Andres A. Ruzo
Andrés Ruzo is a geothermal scientist and National Geographic Explorer bridging science, culture, and conservation to inspire global change.
Why book Andres A. Ruzo for your next event
- Discover the story behind the Boiling River of the Amazon and how science meets tradition in Ruzo’s groundbreaking work.
- Gain insights into sustainable energy, conservation, and how economic prosperity and environmental care can align.
- Experience the passion of a National Geographic Explorer inspiring audiences through discovery, education, and collaboration.
Non-binding request for Andres A. Ruzo
Geothermal scientist, conservationist, and educator connecting people with nature through exploration and storytelling.
Andrés Ruzo is a geothermal scientist, conservationist, and National Geographic Explorer who has dedicated his life to connecting people with nature through science, storytelling, and education. Best known for his pioneering research at the Boiling River of the Amazon, Ruzo bridges the worlds of traditional knowledge and modern science to protect and celebrate the planet’s geothermal wonders. His talks invite audiences to rethink humanity’s relationship with energy, resources, and the natural world, highlighting how sustainability and prosperity can thrive together.
The explorer who brings science to life
Andrés Ruzo’s journey began across three countries, Peru, Nicaragua, and the United States, shaping his global perspective and deep respect for nature. This multicultural background helped him see that environmental challenges transcend borders, inspiring his mission to connect people and ecosystems through science. His discovery and study of the Boiling River of the Amazon made him the first geoscientist to receive the shamanic blessing to study this sacred site, a testament to his respect for Indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage.
The Boiling River Project
Driven by curiosity and commitment, Ruzo founded The Boiling River Project, a nonprofit organization uniting science, art, traditional wisdom, and education. With nearly 100 collaborators from over 20 countries, the project explores geothermal phenomena and inspires new generations to value the connection between people and the planet. His work emphasizes the harmony between environmental conservation and responsible economic growth, reminding us that sustainability is not just a scientific pursuit, but a human one.
Bridging science, economy, and sustainability
Holding degrees in Geology and Finance from Southern Methodist University, where he is completing his PhD in Geothermal Studies, Ruzo combines scientific insight with economic understanding. He demonstrates how energy, resources, ecotourism, and sustainable business development can coexist productively. His vision is clear: environmental responsibility and economic prosperity can and should move forward together.
Inspiring education worldwide
Beyond the field, Andrés Ruzo is a passionate educator. For over a decade, he has championed Project-Based Learning, helping students connect classroom lessons with real-world exploration. He collaborates weekly with schools, districts, and ministries of education through talks, workshops, and short courses. His contributions to National Geographic Learning materials and his keynote at the UN’s COP28 Greening Education Hub underscore his commitment to empowering the next generation.
A voice for exploration and collaboration
As a National Geographic Explorer, speaker, and host, Ruzo has become one of the most recognizable advocates for exploration and conservation. His work has been showcased in National Geographic Magazine, on the NatGeo Channel, and in the acclaimed Latin American show Misterios del Inframundo (Mysteries of the Underworld). He has led and hosted over 400 National Geographic events and partnered with major initiatives alongside LEGO, BMW, Coors Light, and the UN Foundation.
Awards and recognition
Ruzo’s influence extends far beyond the scientific community. He is a TED Main Stage speaker, TEDBook author, and TED Speaker Ambassador. His achievements have been celebrated by the Explorers Club, where he is an EC50 Fellow, Flag Expedition Leader, and Lowell Thomas Award recipient, as well as by conservation groups like Greenpeace and Rolex. His work has even reached popular culture, earning acknowledgment from the Octonauts for inspiring young minds through exploration.
Book Andrés Ruzo for your event
Booking Andrés Ruzo means bringing an explorer’s passion, a scientist’s knowledge, and a storyteller’s voice to your stage. His talks blend adventure with insight, offering audiences a rare glimpse into how science, sustainability, and human connection can shape a better future. Whether your event focuses on education, innovation, sustainability, or inspiration, Andrés Ruzo’s message of balance and exploration will leave a lasting impression.
Keynotes
Keynote by Andres A. Ruzo:
The Legend of the Boiling River of the Amazon
When Andrés Ruzo was a young boy his grandfather told him a legend of a lost city of gold and a mythical river that boiled. Years later as a PhD student, he would find that fact can be stranger than fiction, when he became the first geoscientist to receive the shamanic blessing to study this sacred Amazonian site. Take a journey into the heart of the Amazon and into one of Earth's most unique, biodiverse ecosystems, where shamans still sing to the spirits of the jungle and where legends come to life!
Keynote by Andres A. Ruzo:
History on the Rocks: Stories of People & Planet
You see the world differently when you realize that landscapes tell stories. Though available in various formats, History on the Rocks is most popular as a small-audience VIP cocktail talk, where guests can directly interact with specialty rock specimens that impacted history. Andrés Ruzo shares stories from across the globe, from volcanoes to battlefields and from building materials to jewelry– to show how much of our history is, in fact, on the rocks!
Keynote by Andres A. Ruzo:
Seeing with Both Eyes: Unlocking the Power of Perspective
For a deeper understanding of our world, view it through multiple perspectives. Be it for science, exploration, conservation, education, or our personal, everyday lives– we benefit when we see with both eyes, breath with both lungs, and fight with both fists. In this thought-provoking talk, join Andrés Ruzo to explore the perspectives and communities behind breakthroughs.
Keynote by Andres A. Ruzo:
Communicating the Complex: The Art of Sci Comm
Since time immemorial, good stories have fueled human progress. Even today, finding the right narrative is key to driving a mission forward and making it a success. Available as a lecture, workshop, or multi-day bootcamp, this event focuses on storytelling that communicates technical subject matter. Depending on the format we cover various forms of story crafting, presentation building, in-front-of and behind-camera work, media portfolios, and even how to take a better selfie.
Keynote by Andres A. Ruzo:
High Impact Learning: Education Catalyzing Change
Explorer Andrés Ruzo has spent most of his life seeking solutions to our global environmental problems and he is more convinced than ever that schools, students, and teachers represent our biggest growth-opportunity group to impact the positive changes we need. Come explore with us as we re-imagine the role of the classroom and highlight the power of "acting local and connecting global" in catalyzing a culture of positive change.
What the Amazon Taught Me About Your Backyard | Andrés Ruzo | TEDxKids@SMU
Watch Andres A. Ruzo in action!
