Born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Guilherme “Gafa” Stamato found his calling in the outdoors as a Boy Scout. Camping in Brazil’s diverse wilderness taught him how to stay organized, travel light and adapt in ever-changing environments. These experiences also nurtured his ability to collaborate with a variety of personalities, strengthening his leadership and group dynamics skills.

Gafa holds a degree in Physical Education from FEFISA (1997) and is a martial arts expert. He’s a master of Fei Hok Phai Kung Fu, an instructor of the Russian martial art Systema and a 3rd-degree instructor of Kyu Sho, a discipline focused on pressure points. His martial arts expertise has refined his ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations, communicate clearly and lead with patience.

His guiding career spans more than two decades across South America. At Caiman Ranch, a renowned ecotourism and conservation project in the heart of the Pantanal, Gafa led trail hikes, canoeing excursions, horseback rides and birdwatching tours. He was also selected as the private guide for Jack Hanna during the famed American wildlife expert and television personality’s first visit to the Pantanal. Gafa later served as guide supervisor, designing new tours and training incoming guides. In Bahia, he coordinated whale watching trips and managed guest logistics via land, sea and air.

Based in Sao Paulo, Gafa is fluent in Portuguese and English, with conversational Spanish. He is also an instructor with Outward Bound Brazil.