Gustavo’s connection to the Galapagos Islands runs deep. His great-grandfather moved to the Galapagos in 1912 when he came in search of a job on a sugar plantation. Gustavo took his first trip around the islands when he was just 6 years old, in a boat named the Beagle III (a nod to Charles Darwin’s vessel via which he visited the islands in 1835), as his father contemplated a future career as a yacht captain. Gustavo says the experience of playing among dozens of sea lions as a boy changed his life and would eventually inspire his current career. He holds an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering and an MBA. In 2005, he decided to quit his office job, cast off his business suit, and at long last pursue his dream of becoming a naturalist guide in the Galapagos Islands. We are proud to have Gustavo on our team of Expedition Leaders.


Upcoming Trips with Gustavo:
Galapagos Discovery: The Nat Hab Experience
Galapagos Hiking & Kayaking Adventure

Praise from Natural Habitat travelers:

T. Brown
“Gustavo just the best. And so kind, too. We also appreciated his excitement about seeing wildlife, especially since they have probably seen a frigate puffing out or a blue booby dance about a million times--but it was our first time, and his excitement helped make it a special event."

A. Currie
“Gustavo is a gem of a guide. A+. I liked the fact that he is native to Galapagos. I would highly recommend him specifically to anyone going to the Galapagos. His knowledge level was very high, a pleasure to work with. His enthusiasm for his home area is infectious."

C. Wood
“Gustavo lives on the Galapagos and probably the most informed guide there is in the Galapagos. I tended to eavesdrop on other trips and you could tell what kind of caliber guides we had compared to the others and that we were in a totally different division. Gustavo was extremely helpful while snorkeling pointing out different ocean life, he was very enthusiastic about the history of the islands, the politics of Ecuador, the plant life and animals/reptiles we found on the islands. I really have a lot of respect for him, working so hard and always smiling and staying positive. He was really exceptional."

T. Haigh
“Could not have had a better guide. Real passion for nature and his work, which showed in his enthusiasm and positive high energy approach. Incredibly knowledgeable and has spent most of his life studying nature and wildlife in the Galapagos We spent most of our hikes in Gustavo's group and he went out of his way to help those with special needs. Also a real pleasure to spend time with socially."

K. Tietjens
“He was a great guide and was very good about pointing out unique animals and plants. He also spent time in the evening pointing out constellations. He got several items to make s'mores when we went camping. He was a real joy to hang with for the week."