What We Believe
“Crees” means you believe in Spanish.
It comes from the verb creer — and it’s not just our name, it’s an invitation.
To believe in people and the regeneration of nature
It also represents our purpose:
C
Conservation
R
Research
E
Environmental
E
Education
S
Sustainability
From this belief, we define our purpose and shape the future.
Our Mission: Create a community that believes
To turn participants from around the world into ambassadors for Manu through experiential learning in both regenerating and primary rainforest. This takes place within the framework of sustainable tourism as well as our volunteering and internship programmes, with the ultimate goal of achieving long-term conservation and sustainability of the Manu Biosphere Reserve. What does it mean to be an Ambassador of Manu?
Our Core Values
Respect for Biodiversity
We promote conscious, field-based learning rooted in respect for all species and ecosystems.
Teamwork
Collaboration drives everything we do—within our team and through our support for the Crees Foundation for Manu.
Empower Through Learning
We create experiences that spark professional and personal growth and meaningful contributions to conservation.
Passion
Our love for Manu’s biodiversity fuels every action, connection and message we share.
Transparency
We communicate with honesty and clarity, always.
Our Vision: Lead the restoration of Manu’s forests.
To be positioned in Peru as leaders in education for conservation, sustainable development and drivers of secondary-forest conservation and regeneration.
Founder
Quinn Meyer – Founder
Quinn is an American-British anthropologist with over 18 years in Manu, focused on sustainable forest management. He is the treasurer of the Latin American Travel Association and advises charities in education, conservation, and health.
Juan C. Cárdenas – General Manager
Juan Carlos, born in Cusco, began his conservation journey there and continues to this day. With 30 years of experience in the Amazon, he has specialised in eco-tourism since 1993. He has worked across South America’s rainforests, from Tambopata to Manu.
Geanela Cusihuaman – Administrator
Geanela holds a bachelor’s degree in Administrative Sciences from UNSAAC and training in sustainable finance. She oversees process optimisation and cross-team coordination to support smooth company operations.
Yuli Perca – Operations Manager
Yuli has grown with the team over several years. Known for her leadership, positivity, and dedication, she plays a key role in advancing conservation and community efforts in the Manu Biosphere Reserve.
Verónica Torres – Accounting Manager
Verónica holds a degree in Accounting and a master’s in Taxation from UNSAAC, with extensive experience in accounting, labour, and tax matters, especially in projects related to Crees.
Accounting Assistant
Jhendy Mancilla Sales Manager
Jhendy promotes the Manu Biosphere Reserve and enhances visitor understanding. She holds a tourism degree and guiding certification, with experience in public and private sectors, as well as work as an ecotourism guide in Tambopata and Manu.
Lucy Torres Sales Assistant
A tourism graduate with a solid background in traditional tourism in Cusco. She later moved into conservation tourism, first leading operations at Crees Manu and now working as part of the sales team.
Katia Canales Logística
Katia is a certified Official Tourism Guide with experience in education, public administration, and electoral processes. She has taught English for several years and worked with institutions like INEI, GOREMAD, and ONPE. She also has training in pedagogy, educational technology, and neuro-linguistic programming.
Jeremy Gamarra – Marketing Manager
Jeremy studied Marketing at Universidad Andina del Cusco. After a successful internship with Crees Manu, he went on to lead the Marketing team. He’s passionate about marketing analytics, branding, and content creation.
Samuel Arnado – MLC Administrator
Jackeline Meza – Experiential Learning Coordinator
Jackeline Mesa is a Peruvian biologist with over nine years’ experience in research and environmental education in the Amazon. She has worked on conservation projects with Crees Foundation and co-founded the Applied Mycology Society of Cusco. She currently combines scientific work with training future conservationists in Manu.
Daniel Ash – Multimedia Program Coordinator
Wildlife photographer and filmmaker from the UK with 8 years’ experience, including 4 in Peru’s rainforests. He specialises in birds and mammals and has led Harpy Eagle expeditions. His work has been featured on TV Perú and won an award at the World Wildlife Conservation Film Festival.
Head Chef
Head Chef
Kitchen Assistant
Maritza Kategori – Housekeeping Staff
Maritza Kategari Iturriaga is a certified Official Tourism Guide from CENFOTUR, with additional training in computer systems. She has experience in public service and tourism, having worked with Banco de la Nación and the Municipality of Megantoni. She’s skilled in tourist guidance, project development, and digital tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Fabian Oyeyoyeyo – Tripulante
Motorboat Operator
Maintenance Coordinator
Boris Olarte Arque – Crees Manu’s Representative in Germany
Boris Olarte Arque is an entrepreneur with an MBA and a diverse background in international trade, tourism, and airlines. He specialises in organic exports, sustainable supply chains, and ESG, and is currently pursuing a master’s focused on sustainable business. He also has hands-on experience in biodynamic farming, youth football coaching, and international business development.
