Luz Poulard

Marine Biologist | Naturalist Guide

Luz was born in Santiago de Chile, where she grew up surrounded by mountains and rivers that nurtured her love for nature from an early age. Her mother took her to explore the great outdoors, from forests and mountains to the sea, installing in her a deep admiration and respect for the natural world. These experiences, along with excursions organized by her school, were crucial in strengthening her connection to the environment and motivating her to protect it.

Guided by her passion for the ocean, Luz studied Marine Biology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. During her studies, she focused on areas such as marine conservation, marine mammal paleontology, and sustainable tourism. This commitment led her to work at the Natural History Museum of Santiago, where she collaborated in the vertebrate zoology department, and participated in a student association dedicated to beach cleanups, organizing logistical activities to promote conservation.

Her professional experience has been rich and diverse, guiding and conducting research on humpback whales in Peru, and collaborating with a diving school in Rapa Nui, sharing her love for the ocean and marine life. This year, Luz had the opportunity to get to know the Magallanes region more deeply, guiding in the different environments of Patagonia, where she currently works as a naturalist guide for Far South Expeditions. She particularly enjoys mammal observation tours, including Pumas, seabirds and marine mammals, creating unique moments to connect travelers with wildlife. This also feeds into some of her favorite hobbies, such as photography, birdwatching, and whale watching, which allow her to capture and appreciate the beauty of the ecosystems she visits.