When people picture the Galapagos Islands, they often think of untouched nature, exotic animals, and remote beauty. For me, these islands are simply home. Growing up here shaped who I am in ways I couldn’t have imagined. One of the most noticeable things about life here is peace. There’s no crime, no city rush, and no need to lock your doors at night. We live with nature, not apart from it. From an early age, I learned the importance of caring for our environment, recycling, reducing waste, and keeping our impact low were just daily habits. It’s part of what makes life here so special.

Barefoot days were the best! Walking on rocky shores, skipping over volcanic terrain, or feeling the warm sand between my toes were pretty much optional. I spent most of my childhood outdoors, where the islands were our playground. My friends and I would ride bikes through the few streets we had, play games in the malecon – or just any street, there was no traffic at all, or spend hours exploring the natural world around us. With barely any cars around, the roads felt like an extension of our backyards. And yeah, we knew everyone, and they knew us!

Fishing off the dock was one of my favorite pastimes. The sea wasn’t just for swimming, it was full of life lessons. Learning to swim came naturally when the ocean is as welcoming as it is here. Snorkeling with sea lions or golden rays, made me fall in love with the sea early on.

Of course, island life wasn’t always as exciting as it sounds. Sometimes it got boring—being so far from the mainland meant fewer options for entertainment. But we were creative. We’d swim in La Laguna de las Ninfas, kayak, or hit the beach every day. The constant crash of waves became the soundtrack to my life. While many of my friends took up surfing, I found myself drawn to music. I played guitar and even had a band for a while. It was our way of having our own fun, carving out moments that were uniquely ours. I’m going to be honest, I do not like the beach anymore, I have not been to Tortuga Bay beach in 5 years or more and truly I do not know why, maybe I went way many times.

I went to a small school called Tomas de Berlanga, where I mostly learned English. Besides classes, playing video games and watching TV shows like Friends in English really helped me pick up the language. Our school was tiny, with just five to eight students per grade, so I had friends in every grade. But it wasn’t limited to just our school; we hung out with kids from other schools, and it felt like one big community.

Tourism was always part of my life. My parents own a hotel and a yacht, taking visitors on tours around the islands. I grew up surrounded by people from all over the world, hearing different languages and learning about other cultures while sharing our home with them. Every day, I met new travelers eager to experience the magic of the Galapagos, and I felt proud to show them around. Being involved in tourism gave me a deep appreciation for how unique these islands are and how important it is to preserve them.

But being raised in paradise comes with a deep sense of responsibility. It’s about living in harmony with nature and understanding that what we do here impacts the world. It’s a lesson in balance, sustainability, and the beauty of simplicity.  Would I trade this life for anything? Never. These islands are more than just home, they’re a way of life. The Galapagos may seem far from the rest of the world, but for me, they are everything.

I feel lucky to have been born and raised in a place as naturally beautiful as the Galapagos. Thanks to my parent's background in local tourism, I learned the importance of conservation and sustainability early on. Now, I can open the doors of this unique paradise to the world in a whole new way. Galapagos a la Carte was just an idea, a vague dream, but now it's real, and we’re just getting started!

Looking around today, I see the next generation growing up just like I did. My little nephew, only three years old, runs around town or rides his scooter down the middle of the street without care, no cars to worry about. It’s a kind of freedom that most kids never get to experience, and it reminds me of my own carefree days. Even now, I can walk home at 3 a.m. without a second thought. The only “crime” we hear about is the occasional stolen bike!

But I won’t sugarcoat everything, there are issues here, just like anywhere else. Problems with drugs and alcohol exist, but nothing different from any other town. I believe with strong community support and leadership; we can solve these problems. It’s part of the balance of living in paradise, and I’m hopeful for the future.

I saw the evolution of tourism here. What started as mid-range, locally based tourism has transformed over time. I’ve witnessed the rise of new generations of tourists who expect better services, nicer hotels, gourmet dining, and more sophisticated tours. Where there were once two- or three-star hotels, now you’ll find four- and five-star accommodation. Restaurants have taken over the main avenue, and the dining scene has become more elevated than we ever imagined.

My generation has been part of this shift. While some friends pursued careers in tourism, gastronomy, or biology, others became naturalist guides or environmental educators. As for me, I dove into marketing and advertising, always with the goal of promoting our islands in a way that keeps them beautiful while meeting the needs of today’s travelers. All of us are working hard to make our little paradise even better.

To my beloved Ma,

I want to dedicate this to my mom, Malena, Marielena, Marielenita or simply MAC. She passed away recently after nine incredibly brave years fighting breast cancer.
Ma, thank you! for the love, strength, the wisdom, and the life you gave me, thank you for everything. You were (and still are) the best mom I could have ever asked for. I carry your lessons with me every single day and every action I make is to make you proud.