Juan Manuel Herrera Traybel was born in Buenos Aires in 1987, but his heart belongs to Patagonia. His fascination with this remote region began at the age of seventeen when he first encountered its breathtaking landscapes. The snowcapped mountains and rugged wilderness left an indelible mark on him, images he carried with him into his future. Without a clear idea of where his passion would lead, Juan pursued a degree in tourism. In his first year, his fluency in English opened the door to an internship at Estancia Harberton in Tierra del Fuego. It was here that his love affair with Patagonia deepened, prompting him to return to this magical region time and again. Eager to broaden his horizons, Juan expanded his linguistic skills, adding Italian and Portuguese to his repertoire. After completing his studies, his adventurous spirit led him to Australia and New Zealand, where he honed his English and immersed himself in new cultures. Over the next three years, he traveled across all seven continents, soaking in the diversity of the world before returning once more to the land that first captured his imagination—Patagonia. Back in Patagonia, Juan earned his license as a National Parks guide and began a professional journey that would shape his future. He developed a close working relationship with Estancia Cristina, nestled within Los Glaciares National Park on the shores of Lago Argentino. Fascinated by the history of the area, Juan proposed a project to revitalize the museum at Estancia Cristina, aiming to both preserve the region's rich heritage and enhance the experience for visitors. Supported by the concession company and his colleagues, Juan embarked on a two-year research project. What began as a simple curiosity evolved into a deep historical study, allowing him to uncover and understand the rich narrative of the family who once called this remote corner of Patagonia home, as well as the broader historical context of the region. This passion project transformed Juan into a dedicated Patagonian history enthusiast and the curator of the Estancia Cristina Museum. Now residing in Austria, Juan found the quiet necessary to begin outlining his book during the coronavirus pandemic. After two years of dedicated research and writing, he brings to readers this independent historical work—a testament to his enduring connection with Patagonia and his commitment to preserving its stories for future generations.
