Experts by Destination: South America
Kitty Coley
Kitty Coley is a geologist, naturalist, and avid birder who serves as a consultant to National Geographic magazine. Working as a professional geologist, she spent extensive time in remote rain forests and rugged landscapes around the world, and she has led expeditions for National Geographic for many years... More »
Alexandra Cousteau
Granddaughter of legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau, National Geographic Emerging Explorer Alexandra Cousteau set out on her first exploration at the age of four months. Growing up traveling the globe fed her passion for adventure and taught her first-hand the value of conservation... More »
Peter Frost
Peter Frost is a writer, photographer, archaeologist, and independent scholar who has explored the Andes and Amazon for 35 years, and lived in Peru since 1987. He has published four books on Peru and Ecuador, including a guide to the Cusco region and a book on Machu Picchu... More »
Antonio Adrian
Born in Ecuador, Antonio Adrian has worked as a naturalist for the Galápagos National Park since 1994. He has written a natural history guide for the island, as well as established Fundacion Vulcao, which funds educational projects in the Galápagos... More »
Melina Bellows
Melina Gerosa Bellows is Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Books, Kids and Family at National Geographic. Melina is Editor in Chief of National Geographic Kids, the largest children's magazine in America... More »
David Braun
David Braun is Editor in Chief of National Geographic Digital Media, responsible for Daily News, Science, and the Environment. A journalist for more than 35 years, he has overseen the production of some 10,000 news stories for National Geographic, hundreds of them focusing on the Society's research and exploration... More »
Constanza Ceruti
A National Geographic Emerging Explorer, high-altitude archaeologist Constanza Ceruti specializes in excavating Inca Empire ceremonial centers on the summits of sacred Andean mountains. Constanza's most impressive find to date took place on a 22,100-foot summit, where the expedition she co-led unearthed the three best-preserved mummies ever discovered... More »
Chris Johns
Chris Johns was named Editor in Chief of National Geographic magazine in January 2005. He is the ninth editor of the magazine since its founding in 1888... More »
Juan Martinez
National Geographic Emerging Explorer and environmental educator Juan Martinez is a national spokesman for the importance of getting youth—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—into the outdoors. He spearheads the Natural Leaders Network of the Children & Nature Network, an organization creating links between environmental organizations, corporations, government, education, and individuals to reconnect children with nature... More »
Ernesto Ore
Born and raised in a small Peruvian village, Ernesto Ore is well-versed in the rich history, traditions, and modern-day customs of his people. He is currently president of the Fundación Apu Kuntur, a non-profit dedicated to saving the endangered Andean condor, and has served as an apprentice to a high priest and healer from the Andes... More »
Kevin Schafer
National Geographic photographer Kevin Schafer is a founding Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, Kevin was named the 2007 Outstanding Nature Photographer of the Year by the North American Nature Photographers Association. His work has appeared in National Geographic, Smithsonian, and Audubon; and his books include Penguin Planet and Living Light... More »
Eduardo Shaw
Eduardo Shaw grew up on the pampas of Argentina and has lived with his family in northwestern Patagonia for more than 20 years. A former teacher and now a naturalist and lecturer, he is deeply involved in local foundations and community projects that promote sustainable development... More »
David Silverberg
David Scott Silverberg is an exploration geographer working on conservation projects spanning six continents. His mix of exploration, research, and digital photo-video storytelling has been popular with National Geographic travelers for many years... More »
Paula Tagle Saad
Paula Tagle Saad grew up in Guayaquil and has worked as an interpreter for the Galapagos National Park for several years. Paula holds a degree in geology and has a deep familiarity with both the land and the culture of the Galápagos... More »
Mark Thiessen
Mark Thiessen began shooting for National Geographic in 1990. His numerous articles for National Geographic magazine include "Monsters of Madagascar" (August 2000), "Russian Smokejumpers" (August 2002), and a recent series on wildfires... More »
Tierney Thys
National Geographic Emerging Explorer Tierney Thys is a marine biologist and documentary filmmaker whose work explores the breadth of animal diversity from pole to pole and chronicles global environmental change. Tierney is a world authority on the giant ocean sunfish, Mola mola, and has led numerous expeditions worldwide from Africa to Baja, Japan, Indonesia, and the Galápagos Islands to study these bizarre jelly-eating behemoths... More »
