Nery Gonzales :                        

Around the age of 8 my mother would send me to the Ruins, where my father was assistant manager, to bring him lunch. It was at this time where I began to learn about what would eventually become our livelihood.

My father would let me stay and accompany him in all businesses regarding the archeological park, anywhere from the maintenance of the park to guiding world diplomats. At the age of 13, unofficially, I began guiding my own tours. After a couple of years doing this, I realized the importance of speaking English, so I decided to enroll in an English course as well as several courses of Mayan archeology. I soon took and passed the test to become an official guide. Since 1996 I have been a member of the prestigious Copan Association of Guides (Asociacion de Guias Copan – AGC).

Today my credentials are as follows:

1996

• Certificate in Tourist animation – IHT (Honduran Institute of Tourism)
• Course in Mayan Archeology – IHAH (Honduran Institute of Anthropology and History)

1997

• Excellence in the Mayan World - IHT and the Caribbean Hospitality Training Institute
• Certified National Tour Guide – IHT

1998

• Certificate in Alternative Tourism – IHT and The Mexican Institute of Tourism
• Certificate in Food and Beverage Management – IHFOP (Honduran Institute of Professional Training)

1999

• Bachelors degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management – Copan Ruinas, Honduras
• New Discoveries in the Acropolis Copan – PROARCO (Acropolis Copan Archeological Project)

Certification in:

• Front Desk Techniques
• Housekeeping Techniques
• Bartending Techniques
(IHFOP)

2001

• 2nd International MAYAN WORLD Congress

2002

• Associates Degree in Business Management – Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield, Ma. USA.
• Certified Open Water Diver – PADI Lahaina, HA

Current Member of:

- Honduran Institute of Tourism (IHT) – Bilingual National Tour Guide #A-004
- Copan Guides Association (AGC) – Bilingual Local Guide #00-002
- Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) – Open Water Diver #0206587651
- Archeological Institute of America (AIA)