My name is Derek Larson, and I'm the founder of Santa Maria Expeditions. Originally from Rochester, New York, I found my true home in the mountains of central Mexico, where my passion for exploration eventually became a profession.

After retiring from the United States Army and later working as a military consultant specializing in reconnaissance operations, I was ready for a different kind of adventure. In 2015, I arrived in the Sierra Gorda with a backpack, a camera, and a desire to explore one of Mexico's most spectacular and least-known mountain regions.

What began as personal exploration soon became an obsession. Day after day, I ventured onto forgotten footpaths, crossed rivers, climbed remote peaks, explored caves and canyons, and visited communities that few travelers ever see. Many of those early expeditions were done alone, guided only by curiosity, old trails, and conversations with local residents.

Those years of exploration became the foundation of Santa Maria Expeditions.

Every hiking adventure we offer is unique because every route has been personally explored, connected, refined, and documented by me. Rather than following commercial trekking routes or itineraries found online, I have spent years piecing together historic trails, forgotten footpaths, and hidden landscapes into unforgettable adventures. Each expedition reflects countless hours of exploration and a genuine connection with the Sierra Gorda and its people.

Today, I live in Jalpan de Serra with my family, in the heart of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve. Living here allows me to continue exploring the region year-round, developing new routes, building relationships with local communities, and sharing the incredible natural and cultural heritage of the Sierra Gorda with visitors from around the world.

When I'm not in Mexico, I work seasonally as a naturalist and photography guide in Southeast Alaska, introducing visitors to the incredible wildlife of the Inside Passage, including brown bears, bald eagles, whales, glaciers, and the temperate rainforest. Sharing these experiences has deepened my appreciation for conservation, environmental education, and nature photography.

Photography is another passion that complements my work as a guide. I believe every landscape has a story to tell, and I enjoy helping others capture those moments while experiencing extraordinary places.

Santa Maria Expeditions specializes in authentic outdoor experiences throughout the Sierra Gorda, including:

• Multi-day backpacking expeditions

• River trekking and canyon exploration

• Cultural hiking experiences

• Photography tours

• Private custom adventures

• Challenging endurance hikes such as El Legendario

My philosophy is simple: create authentic adventures that go beyond the ordinary. I believe the best experiences happen far from the crowds, on trails with history, in landscapes that remain wild, and alongside the communities that have called these mountains home for generations.

Whether you're joining me for a demanding multi-day expedition, a scenic photography tour, or your first adventure in the Sierra Gorda, my goal is to share the places that inspired me to make this remarkable region my home.

I look forward to exploring the Sierra Gorda with you.

Derek Larson
Founder & Guide
Santa Maria Expeditions