Socompa is a company made of people.
There is nothing similar in NW Argentina. An operative office that follows step by step the creation of your travel programme and that is responsible of its development until the last second, 24/7. Nahuel handles the connection with Hosteria El Peñón, which we manage at 550 km from Salta. Adriana, is in charge of the admin office, having been a guide for many years. Our team of guides, Luis, Gastón, Marcelo, and Federico as exclusive Guides of Socompa, taking care not only of incredible trips and expeditions in NW Argentina, but also of some of the most important scientific and specialized trips with renowned University professors, journalists, writers and photographers from the around the Globe.
We will simply introduce the permanent Staff of Socompa, but let’s not forget those who collaborate with us: Free Lance Guides (some of them work exclusively for Socompa), the Staff of 5 persons that make possible the operation of the Hostería El Peñón at 3400 meters in an Oasis at the Puna and the staff of Finca Valentina. We are many, and each day we wake up thinking about one of the things we love the most, our land and our job.
Fabrizio Ghilardi. Founder. He was born in Milán, Italy and has a degree in Business Economics. In 2004, after a life changing experience in the Puna Desert, he decided to move to Salta, where he lived with his family for more than 12 years. He knows every corner of the Puna, has climbed some of the highest peaks of the Andes (Pissis, Ojos del Salado, Llullaillaco, Licancabur and Sajama) and the Alps. He has published two books of travel in Italy, one about the Puna. His enthusiasm is inexhaustible, he is also the manager of Hosteria El Peñón, and with his wife Valentina, transformed their house into the most charming hotel to stay in Salta, Finca Valentina. Nowadays, he has moved back to Italy, where he is working on new projects with his family, while continuing his position as founder and director of Socompa in Salta.
Mariana Caliuolo. Managing Director. Was born Salta, her place in the World. At a very young age she decided she would do a career that would allow her to always be in touch with foreign cultures, it became a passion, as travelling and learning new languages. She moved to Buenos Aires where she graduated in International Relations, while working at the Malaysian Embassy in Argentina. Later, she specialized in International Business, Protocol and Asia-Pacific Politics and decided to return to Salta looking for new challenges. In 2008, she joined the Socompa Team working mainly on organizational development, sales and operations, becoming later Managing Director.
Federico Ochoa. Operations Manager. has a Degree in Tourism, he is salteño and in love with his region. Being a teenager he travelled with his father to every corner of NW Argentina and discovered his passion for tourism. He wrote his Thesis about the Hotel business of the Quebrada de Humahuaca and its contribution to the local entrepreneurs. He has worked in the Hotel industry, as a bilingual guide, travel agent and Chief of Operations of a car Rental Company. Has a great passion for cars and British music.
Adriana Escobar. Administration. studied archaeology and biology at the Salta University. She was awarded “Mountaineer Woman of the Year” in 1999 and has been Vice President of the Club Aventura Salta (Mountaineering Club). She has participated of many high mountain expeditions with archeological purposes in the Andes of Argentina, Chile and Bolivia (including the National Geographic Expedition to the Llullaillaco Vulcano). Adriana has an special magnetism, getting to know the Andes with her is an unforgettable experience.
Luis Giramonti. Adventure Guide. He was born in Buenos Aires and reaised in Salta where he studied Agronomic Enginering. Later, he decided to move to Italy the country of his grandfather to work in the family company for several years, travelling around Europe mainly in Germany and Austria. Back in Salta he decided to start his career as a Professional Guide joining the team of Socompa in 2010 as an adventure travel guide. Nowadays, Luis is one of the biggest expert on off roads trips to the Argentine Puna and the Altiplan, he manages as a tour leader very complex expeditions to the remotest regions of the Desert. He is fluent in Italian.
Gaston Huerga. Adventure Guide. Born in Salta, since his childhood he started to travel with his family, and explore the NW of Argentina. From that early moment he started to fall in love with the nature and culture of his native region. Gaston studied Tourism at High School and he is graduated as Professional Active Tourist Guide. Today he is one of the most brilliant and professional Guides of the whole Region. He loves Photography and any Outdoor activities. He speaks English and he is our Official Guide for the Best Socompa Photography Workshops.
Marcelo Meregaglia. Adventure Guide. He has always had a passion for nature and the natural environment. Perhaps inspired by the unique geography and geology of his birth place, Salta, he began his studies in geology in the mining sector. Marcelo led guided tours around the mine deposits of the Puna in both, Slata and Jujuy. However he soon expanded his horizons, leading exursions throughout Northwest Argentina in 4x4 vehicles as a guide and chofer. He also has interest in archeology, art and photography!