Jaime Viñals, a Guatemalan mountaineer known for his adventurous spirit and for promoting Guatemala’s natural and cultural heritage, has been named Tourism Ambassador by the Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo (INGUAT).
Viñals recently completed the "World Trilogy (7+7+7)," which involves circling the globe three times and climbing seven unique peaks on each continent during each round. Each summit is selected based on its topography, altitude, history, prominence, and geological origin.
According to INGUAT, the organization has collaborated with Viñals on several projects aimed at strengthening adventure tourism in Guatemala. These efforts include creating digital content to promote adventure activities through social media and offering informational talks such as “Volcanoes and Mountains of Guatemala: A Safe and Sustainable Vision.” These talks are targeted at the general public, tourism entrepreneurs, and tour guides.
Sponsors supporting Viñals' work include Tag Airlines, Cementos Progreso, Grupo Distelsa, and San Martín. They joined him during the recognition event organized by INGUAT.
Regarding his background, Viñals began his mountaineering career in December 1987 with the group “De Cumbre a Cumbre.” He has climbed significant peaks across Central America, the Caribbean, South America’s Andes range, Europe’s Alps, and Asia’s Himalayas. On May 23, 2001, he summited Mount Everest—becoming the first person from Central America and the Caribbean to do so.
He also completed the Seven Summits challenge in May 2001 as its first finisher from Central America and the Caribbean—and was number 86 worldwide. In May 2008 he became the first person globally to finish climbing the highest peak on each of seven islands around the world. In January 2023 he finished climbing seven volcanic summits—being number 31 globally to achieve this feat.
Viñals is recognized as the first person worldwide to complete all three challenges—the World Trilogy (7+7+7)—culminating with his ascent of Mount Sidley in Antarctica on January 18, 2023. He continues working toward other goals such as climbing fifty of the world’s most prominent peaks (having reached thirty-three) and ten of its highest volcanoes (with six completed so far).
Beyond mountaineering achievements, Viñals is an international speaker focusing on motivation, resilience, and leadership. He is a certified systemic team coach by both Utah University (USA) and Zaragoza University (Spain), has received multiple awards nationally and internationally, authored seven books about his experiences, and produced three documentary videos.
Further details can be found at https://prensa.gob.gt/comunicado/reconocen-trayectoria-de-jaime-vinals-y-es-nombrado-embajador-de-turismo
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