Born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Helder developed a passion for nature early in life. He earned a biology degree from the University of Sao Paulo, but it was the wetlands of the Pantanal that solidified his calling as a guide. Over the past decade, he has led expeditions across South America, including Peru, Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. His love for wildlife also took him to Africa, where he explored national parks in South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique, learning from expert guides along the way.

Helder deepened his expertise as head guide at one of Brazil’s top ecolodges, where he led wildlife excursions, trained guides and served as environmental manager, advising on sustainability and conservation practices. A highlight of his career was leading his childhood idol Harrison Ford—a.k.a. Indiana Jones—on an adventure through the Pantanal.

A lifelong pursuit of knowledge landed Helder on a jaguar conservation project, where he tracked and studied the Pantanal’s apex predator. In 2015, he founded an environmental consulting company to support sustainability, ecotourism and wildlife journeys. With vast experience and deep ecological knowledge, Helder loves sharing the wonders of Brazil with Nat Hab travelers.