Meet Your Guides
Juan Carlos Zambonino, or Zambo for short, was born on the island of Santa Cruz. While in ecotourism program at the university, Zambo had the opportunity to study and travel through the Ecuadorian coast, mountains, and rain forest. During this time he discovered his love of observing animals in their natural habitat. After finishing his degree, he began volunteering at the Charles Darwin Research Station observing and documenting marine iguana behavior during the mating season. At the conclusion of his research, Zambo continued in the ecotourism field and completed the Naturalist Guide Course in 2009. "I decided to be a guide because I love sharing with people the experience, culture, everything the Galapagos has to offer the world from its unique biodiversity to the animals you will only find here that coexist in harmony. I love to see people's smiles as they observe our ecosystem." Zambo's love of his homeland and extensive knowledge about the wildlife and their habits and habitats is impressive. His constant smile and never-ending energy have won him many accolades in the tourist world. Zambo now lives on San Cristobal.
"In my beautiful National Park, there are many amazing and majestic animals. You cannot imagine how close you can get to them. Bring your cameras and let's explore!"
What our travelers say about Zambo:
"Zambo was amazing, we could not have asked for a better guide. He provided so much information and his enthusiasim was great. It is nice to have someone who genuinely loves their job looking after you. During our freetime he would offer to take us to different things just to ensure that we were always enjoying ourselves. He was very accommodating of any requests (when it was in his power to help) and extremely patient and professional." - Andrew Acton-Adams, New Zealand
"Zambo is number one in our minds! He could not have been better in any aspect." - Scott Murray, USA
"Zambo was very knowledgeable and obviously loves his job. He also has the patience of a saint when required." - Geordan Ganka, USA
"Zambo was amazing! He knew everything about everything. He answered all questions he was asked, and he was very patient with the group. This was my first time doing many of the activities, but Zambo made sure everyone knew what to do. His main goal was to keep us safe, but his second goal was to make sure the trip was the best it could be! He was able to do both!" - Jessica Lumpkin, USA
"Zambo was fantastic. Very knowledgeable and accommodating, and always looking out for the safety of the group. Great sense of humor as well!" - Jennifer Korb, USA
Zambo - Galapagos Naturalist Guide
