Our Staff

José Antonio Padilla 

Naturalist & Birding Guide

Born in Lima, Peru, José Antonio Padilla is a professional naturalist and expert birding guide with over a decade of experience leading wildlife tours across South America. He holds a degree in Nature Tourism from CENFOTUR in Lima and began his ecotourism career at age 21 in the Tambopata National Reserve, deep in the Amazon rainforest.

Since then, he has guided extensively in Peru’s top birding destinations, including Manu National Park and Tambopata, and has traveled throughout Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Brazil, gaining deep knowledge of tropical ecosystems and wildlife. Between 2011 and 2014, José Antonio worked in the Pantanal and the Brazilian Amazon (Cristalino Ecolodge), expanding both his species expertise and language skills—he speaks Spanish, English, and Portuguese fluently.

He also spent time living in Scotland, where he studied English and worked in the hospitality industry. Today, he is based in Cusco, Peru, and continues to lead birding and nature tours across the Manu Biosphere Reserve, the high Andes, and remote regions of Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.

Languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese

Specialties: Amazonian and Andean birds, rainforest ecology, wildlife interpretation, multilingual guiding

e-mail: jose_antonioperu@hotmail.com

Ernesto Lenin Padilla Reyes

Tourism Business Consultant & Process Improvement Specialist

A Peruvian industrial engineer from the prestigious Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP),  Ernesto Padilla specializes in the development of tourism businesses through personalized consulting, training, and the implementation of continuous improvement strategies—with a strong focus on Integrated Management Systems.

With a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and the specific needs of the tourism sector, he works closely with our director, José Antonio Padilla, to strengthen key areas such as marketing, product development, operations, finance, sustainability, human resources, and customer service. His mission is to enhance efficiency and deliver measurable value across the entire experiential and adventure tourism value chain.

Known for his analytical mindset and results-oriented approach, Ernesto Padilla helps ensure that every aspect of the business is aligned with both market demands and sustainability goals. He plays a strategic role in designing solutions that improve customer satisfaction, strengthen operational processes, and promote long-term growth.

Core Strengths:

• Process optimization for tourism operations

• Strategic planning and business development

• Sustainability integration and quality management

• Training and capacity building for tourism professionals

Education:

Industrial Engineering – Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP)

e-mail: elpr74@gmail.com 

Sheyla Marilin Cosio Béjar

With nearly 20 years of experience in the tourism industry, Sheyla Cosio brings unmatched expertise, professionalism, and passion to every aspect of travel planning and operations. Based in Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire, she plays a key role in ensuring that every traveler’s experience is smooth, enriching, and unforgettable.

Sheyla is in charge of logistics and ground operations in Cusco, expertly coordinating everything from airport transfers and hotel arrangements to complex multi-day itineraries. Her deep local knowledge and strong network of providers make her an invaluable asset for both individual travelers and large tour groups.

Her ability to solve challenges efficiently and proactively means travelers are always in good hands. Whether it’s last-minute changes or special requests, Sheyla handles each situation with calm, care, and professionalism.

She is also a specialist in organizing tours to Machu Picchu, crafting custom routes and schedules that highlight not just the iconic citadel but also the surrounding Sacred Valley, Andean villages, and off-the-beaten-path treasures.

Dedicated to providing the most creative and memorable itineraries at the best value, Sheyla is always looking for ways to enhance the travel experience. Her work reflects a deep love for her country and a commitment to sharing its beauty, culture, and heritage with the world.

Languages: Spanish (native), English (good)

Location: Cusco, Peru

Specialties: Machu Picchu and cultural tours, logistics coordination, itinerary design, and nature tourism

e-mail: Sheylacosio1@gmail.com

BirdSightingsPeru, Based in Cusco, Peru. 📧 ventas@birdsightingsperu.com , 📱 WhatsApp: +51 912555557