Tristan is the Founder & Managing Director of Terra Guatemala and Custom Travel Specialist in Central America
- Founder and Managing Director of Terra Guatemala since 2018
- Based in Antigua, Guatemala, for nearly 10 years
- Specialist in custom-made travel in Central America
- Long-standing expertise in the Maya world, developed in Mexico and Guatemala
Profile
Tristan Reger is the founder and managing director of Terra Guatemala, a local travel agency based in Antigua since 2018. He specializes in the design of custom-made journeys in Central America, with a strong focus on cultural immersion, nature, and the Maya world.
Living in Guatemala for nearly a decade, Tristan works permanently on the ground and regularly explores the country to keep itineraries accurate, up to date, and aligned with local realities.
Languages
- French (native)
- Spanish (fluent)
- English (fluent)
Personal Interests
- Ancient and contemporary Maya civilizations
- Wildlife observation
- Volcanoes and geological phenomena
- Intercultural exchanges
- Local gastronomy and markets
Interview
🇬🇹 Why Guatemala?
“I developed a real passion for the Maya world while I was living in southern Mexico. I travelled to Guatemala several times to explore the iconic archaeological sites hidden in the jungle of Petén. Crossing the border by canoe on the Usumacinta River and visiting Tikal at sunrise are memories that left a lasting impression on me. After a few back-and-forth trips, I knew I wanted to extend the adventure and settle there.”
🐕 An anecdote from the creation of TERRA Guatemala?
“Fernanda and I started this project as a team of two. But when we arrived in Antigua, there were five of us in the car! We drove all the way from the Yucatán with our two dogs and our cat in the 4×4. The journey took several days, and crossing the border with the animals turned into quite an adventure.”
🌋 Your favorite secret spot here?
“Antigua, the beautiful colonial town where we settled. We never get tired of the views of the surrounding volcanoes. When the sky is clear, you can see the glow of lava from Volcán Fuego at nightfall. I was still amazed just last night by an eruption in the distance as I was heading home. It’s truly unique.”
Professional Background
Education
Graduate of Grenoble École de Management.
Early Experience in Latin America – Argentina
Tristan began his career in Latin America with Terra Argentina, where he developed a strong interest in adventure travel and cultural immersion. During this period, he explored Patagonia extensively and gained hands-on experience in inbound tourism.
Six Years in Mexico – Terra Maya (2012–2018)
He later settled in the Yucatán Peninsula, where he managed Terra Maya, a local agency based in Mérida. Over six years, he built deep expertise in Mexico and developed a strong interest in Maya history and contemporary Maya communities.
Regions explored include:
- Yucatán and Riviera Maya
- Baja California and the Sea of Cortez
- Copper Canyon (Chihuahua)
- Chiapas and indigenous communities
- Major and lesser-known Maya archaeological sites
Foundation of Terra Guatemala – 2018
Before founding Terra Guatemala, Tristan and his partner Fernanda spent more than six months traveling extensively across Guatemala, testing accommodations, building partnerships, and identifying lesser-known locations.
They settled in Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage city, where Terra Guatemala has been based since its creation.
Field Expertise and Geographic Knowledge
Guatemala – In-depth Knowledge
Volcanic Highlands
- Antigua and surrounding volcanoes
- Lake Atitlán and Maya villages
- Quetzaltenango (Xela)
Petén Region – Jungle & Archaeology
- Tikal
- Yaxhá
- Lesser-known archaeological sites
Indigenous Communities
- Chichicastenango
- Huehuetenango
- Q’eqchi’ and Tz’utujil villages
Nature & Volcanoes
- Acatenango (3,976 m)
- Fuego (active volcano)
- Pacaya
- Fuentes Georginas hot springs
Neighboring Destinations
- Belize
- Honduras (Copán)
- El Salvador
- Combined Guatemala–Mexico itineraries
Core Areas of Expertise
The Maya World
- Pre-Columbian Maya civilization
- Contemporary Maya communities
- 21 Maya languages still spoken in Guatemala
- Major and off-the-beaten-path archaeological sites
Travel Experiences Designed
- Overnight stay at the Acatenango volcano refuge (3,600 m)
- Observation of eruptions from Volcán Fuego
- Homestays in Maya communities
- Jungle trekking in the Petén
- Sunrise visits at Tikal
- Hidden coves on Lake Atitlán
- Confidential hot springs
- Wildlife observation (howler monkeys, quetzals, toucans, canopy fauna)
Tristan’s travel Philosophy
Each journey is designed as a custom, handcrafted experience, adapted to travelers’ interests, pace, and budget. The focus is on authentic encounters, direct contact with local communities, and meaningful cultural exchanges.
Responsible Tourism
- Support for local partners and communities
- Financial contributions to Casasito Association
- Environmental impact reduction
- Promotion of traditional knowledge and local craftsmanship
- Respect for cultures and ecosystems
Professional Recognition
Terra Guatemala is referenced by:
- Le Voyage Autrement
- Petit Futé
- Bookmundi
- Partir.com
- Terra Panamerica
- several travel blogs
Recognized strengths include:
- Exceptional field knowledge
- Responsiveness and professionalism
- Quality of selected services
- Authentic travel experiences
- Close relationship with travelers
Contact
Terra Guatemala
El Cubo Center #212D, RN-14
San Lorenzo El Cubo
Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepéquez
Email: gerencia@terra-guatemala.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +502 3993 4526
From France: +33 1 89 70 50 39
Website: https://guatemala-voyages.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tristan-reger-14b62060
Published: February 2, 2026
Last updated: February 2, 2026
Sources & References
- LinkedIn – Tristan Reger (professional profile)
- Terra Guatemala – Official website
- Terra Panamerica – Network of local agencies
- Le Voyage Autrement – Local agency references
- Petit Futé Guatemala – Travel guide
- Bookmundi – Travel agency platform
