photography has taken him to some of the most remote, yet extraordinary places just to get that perfect shot. Trained in adventure tourism, he is very well equipped to take you out into the wilds of Africa to experience a trip of a lifetime…just don’t forget your camera!