ABOUT
Esteban Mena
“Climbing appeared in my life as a lifeboat; in the beginning, I hated everything about it: the struggle with altitude, the lack of comfort, all the inner battles that one face on the mountains. After a few years of “having to go out there” as a disciplinary measure applied to me as a teenager, I learned that all I hated about climbing was no more than all I hated about myself. With that realization, climbing became my only honest tool to unveil my true self”
He started the process to become a certified guide at the age of 18, receiving certifications from ASEGUIM (Ecuadorian Mountain Guides Association) in 2013 and IFMGA in 2016. Along the way, he’s proven to be a force of nature, combining his passion for elevation with a rare blend of strength, skill, an instinctive sense of mountaineering, unwavering commitment, and the ability to connect and communicate with his rope partners. His love of mountains has led him to explore everything from 8000ers to unclimbed big walls in the most remote corners of the Earth.
Topo’s personal accomplishments make him a world-class climber, but what makes him an exceptional guide is his devotion to sharing his knowledge and passion with others. He says of guiding, “I want to share with people the importance of being sincere and genuine about what we do. For me, being a guide means being a bridge of safety, joy, and energy in other people’s path to make their wildest dreams come true.” His uncanny ability to accurately assess risk and reward and to know when and how far to safely push limits has allowed him to lead multiple expeditions to summits that many didn’t think possible.
In his home country of Ecuador, Topo has collaborated with programs designed to introduce the mountains to people with disabilities. He’s also organized speaking events for adolescents who suffer from violence-related problems. Leading by example, sharing with compassion, and inspiring with his unbounded energy and enthusiasm, Topo has earned the respect and admiration of his teammates all over the world who know him as the guy who’s trustworthy to the bone.
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ACHIEVEMENTS
Youngest non sherpa to summit Everest without supplemental O2 nor high altitude porter support (age 23)
South Face of Aconcagua
AGE 19
Grade VI first ascents in the Himalayas
TIEN SHAN
Multiple summits of 8000m peaks, including,
EVEREST & K2
Guided Cho-Oyu and Everest
IN 21 DAYS
Cotopaxi
250 + SUMMITS
EXPERTICE
IFMGA
MOUNTAIN GUIDE
Wilderness First Responder
WFR
Member and instructor of the Ecuadorian Guide Association.
ASEGUIM
Leave No Trace
TRAINER
