34 Countries & 65 Peaks: Luis of Vamos Hiking Crew on Volcanoes, Representation & Building Community
34 Countries & 65 Peaks: Luis of Vamos Hiking Crew on Volcanoes, Representation & Building Community  
Podcast: Hikes and Mics Podcast
Published On: Mon Jul 14 2025
Description: Send us Fan Mail🌎 Mountains, Miles & Meaning with Luis of Vamos Hiking Crew 🥾✨🎙️ Luis — known online as Mr. Traveler — joins us this episode. Founder of the Vamos Hiking Crew in Southern California, he's explored 34 countries and summited over 65 peaks, and it all traces back to childhood weekends in Guatemala, where his dad cut trail through the forest behind their house with a machete.Luis talks through hiking Acatenango three times to witness the neighboring Volcán de Fuego erupting every 15 to 20 minutes, and the drone shot he captured of an eruption at sunset. He shares the origin story of Vamos Hiking Crew — five friends training for a Mount Whitney permit that grew into a thriving community — the annual Grand Canyon Rim to Rim trek he calls one of his top five trails in the world, and the group hikes he now leads internationally to Peru, Guatemala, and soon Patagonia. We also get into representation and the real barriers keeping Latinx and BIPOC hikers from backpacking and mountaineering, the mental reset that only comes from a long day in the mountains, his Goat Canyon Trestle hike with 50+ crew members, an upcoming attempt at Chimborazo in Ecuador, a plan to hike Whitney three days back-to-back-to-back, and a full round of season "this or that" questions — narrow ledges or creek crossings, wind in your face or sun on your back.A conversation about global trail stories, community building, and the heart of a true explorer.Episode Links:MrTraveler on InstagramVamos Hiking Crew on InstagramFollow us on Instagram, @HikesandmicsThis episode's music was created by Ketsa, follow him on Instagram @Ketsamusic AllTrails+I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier.Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership!Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app)Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.