Juan Araya

Juan has over 20 years of experience as a professional mountain guide, and has lead successful expeditions for Alpine Ascents since 2020. Today, he is one of the most respected guides on Aconcagua, with more than 45 summits on his resume. He is well-known in the local climbing community for his undeniable professional skills and outstanding climbing resume. Additionally, he is a highly regarded teacher (lecturing at the famed Provincial Mountain School) with a unique capacity to pass on his broad knowledge, and has helped develop some of the best guides in Argentina over the last 25 years. Juan has worked and trained in the Pacific Northwest, and has climbed Denali alongside our Alpine Ascents Senior Staff. Outside of his mountain activities, he also works in tourism, organizing outdoor activities all around the province for companies and local leaders. In his limited free time, he is fully dedicated to educating his children in all things mountains and mountaineering. Last season Juan successfully led teams to the summit of Aconcagua in especially complex weather conditions, a testament to his knowledge of the mountain and it’s challenges.

Take 5 with the Guide

If you could only take one album on an expedition?
Ten – Pearl Jam

Favorite movie?
Pulp Fiction – Quentin Tarantino

Most beloved book?
Starlight and Storm – Gaston Rébuffat

Dream climbing partner for your dream climb?
Erhard Loretan for the South Face of Aconcagua

In another life, I’d…
be a fighter jet pilot