Who are we?
Ancorauê Tours is a relaxed group of friends and family that have come together to enjoy Rio’s natural beauty by sharing their favorite pastimes of sailing and rock climbing with the rest of the world.
Although made up of an international team of experienced and capable guides, we do not operate like a typical tourism company and do not wish to be seen as one. Our clients can expect more of a relaxed and friendly experience with us, than a formal and structured tour. We enjoy meeting new people and sharing our local knowledge with them, giving them a chance to see the city through our eyes, and hope to treat our guests more like “friends from out of town” than clients.
Our goal is to have a good time while also offering a professional and safe adventure on the sea or in the mountains of Rio. After years of providing guiding services to hundreds of clients from around the world we have learned that the most satisfying experience is when a friendship and comfortable atmosphere is created. We believe that whether you are hanging 200 meters off the ground or drinking a cold beer on our boat that this mentality is what is going to make you feel at home with us.
Our Team
Andrew Lenz
Andrew is an American living in Rio de Janerio since 1998. He sailing experience dates back to 2001 and includes several years crewing on the Brazilian Tallship Tocorime. He has been an avid rock climber since 2004 and has climbing experience both in Brazil and Argentina. Andrew is also a percussionist who has played with many of Rio’s famous samba schools, as well the Brazilian Coordinator of the internationally recognized organization Schools Without Borders. Andrew is also certified by the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism as a professional tour guide.
andrew@ancoraue.com +55 21 9328.5904
Eduardo “Ducha” Pacheco
Ducha, also known as the gradpa of climbing, is someone everyone should meet at least once in their lives. He is an accomplished sailor and climber that has more stories than even he can remember. If you ask nicely, Ducha, who is also a graduate in Fine Arts, will be glad to explain his personal philosophy on life which although not to be considered a profound life revelation, will make the little things in life a lot more fun. Deeply interested in nomadic and outdoors lifestyle, Ducha drove to Patagonia three times (1997, 2005, 2009) from Rio, heading to Chilean and Argentinian volcanoes, mountains and lakes. He has also climbed in Peak District (UK), Chamonix (France), Cotopaxi (Equador). Ducha climbs since 1995 and became a climbing guide in 2003
ducha@ancoraue.com +55 21 8045.1903
Mingo Leahy
Born and raised in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Mingo started sailing at the age of 6 in the Guanabara bay, and has more then ten years of climbing experience. He works as a professional drummer as well, performing with several jazz and brazilian musical groups. English and Spanish speaker.
mingo@ancoraue.com + 55 21 8272.2202
Don Lenz
Don is a graduate engineer, originally from Chicago, but that also lived in Houston for too many years. He had worked off-and-on in Brazil since 1983 before moving permanently to Rio in 1998. Don started sailing when he was 12 years old and has enjoyed many boats and adventures over the years. He is certified by the Brazilian Navy for operation of vessels in Brazil and is experienced in sailing, navigation, boat handling and safety. Don enjoys the Brazilian pace, attitude and lifestyle; if you are looking for an America’s cup sailing mentality, Don is not your choice.
don@ancoraue.com +55 21 9323.8447