Meet Your Guides
Pablo has always been passionate about wildlife and the great outdoors. After studying biology and natural sciences at the University of Guayaquil, he came to the Galapagos Islands as part a 6 month volunteer program for the Charles Darwin Research Station and Galapagos National Park. As he worked with the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center of Isabella Island, his interest in outdoor activities and conservation grew and led him to another project that he would devote the next 8 years of his life to. He continued with the Charles Darwin Research Station working in education, communication and participation of the local community. This experience further strengthened his passion for the islands, the human aspect and impact, and for Isabella Island in particular where he has lived since 1998. "In May 2006, he left the station and started to work as a Naturalist Guide sharing with curious visitors his experience and love for nature." Pablo continues to guide today and lives on the island of Isabella. Pablo's pasion and love for Galapagos was rewarded in 2018, when he won the "Worlds Top Conservation Guide" awarded at the Wonderlust World Guide Awards.
He's well known for his infectious enthusiasm and easygoing manner. You'll learn, you'll laugh and you will have an incredible experience with Pablo leading the way.
"I think everyone should love and respect nature and each other and continue to maintain these beautiful islands in their natural state for future generations. I cannot wait to experience more magical moments with you and share all my passion and love for this place. Bienvenidos a Galapagos!"
What our travelers say about Pablo:
"I can't say enough about how great Pablo was. He made this an amazing adventure for us. His enthusiasm is what makes him special. It was Pablo that made the trip into a memory of a lifetime. The support crew on the various boats were also very friendly and helpful." - Chris Urquhart, Canada
"Pablo did an excellent job of extending his local knowledge and his extensive biological knowledge, answering a multitude of questions. Pablo was responsive, super enthusiastic (obvious that he taught school children), and very friendly. He seemed to truly enjoy his work." - Sonya Capek, USA
"Pablo was great and very patient, informative, passionate, friendly, helpful and truly interested in preserving the Galápagos Islands." - Janet Oberson, USA
"Pablo was FANTASTIC!!! I wouldn't change anything about him. His knowledge just blew us away. His passion and excitement for nature and adventure is what makes him so wonderful to be around. We miss him!:)" - Neetu Jain, Canada
"Pablo was absolutely fantastic. Got to know all of us very quickly and was always on top of what was happening and where we were supposed to be. He was always on time as were any assistant guides. He was also very knowledgeable about all the animals and the history and geology of the islands. We also enjoyed meeting and spending time with his wife, Laura, and their son." - Marsha Johnson, USA
"Absolutely fantastic. Pablo Valladares took excellent care and was totally sensitive to the needs of four very different people, two seniors and two teenagers. As mentioned above, he is also smart and knowledgable. Mauro, our guide in Quito was also quite good." - Fern Lowenfels, USA
"Pablo -- the absolutely perfect guide -- He can solve any problem ( lost camera bag, too much luggage for the plane, making it fun for all, etc.) He has a true passion for all the wildlife and his knowledge highlights this magical place. He made us feel like we were his special friends visiting from out of town rather than tourists. (Tim -- also made us feel the same way)" - Marcy Welsh, USA
"Pablo was great. He knows everything about Galapagos, the nature the different types of animals and plants, etc. He was good with the kids and a pleasure to be around. He was highly respectful and took great care to ensure we were safe and comfortable. To my mind it would be impossible to find a better guide than Pablo. He felt like a member of the family by the time we left and we were all sad to have to say goodbye." - Dan Jenkins, Canada
"He enriched every experience with stories and made personal connections from his years living on the islands. He was a fabulous storyteller and went out of his way to make sure everyone was getting the most out of the trip!" - Lauren Levites, USA
"Pablo did an amazing job. On the last day, I got a little depressed - I wish I could have Pablo there explaining the world to me all the time. Oh, serious comments. Pablo made the Galapagos come alive, both the human history and the natural world, and helped us understand it. Experiencing the islands with someone who is so passionate and clearly loves sharing knowledge was amazing. Plus, he challenged us to really internalize what he was teaching - he gave us time to absorb the information and understand why each place, animal, or plant was important to the story of the Galapagos." - Melissa Shumi, USA
"Pablo literally made the trip for us. From start to finish, he was so fantastic. We were able to learn so much from him and connect to the Galapagos through his knowledge and stories. He is personable and passionate about this amazing place. We learned every day and have a much greater appreciation for the Galapagos than I expected. We were excited for every day and literally cried when it was over. Trip of a lifetime with the best guide ever." - Bonnie Chapman, USA
