"I discovered the existence of Aqvaterra in 2001, in an Italian magazine of aquarism. Already in the first emails, between Pipo and I we formed an instant relation of trust. Soon I noticed the excellent possibilities that were presented to me, being able to combine my vacation in a subtropical country now well known of and dedicate myself to my passion, the cichlids.

Aqvaterra is a family business, the result of years work by Felipe Cantera. The organization of the trips is simple but carefully prepared. The knowledge of the territory, the ability to organize trips, the constant contact with some well known international investigators and the specific knowledge of high standard makes Felipe an excellent guide of naturalism.

The first trip was amazing, impossible to forget: the endless views, the possibilities to live a gaucho life like in the estancia “Los Plátanos” (an enchanting place, with excellent food and improvised horse back riding tours) and the first contact with the cichlids, unique in their species, with varied colours and alive, looking like their artificial (specially those who belong to the Gymnogeophagus group)…

I think that these trips of echo tourism are stimulating in various points of views, besides the enrichment of the knowledge of the habitat, in my case specifically, the doors open to the world of a group of cichlids in particular (the Gymnogeophagus, that I find fantastic) who also contributes to the development of other activities as an naturalist.

At this moment I am organizing my fourth trip to Uruguay. The enthusiasm before the next trip continues to be as intense as when I travelled there for the first time."