Santi is the best climbing guide you can imagine. As a reference, we two are 6a-7a climbers, but we wanted a local guide to help maximize efficiency in a foreign area. He was highly recommended to us by a friend who Santi guided a few months back, and he was as wonderful as described. He takes his role as Guide seriously and comprehensively, from helping you plan ideas for areas to concentrate on, considerations of weather and season, logistics for where to stay and how to get there (he picked us up one day, and we met him in our car another), as well as making himself available to help with any other questions or needs for the trip as a whole (not just the climbing part). Our long chain of detailed texts show how dedicated and sincere he is in wanting to help plan the best trip possible for you. This was highly unique, unexpected, above and beyond, and much appreciated. Before you've even met, he treats you more like a friend coming to visit Spain than a client that he is just doing business with, and that warmth goes a long way and sets him apart from most any other guide I've experienced (i've had great guides in my life, so this just reinforces Santi's particularly special character). Like I really felt like we were friends, and still feel like we are, as he reaches out and keeps in touch still and I really appreciate that relationship. Humanity, sincerity, and kindness in business--what a crazy (wonderful) concept! As a climbing guide specifically: he is consummately professional, impressively knowledgable and safe, as well as comfortingly sensitive to your climbing abilities and needs, and tailors each day with climbs that are perfect for you--if you want to be comfortable or if you want a little/big challenge, if you want to experience highlights of an area by switching up crags in the same day. He knows the areas so well and of course knows how to choose the walls that are in the shade or in the sun for whatever time of day or season you are climbing. There is so much variety and fun for either multi or single pitch too. In addition, when we were all climbed out for the day, he took the opportunity to show us the beauty of the local areas, playing also a photographer and travel guide. He also went home to let us borrow his guide book to other areas that we were headed to later, and kept in touch to make sure the rest of our trip went smoothly. So nice! Here is a person who treats his job as a climbing guide and ambassador for the area with such deep consideration and earnestness, and who treats his role as a human being with exceptional kindness and faith. We are so grateful that he came into our lives as a climbing guide and as a friend. Thank you Santi for being you, and please everyone call him now for any guiding adventures (he travels to guide too!) Also, his rates are so fair and reasonable. And you will be so happy if he is available to take you on an adventure with him! Cheers!
– Courtney Fong Cho
(Translated by Google) Super didactic and entertaining rappelling workshop, I have learned a lot and gained confidence. Santi is a great professional who knows how to teach and transmit in a very practical way. I'll be doing another one of your workshops soon. 😉
(Original) Taller de rapel super didáctico y entretenido,he aprendido mucho y cogido confianza. Santi un gran profesional que save enseñar y transmitir de una manera muy práctica. No tardaré en hacer otro de sus talleres. 😉
– Sisko Fernandez
(Translated by Google) Great with Sol, lovely experience
(Original) Buenísimo con Sol, encantadora experiencia
– Agus
(Translated by Google) Great, super complete and special attention
(Original) Genial, super completo y especial atención
– Ismael Francés Belda
Santi was the most amazing guide. As a first time climber, he made me feel super safe and confident on the climb. It was so much fun and an afternoon I will remember for a long time. Honestly cannot recommend enough 😊
– Isabella O'Neill
(Translated by Google) Santi, the instructor, is perfectly in charge of creating a relaxed and safe environment in order to acquire the necessary climbing knowledge. It was just what we were looking for. I recommend it 100%.
(Original) Santi, el instructor, se encarga perfectamente de crear un ambiente relajado y seguro para poder adquirir los conocimientos necesarios de escalada. Era justo lo que estábamos buscando. Lo recomiendo al 100%.
– Carlos Cabrera
Just finished the 2-day multi pitch course. Excellent experience with our coach Santi, who is a professional and very experienced rock climber and alpinist.
We were taught all the techniques and logics to complete a multi pitch route in the mountains (the second day in Montserrat is amazing!).
We also had many nice small talks about risk management, how to start climbing multi pitch for beginners, etc.. Very nice people and vibe here ;)
– yuyang teng
(Translated by Google) A very good experience! The truth is that climbing with Santi I learned many things and had even more fun. The explanations were very practical and useful. I wanted to repeat the experience and continue learning. Thank you!
(Original) ¡Una experiència muy buena! La verdad es que escalando con Santi aprendí muchas cosas y me divertí aún más. Las explicaciones fueron muy prácticas e útiles. Me quedé con ganas de repetir la experiencia y seguir aprendiendo. ¡Gracias!
– CARLA GIL MONTESINOS
(Translated by Google) I did a ladder course to learn to go first and secure a first. Essential, super useful and practical. I have learned a lot about safety. It has helped me correct "bad vices" that I had and that can put my safety or that of my climbing partner at risk. And Santi, the instructor, a crack! He explains clearly, is patient, and is in everything. I have gained autonomy in climbing. Thank you for your dedication Santi! Recommended course 200%!
(Original) Hice un curso de escalafa para aprender a ir de primera y asegurar a un primero. Esencial, super util y pràctico. He aprendido mucho respecto a seguridad. Me ha ayudado a corregir "malos vicios" que tenia y que pueden poner en riesgo mi seguridad o la de mi compañer@ de escalada. Y Santi, el instructor, un crack! Explica con claridad, es paciente, y està en todo. He ganado en autonomia en la escalada. Gracias por tu dedicación Santi! Curso ecomendable 200%!
– Ruth Ejome
I had an incredible experience climbing Naranjo de Bulnes/Picu Urriellu with Santi. From the very first emails, communication was quick, clear, professional, and helpful - he gave us detailed advice on routes, logistics, and even transport and accommodation options.
On the mountain, Santi was outstanding you could see his love for the mountains and watched him come alive! He explained everything very clearly. His knowledge of the area and his patience with us made the whole day very enjoyable.
We can't recommend him enough - if you're thinking of climbing in Picos de Europa or anywhere else, book with Santi. Thank you for helping us make this such a memorable trip!
– Peter Wyllie