Top Conservation Guide

Pablo Valladares

Where he guides: Ecuador Booked through: Galakiwi (galakiwi.com) Pablo, a native Ecuadorian, has made his home on the Galápagos island of Isabela, where he has become one of the highest-regarded conservation guides in the business.

Whether his guests are regular holidaymakers or eminent wildlife scientists with an intimate knowledge of the islands, Pablo always has the ability to surprise and delight those who travel with him.

His fascination with wildlife inspired him to move from mainland Ecuador to the Galápagos archipelago decades ago. He originally split his time between working at the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, before guiding tours around the Sierra Negra volcano. Today, he reveals the magic of these unique islands to guests from all over the world.

“Pablo’s knowledge was deeprooted and sophisticated. He created a rich and fascinating experience that lasted right through to the final farewells”

But it’s not all about wildlife for Pablo; between his family, friends and work, somehow he manages to find the time to volunteer in his local community, too. “He knows that the future of the islands rests in the hands of those who live there,” wrote Dr Mark Collins, Chairman of the Galápagos Conservation Trust, in his Guide Awards testimonial. We couldn’t think of a better guardian of the Galápagos isles than Pablo.

What you said

“He really loves the work he does, and his passion for the Galápagos isles is astonishing. This is what makes such a difference. Guiding is so much more than his job – it is his life.”

“Pablo genuinely cares for the islands and their inhabitants, and is passionately working to preserve and support them for many generations to come.”

“He made me see not only the Galápagos differently but life in general. He is head and shoulders above any other guide I have used.”

The judges’ view

Mark Carwardine commented, “Pablo is an influencer in the best sense of the word. He is clearly admired by all who know the Galápagos, while he is loved by his customers for whom he inspires a passion for conservation.”