#152 – Adventure takes on new meaning when you follow the path of Jorge Salas Guevara, founder of New Paths Expeditions. In a recent conversation, Jorge shared his remarkable journey from the Andean highlands of Peru to becoming a global expedition leader who has personally visited over 102 destinations and developed unique travel experiences in 58 countries. His story reveals how passion, curiosity, and deep cultural respect can transform travel from mere tourism into profound connection.
Growing up between Peru’s capital city of Lima and the high Andes mountains, Jorge developed an early appreciation for cultural differences. His family’s Andean roots gave him a unique perspective as he traveled treacherous mountain roads to visit ancestral lands. This foundation, combined with his grandfather’s world travels and a treasured National Geographic subscription, planted the seeds for his future. “Since I was very young,” Jorge recalls, “I remember saying that I wanted to be a National Geographic photographer. I think that’s part of where the bug started.”
Photos Courtesy of Jorge Salas Guevara
Jorge’s professional journey began unexpectedly during university years in Chile, where he discovered rock climbing. His friendship with a climbing partner from Torres del Paine in Patagonia led him to work first as a waiter, then as a guide in one of the world’s most magnificent landscapes. When an opportunity arose to replace an ailing expedition leader for an American hiking company, Jorge’s career in professional guiding took flight. From there, he moved through roles of increasing responsibility with prestigious travel companies, eventually sitting on the board of major travel brands and serving as CEO.
What distinguishes Jorge’s approach is his commitment to balancing nature and culture. While many travelers focus exclusively on wildlife or landmarks, New Paths Expeditions creates experiences that immerse guests in both natural wonders and meaningful cultural exchanges. This philosophy manifests in what Jorge calls “pop-up opportunities” – spontaneous, authentic connections that happen when travelers remain open to unexpected encounters, like stopping at a Berber nomad camp in the desert or visiting a local donkey market.
Perhaps nowhere illustrates Jorge’s unique expertise better than Papua New Guinea, where he has returned annually for nearly three decades. As an honorary member of two clans, including the famed Crocodile Men of the Sepik Basin and the Huli Wigmen, he has witnessed a remarkable intersection of ancient and modern. “In Papua New Guinea, you have people still believing in sorcery and maintaining Stone Age traditions, but they have smartphones,” Jorge explains. This cultural contrast fascinates him, particularly considering that these same people were among the first to develop agriculture 9,000-10,000 years ago, yet continued living in traditional ways while other civilizations technologically advanced.
For travelers seeking extraordinary wildlife experiences, Jorge recommends several destinations based on specific interests. The Pantanal region offers South America’s best opportunities to spot jaguars and other large mammals, while Peru and Colombia compete annually for the greatest bird diversity. In Africa, Zambia provides exceptional wildlife viewing with fewer crowds than popular Kenya and Tanzania. Madagascar stands out for its lemurs and astonishing endemic species – between 80-90% of the island’s flora and fauna exist nowhere else on Earth. 
After a decade leading New Paths Expeditions, Jorge takes pride in the company’s remarkable 62% return rate, with most clients taking two or more trips annually. This loyalty stems from Jorge’s philosophy of curating not just destinations but also groups of like-minded travelers who often become friends and even “families” who coordinate future adventures together. “Our guests are our friends and our family,” Jorge emphasizes, noting that many clients stay in touch and even visit his home in southern Peru.
For Jorge, adventure means discovery – not just of new places but of the “why” behind what makes each destination unique. It’s about balancing the quest for understanding with the simple joy of experiencing a place without questions. After decades exploring the world’s most remote corners, his enthusiasm remains undimmed, proving that true adventure never grows old when approached with genuine curiosity and respect.
