Meet our Team
Ishmael Sepulveda
(Senior Guide & Instructor)
Ismael is a high trained and experienced mountaineering guide and instructor, holding certification from ANENA (National Association for the Study of Snow and Avalanche). Ismael is also a member of the Chilean Association of Mountain and Climbing Guides, along with a member of FEACH (Chilean Federation of Climbing), and was trained at ENISSCHAG (National School for Ski Instructors)
Ismael brings tremendous experience to our team, having guided extensively in the Atacama region, as well as the rest of South America. Ismael is a world class guide and instructor which we are proud to have as part of our team.
Fernando “Fena” Marcenaro
(Expedition Director)
Fernando Antonio Opazo Marcenaro's profile highlights an extensive and impressive career in mountaineering and climbing. With 30 years of hands-on experience, he has not only gained expertise in a variety of climbing disciplines (including mountaineering, skiing, rock climbing, and ice climbing) but has also played a crucial role as an instructor and guide since 2001. His work with the Chilean Mountaineering Federation and the Chilean Olympic Committee, as well as his affiliation with the UIAA (International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation) since 2009, reflects a high level of professional recognition in the field.
His climbing resume spans diverse and challenging landscapes, including high-altitude regions in Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Patagonia, and the Atacama Desert, showcasing both technical skill and geographical versatility. Given his broad expertise, Fernando is not only a skilled climber but also a highly knowledgeable and capable instructor, guiding others through some of the most demanding environments in the world.
Steve Birchfield
(Founder)
Steve, or as the locals call him “The Skinny Gringo”, is the founder of Pan American Adventures. Steve has been a commercial pilot for over 40 years, an entrepreneur and an adventure enthusiast. The mountains have always been his passion. Steve has lived and worked on four different continents and has traveled to almost every country in the world.
His first high altitude climb was Ojos Del Salado, and he immediately fell in love with the rugged beauty of the Atacama region of Chile and the Chilean people, as well as the Inca culture and high mountains.
Steve has now focused his energy and vision on making his experiences available to all those that seek not only adventure, but wish to experience the amazing culture of the Andes mountains and the people who call them home.
