Andrés Ruzo
Andrés Ruzo is an Explorers Club Fellow and TED mainstage speaker whose work bridges science, exploration, and wonder. A geothermal scientist, conservationist, and educator, he is best known for revealing Earth’s hidden natural marvels—most famously the Boiling River of the Amazon. Through storytelling and science, he reconnects people to the living power of our planet.
Rock Nerd
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Endlessly Curious
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Geothermal Scientist
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Rock Nerd • Endlessly Curious • Geothermal Scientist •
More about Andrés
Andrés Ruzo is a geothermal scientist, conservationist, educator, and National Geographic Explorer dedicated to helping people reconnect with nature through science, storytelling, and collaboration. His work spans five continents, but he is best known for pioneering research at the Boiling River of the Amazon in Peru—a sacred geothermal site where, in 2011, he became the first geoscientist granted shamanic permission to study it.
Andrés is the founder and director of the Boiling River Project, a nonprofit that unites science, art, traditional knowledge, and education. The project brings together nearly 100 collaborators from more than 20 countries to protect geothermal ecosystems and promote sustainable development. His work emphasizes the idea that environmental responsibility and economic prosperity can—and must—coexist, particularly in energy, resources, ecotourism, and education.
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Raised between Peru, Nicaragua, and the United States, Andrés developed a global perspective early on, recognizing that many of the world’s challenges transcend borders and are rooted in energy and resource use. He earned degrees in Geology and Finance from Southern Methodist University and is completing a PhD focused on geothermal studies.
Education is central to Andrés’ mission. For over a decade, he has championed project-based learning and integrated educational components into all of his work, engaging audiences from K–12 to higher education through talks, workshops, and field experiences. He contributes to National Geographic Learning and has partnered with schools, ministries of education, and international organizations, including keynoting the UN’s COP28 Greening Education Hub.
A TED Main Stage speaker and TED Book author, Andrés has hosted the award-winning National Geographic Latin America series Misterios del Inframundo. His work has been featured globally, and his honors include the Explorers Club EC50 Fellowship, the Lowell Thomas Award, and recognition from organizations such as Rolex, Greenpeace, and National Geographic.
Speaking Topics
Conservation
Science
Exploration
Innovation
Nature
Watch Andrés in action
Presentations
The Science Behind the World’s Wonders
National Geographic Explorer and geothermal scientist Andrés Ruzo connects audiences to nature’s wonders, from the Amazon’s “boiling river” and Tree of Light to Hawaii’s volcanoes. Sharing eye-opening science, cultural stories, and recent discoveries like the giant squid, he invites audiences to explore, understand, and protect the planet, blending curiosity, adventure.
“The ancient definition of the word sacred is ‘that which gives life.’ It’s the clean air you breathe, the clean water you drink, the nutritious food that keeps you healthy, the connection to your landscape — to me, that’s sacredness.”
– Andrés Ruzo