Peruvian tour guide Efrain Valles has been shortlisted as finalist for this year’s Wanderlust World Guide Awards along with other three tour leaders from Cambodia, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.
The final four finalists were announced on Monday, 14th July 2014 and only one of them will be crowned as the world’s best on October 21.
In its first stage, the award committee received over 2,200 nominations – a record – for this ninth edition, and they later shortlisted just eight, which –according to the official website- was a vast task.
Afterwards, organizers requested people who had travelled or worked with the guides shown in the shortlist to send their comments via post, email or through the website to help the judges decide.
Peruvian tour guide Efrain Valles graduated from Cusco’s Tupac Amaru University. He has spent the last 12 years leading treks across Peru, projecting his infectious energy and enthusiasm onto every group he takes on.
Amid guiding, looking after his family and charity marathon training, he did London 2012 dressed as a chaski (Incan messenger).
Valles also does voluntary work at Chicuchas Wasi, a non-profit organization that helps girls in extreme poverty in Cusco, Peru.
“We could not be more proud of him [Efrain Valles]. This is a nice reward for all his hard work in the career that he loves,” it was stated on Chicuchas Wasi’s official website.
In addition, some people described him as a “great ambassador for Peru who wants nothing for himself” and someone who communicates through “humour, smiles and hugs.”
The other three finalists are Bunyong Roeurn (Cambodia), Charlie Jaques (UK, working France/worldwide) and Lewis Mangaba (Zimbabwe, working in Tanzania).
“We were all humbled yet again by the remarkable guides who had each inspired dozens, if not hundreds, of their clients and peers to write in support of them. It was heartbreaking to have to make a choice,” commented Wanderlust's Lyn Hughes, one of the judging panel.
“I do hope that some of the Highly Commended guides, as well as the winners, will make it along to the Awards Ceremony in October,” she added.
The full results will be announced at London's Royal Geographical Society on October 21. The evening will include an update on previous winners, some of whom will attend.
Launched in 2005 in memory of Wanderlust’s co-founder Paul Morrison, the Wanderlust World Guide Awards is the only global award for tour leaders and guides.
Published: 7/15/2014