HERNÁN RIOS
At the core of Hernán’s life is a profound love for the outdoors and an insatiable passion for exploring the world’s most beautiful wilderness areas. For Hernán, being a mountain guide is not just about numbers or years on a resume; it is about the pure joy of movement, the thrill of discovering new places, and sharing the deep freedom that only nature can provide.
Rock climbing has been his lifelong sanctuary and a gateway to global exploration. He has spent years traveling and deeply exploring iconic crags and massive walls across France, Spain, Italy, Chile, Bolivia, and Peru. Among his most cherished memories are the countless pitches scaled in world-class destinations: from the legendary granite walls of Cochamó and the massive east face of La Esfinge in Peru, to his home climbing paradise in Arenales (Mendoza). His vertical journeys have taken him from the seaside limestone of Sardinia (Italy) and Sadernes (Spain) to the pocketed walls of Siurana and the conglomerates of Montserrat. Whether bouldering in the magical forests of Fontainebleau (France), exploring the volcanic rock of Valle de los Cóndores (Chile), enjoying the endless pockets of Piedra Parada, or climbing at high altitude in Hatun Machay (Peru) and El Edén (Bolivia), Hernán thrives on the diverse beauty of the vertical world.
When winter arrives, his passion seamlessly shifts to the snow. Hernán loves spending his winters chasing perfect powder days between the majestic slopes of Argentina and Chile. For him, nothing compares to the serenity of ski touring (randonnée) through the imposing Andean peaks, mapping out clean lines in fresh snow and enjoying the mountains in their most wild, winter state.
His connection to nature doesn’t stop at the summits. During the summer, Hernán loves to slow down and immerse himself in the sea, enjoying the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea as a certified PADI Open Water Diver. This dual love for the highest peaks and the depths of the ocean reflects his lifestyle: a dedicated explorer who simply loves to live in harmony with the elements. Hernán brings this vibrant energy, love for adventure, and global perspective to every Alpine Ascents international expedition, inspiring climbers to not just reach the summit, but to deeply enjoy every step of the journey.
Significant Ascents
Denali / McKinley (6,190 m / 20,310 ft): West Buttress Route (Alaska Range).
Mount Baker (3,286 m / 10,781 ft): Coleman-Deming / Easton Route (Cascade Range).
Aconcagua (6,961 m / 22,838 ft): 51 total summits. 38 commercial expeditions successfully guided (Normal & 360° routes); 10 personal expeditions; 3 technical ascents via the Polish Glacier Direct Route.
Nevado Ojos del Salado (6,893 m / 22,615 ft): Normal Route (Chilean Side).
Volcán Incahuasi (6,621 m / 21,722 ft): Normal Route.
Cerro Plata (5,960 m / 19,554 ft): Normal Route (Cordón del Plata).
Volcán San Francisco (6,016 m / 19,738 ft): Normal Route.
Volcán Peinado (5,740 m / 18,832 ft): Normal Route.
Cerro Rincón (5,350 m / 17,552 ft): Technical routes / Glaciar de la Estrechez.
Cerro Titán (4,950 m / 16,240 ft): Central Andes / Mendoza.
Cerro Peñas Coloradas (4,850 m / 15,912 ft): Cordón del Plata Front Range.Chopicalqui (6,354 m / 20,846 ft): Southwest Ridge
La Esfinge / Parón (5,325 m / 17,470 ft): Original Route / East Face
Nevado de Ishinca (5,530 m / 18,143 ft) & Nevado de Urus (5,423 m / 17,792 ft): Normal Routes.
Extensive Rock Climbing Exploration: Cochamó (Chile), Arenales (Argentina), Hatun Machay (Peru), El Edén (Bolivia), Valle de los Cóndores (Chile), and Piedra Parada (Argentina).
Mont Blanc (4,808 m / 15,774 ft): Goûter Route (
Matterhorn / Cervino (4,478 m / 14,692 ft): Hörnli Ridge / Normal Swiss Route
Breithorn (4,164 m / 13,661 ft) & Riffelhorn (2,928 m / 9,606 ft
Extensive European Rock Climbing: Fontainebleau (France), Sardinia (Italy), Montserrat, Siurana, and Sadernes (Spain).
Certifications
AAGM Mountain Guide Credential (Asociación Argentina de Guías de Montaña)
UIMLA International Mountain Leader Credential (Union of International Mountain Leader Associations)
Wilderness First Responder (WFR)and CPR Certified
Avalanche Training Level 1 (AIARE / Avalanche standard equivalence)
Leave No Trace (LNT) Master Educator
Well planned and designed. Willi is very knowledgeable and a terrific leader. His knowledge and industry expertise is a terrific asset. At the start of the expedition Willi had three goals, 1) everyone returns from the trip; 2) everyone returns with fingers and toes; 3) everyone returns friends. These goals set the tone for the […]
