Juliana Garcia
Juliana started climbing the mountains of Ecuador at fifteen years old. Since then, she has climbed and guided many mountains and big walls throughout the Andes, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, as well as in Pakistan, Alaska, United States and the Alps.
She became the first female Latin American certified IFMGA mountain guide and served as the President of the Ecuadorian Association of guides for 6 years. Additionally, Juliana served as “board member” at the IFMGA for 6 years and became the first female and non-European to occupy that position. Recently she was recognized by the IFMGA as an “honorary member”. Today, she continues to teach at the the Ecuadorian guiding school ESGUIM. Juliana is also a Patagonia Brand Ambassador, an AIARE Avalanche Education Instructor, and part of the POW Alliance.
Juliana got her “ski guide” diploma in spring 2025 in the U.S. by the AMGA. She became the first female Latin American to obtain this status as a full IFMGA.
She is passionate about learning and sharing.
Take 5 with the Guide
What was your first mountain?
Cotopaxi in Ecuador
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not guiding?
Cooking, running
What’s always in your snack bag?
Carrots and mozzarella
If you could be stuck with anyone (past or present) at base camp for a week, who would you choose?
My best friend
One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers
Be out there.
Significant Ascents
Huandoy East
Antisana south East
Tiquimani
Certifications
IFMGA
Wilderness First Responder and CPR certified
AIARE instructor
AAA (pro member)
Avalanche Pro 2
Great trip. Ecuador is a fantastic country and virtually all of the people we dealt with were hard working and pleasant. We have traveled around the world and have to say this was our best trip ever.
