THE COOPERATIVE
Meet our guides
An adventure with the Guías del Pirineo Cooperative is about exploring the Pyrenees safely, enjoying every activity, caring for the places we visit, and learning from the natural environment — with certified guides passionate about what they do.
We bring together a wide range of mountain disciplines, with qualifications in mid- and high-mountain guiding, climbing, skiing, canyoning, and environmental education.
But who is behind this cooperative? And perhaps more importantly: who will accompany you on your adventure in the mountains? We introduce you to our team of seven.
DIEGO
High Mountain Guide, Canyoning Guide and Ski Instructor
MEET DIEGO
“I am an alpine ski instructor, canyoning guide and high mountain guide. But, above all, I am passionate about the mountains, guiding and educating.
My work is based on ideals that try to keep intact the true essence of the mountain and everything that it has taught me over the years: adventure, commitment and friendship.”
What was the first mountain you climbed?
My first 3000 was the Petit Vignemale, I think when I was 12 years old, with my mother and father. Amazing! And my first remarkable mountain… Maybe that same one or some of the central area, Sierras de Gredos or Guadarrama.
But I have been linked to the mountains all my life, since my father is a mountaineer and my mother was raised in the mountains, originally from Bielsa.
What has been the funniest moment you have had in the mountains?
I’ve had so many great moments in the mountains that it’s hard to choose. Maybe in the Galayos or the Pedriza, where I’ve spent numerous days and nights filled with fun and adventure. But maybe what I cherish most about it, is that every experience was completely new back then.
What area of the Pyrenees would you recommend to someone who wants to fall in love with nature for the first time?
I think Sobrarbe, in general, is very special. The Cotiella massif in winter, in particular, is incredibly remote and wild, I find it truly amazing. In summer, the imposing north face of the Vignemale massif captivates me, or even a simple walk through the Estiva in the Pineta Valley, with Monte Perdido’s north face towering above, can leave you completely speechless.
Which Pyrenean animal inspires you and why?
The Pyrenean chamois, without a doubt. They have an incredible balance between strength, speed and agility.
What do you think is the most important thing someone learns in the mountains?
To me, friendship and respect—for both the people you share the experience with and the environment—are what matter most. Sharing challenging or unforgettable moments with your rope partners creates deep connections, not only with them but also with the mountain.
ALFONSO
Climbing, Canyoning and Mountain Guide
MEET ALFONSO
”I am passionate about guiding routes full of history, highlighting those who made the first ascents in the Pyrenees. For me, climbing is a way to connect with nature. Training ensures safety, helps overcome challenges, and fosters growth through values like effort, perseverance, companionship and self-discipline. Climbing is a journey toward becoming better persons.”
What mountain project would you like to fulfill?
West face of Gashembrum IV. A mountain of 7,925m (almost 8,000m). That slope is known as “The Shining Wall” for the colour it acquires at sunset. For me it’s a geometrically perfect, austere and elegant mountain. It is located in the Karakoram, Pakistan.
What mountain/area of the Pyrenees would you recommend to someone who wants to fall in love with nature for the first time?
In the Pyrenees, love at first sight comes naturally. Whether hiking around the stunning Monte Perdido massif, getting to know the traditional life of the Chistau Valley, or exploring the depths of the Añisclo Canyon, this place inspires a true love for nature and wildlife.
Which Pyrenean animal inspires you and why?
Without a doubt, the bearded vulture, a symbol of the good health of these mountains. It’s the living proof that, through education and dedicated effort, a species that was on the brink of extinction just a few decades ago, can recover. Unique, mysterious, and elegant, it stands as the sentinel of these mountains.
What do you think is the most important thing someone learns in the mountains?
The value of effort, respect and care for the environment for those who will come after us, companionship… The mountains are the perfect setting to enjoy beauty without hurry, with attention and care. In a world that moves so fast, it is essential to pause and reconnect with our roots—the wildest nature, where we come from.
ELENA
Coordinator and Customer Service
MEET ELENA
”I always knew I would make my home in the mountains, but I never expected to feel such a profound love for them. Life moves at a gentler pace here, and every moment is meant to be enjoyed. I take great joy in sharing my passion and helping each guest discover the Pyrenees in a way that makes them want to come back again and again.”
Do you have any special ritual before starting a route/activity?
I don’t know very well why, but I count the steps I take, always.
Do you have any recommendations for a book or movie related to the mountain?
Meru: odyssey in the Himalayas
Which Pyrenean animal inspires you and why?
The sheep, because it has helped me see the mountains from the perspective of the people who live here.
What do you think is the most important thing someone learns in the mountain?
To understand when it’s time to turn back, and to see it not as surrender, but as a chance to come back.
Is there any story or legend of the Pyrenees that you always like to share with those who accompany you?
The Legend that tells that the town of San Juan de Plan relocated to escape the Lacuercos, mythological creatures similar to snakes. These beings were said to feed on breast milk, poisoning mothers and leaving children weak and malnourished. The truth? The town did move, and vipers still inhabit the area—but the real reason remains a mystery.
JORGE
Superior Climbing, Canyoning and High Mountain Guide
MEET JORGE
”I love my job for three simple reasons. First, because it takes place in nature; an environment that brings tranquility and well-being, and that is constantly changing with the seasons. Second, because it allows me to work with people of all backgrounds, personalities, and motivations, which naturally creates a strong human connection. And third, the privilege of sharing knowledge, experience, and safety—something rewarding when people come with curiosity and a desire to learn.”
What was the first mountain you climbed?
La Peña Montañesa, in the Sobrarbe region. An icon of the area.
What object is never missing in your backpack during an activity?
A jacket.
What mountain/area of the Pyrenees would you recommend to someone who wants to fall in love with nature for the first time?
Oulettes de Gaube, with the north face of Vignemale in front, is an overwhelming place.
What do you think is the most important thing someone learns in the mountains?
To respect nature, caring for the places we explore.
What mountain project would you like to fulfill?
Cerro Torre, in Argentine Patagonia.
LARA
Mountain Guide and Communications Manager
MEET LARA
‘’The mountains make us feel so small, yet the emotions they evoke are immense: the peace of contemplating their shapes and life; the energy gained while hiking, skiing, or climbing at the heart of nature; the happiness of sharing experiences with companions; and the gratitude that comes from learning in such a special world…’’
What mountain project would you like to fulfill?
To do ski touring in various parts of the world.
What area of the Pyrenees would you recommend to someone who wants to fall in love with nature for the first time?
The Pyrenees offer endless places to fall in love with… Perhaps the impressive rock formations of the Llardana massif (Posets), or the glacial landscapes of the Pineta Valley, where you have the opportunity to witness the Monte Perdido glacier, a reminder of nature’s fragile beauty.
What do you think is the most important thing someone learns in the mountain?
We are fortunate to be surrounded by extraordinary natural values, and it’s up to us to protect and preserve them in their purest form.
Is there any story or legend of the Pyrenees that you always like to share with those who accompany you?
I enjoy discovering and sharing stories from the past, when nature served as a compass for life. One example is the flower ‘Colchicum montanum’, known locally as quitameriendas (literally, “snack-taker”). This flower signals the end of the season: as the days grew shorter and darker, field workers returned home earlier. As a result, dinner was moved forward at nightfall, and the afternoon snack disappeared from the daily menu. In other regions, this flower is called echapastores, which could be translated as ‘shepherd-expeller’…
ÁLEX
Canyoning and Mountain Guide
MEET ÁLEX
”I enjoy exploring the valleys of the Pyrenees in depth, especially the canyons. What I like is sharing the feelings the mountains inspire and guiding my clients through those moments. Along the way, we often pause to admire the beauty around us or watch the light play across the landscape, but for me the most fun is sharing moments of pure adrenaline while we guide and train.”
What was the first mountain you climbed?
My first times in the mountains were in the mountains of León, always with my father. Although they were not great peaks or imposing summits, for me they were authentic adventures full of emotion and discoveries.
Do you have any recommendations for a book or movie related to your profession?
Although I am not an experienced skier, one of the documentaries that has most impacted me is Zabardast. This film narrates a fascinating freeride journey in the remote Karakoram mountain range, where five young people travel 150 kilometers through endless glaciers and colossal mountains.
What do you think is the most important thing someone learns in the mountain?
For me, the mountains aren’t just about epic climbs or stunning views, they’re the setting for stories and unforgettable moments. When I share my experiences, I like to weave in both fascinating historical facts that give context to each place and the funny, sometimes surreal anecdotes that stay with you long after the trip.
Experiences like these naturally bring a group closer, with moments of fun and laughter creating a space where companionship grows.
MATEO
Environmental educator, Canyoning and Mountain Guide
MEET MATEO
“I’m a mountain guide and canyoning guide, but what I really feel is a nature guide. I enjoy showing nature on hikes and during canyoning descents. Always with an educational spirit, trying to transmit the passion I feel for my profession.”
What was the first mountain you climbed?
I first discovered the Pyrenees at the age of ten through summer camps, taking hiking trips that awakened my interest in the mountains. A few years later, during my adolescence, Tomás—a good friend of my father (and the only one who could calm him about me heading to the Pyrenees)—took me to my first major peak, the Midi d’Ossau. I still remember our conversations about the mountains word for word, and I’m deeply grateful for the love and respect for the mountains that he passed on to me.
What area of the Pyrenees would you recommend to someone who wants to fall in love with nature for the first time?
The Chistau valley, because of how wild it is.
What mountain project would you like to fulfill?
I love the great climbs of the past, climbing the classic north faces of the Alps would be a dream for me.
Which Pyrenean animal inspires you and why?
The Pyrenean ibex (Bucardo) serves as a lesson in what not to do when it comes to conserving nature, while the bearded vulture (Quebrantahuesos) tells the happy story of a species that has been saved.
What do you think is the most important thing someone learns in the mountain?
How small we are in the face of nature.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our cooperative was born from shared values, with the purpose of transforming adventure tourism from a mass-market approach to one focused on ecotourism. We run activities throughout the year, placing respect for nature, quality, and professionalism at the heart of everything we do.
The quality of service
We are a team of 7 people, bringing together expertise across all mountain disciplines, from medium- and high-mountain guiding to climbing, skiing, canyoning, and environmental education. Our versatility, along with a focus on quality, personalised experiences and small groups, is what sets us apart as a cooperative committed to unforgettable adventures in the mountains.
Local presence
Our home is in Sobrarbe, in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees. All members of the cooperative live here year-round. By working in the area and spending our free time exploring it, we have developed a deep knowledge of this Pyrenean region. We would be happy to meet you in our office in Escalona, a small village at the foot of the Peña Montañesa.
In addition to leading activities in the Pyrenees, we also work in other parts of the peninsula where nature takes center stage, such as the Sierra de Gredos, the Picos de Europa National Park, or the cliffs of Alicante. And of course, we love crossing borders for new adventures in the Alps, the Himalaya, the Atlas Mountains, and beyond.
The conservation of the natural environment
With each step, we commit to conserving the mountains and its biodiversity:
- We run activities year-round, showing that the mountains can be enjoyed far beyond the busy July and August period.
- We have a close contact with local institutions, with which we try to create ties in our activities.
- Environmental education plays an important role in all our services. Through sharing curiosities about the environment, we seek to encourage a better understanding of nature.
Safety and fun during activities
Safety is the fundamental principle of our guides. Both before and during an activity, risks are assessed and decisions are made to minimize potential dangers. The combination of experience, knowledge of the terrain, and technical skills helps create a safe environment for everyone taking part in the mountain activities.
Providing a personal, friendly experience and enjoying a great time together during activities is always one of our main goals!
A social and solidarity economy
We want to offer activities throughout the year and highlight the dedication of our guides. By creating our cooperative, we seek to establish a democratic working model that ensures stable working conditions, while promoting an inclusive and sustainable economy rooted in the local territory. We also aim to encourage mutual collaboration—both within our team and with other local partners.
Experience the Pyrenees all year round
At Guías del Pirineo, everything starts with our love for the mountains. We hope to share our passion with you in each of our activities!
