By Jean Sanz
When I first set foot on the Galápagos Islands, I was struck by the stark beauty of the volcanic landscapes juxtaposed with the vibrant turquoise waters. It felt like stepping into a world untouched by time, where wildlife and nature reigned supreme. My move here was driven by a desire to immerse myself in an environment where life’s simplicity could flourish and the natural world could inspire every moment.
Settling into island life was an adventure in itself. The pace was slower, the priorities refreshingly different. Morning routines quickly adapted to the rhythms of nature. I’d wake to the sound of sea lions barking on the beach, the distant chirping of finches, and the crash of waves against the rocky shore. My small bungalow perched near a cove became my sanctuary. It was basic but cozy, with wide-open windows that let the breeze flow through and gave me a front-row seat to the sun’s dazzling rise over the horizon each day.
Finding Inspiration in the Wild
The wildlife became both my neighbour and my greatest teacher. Blue-footed boobies danced their comical courtship rituals in front of me as I strolled along the beaches. Giant tortoises meandered lazily through the highlands, their slow, deliberate movements a reminder that time here was measured differently. In the water, sea lions would dart around me in playful underwater acrobatics, and I found myself mesmerized by marine iguanas diving into the cold currents to graze on algae—a behaviour so unique it felt almost mythical.
Over time, I made it my goal to explore each of the Galápagos Islands, guided by the same spirit of discovery that once led Charles Darwin here. On Española, I watched the majestic waved albatross take flight, their wings cutting through the wind with effortless grace. On Isabela, the dramatic volcanic calderas reminded me of the islands’ fiery origins, and I marvelled at how life had adapted to even the harshest of landscapes. On Santa Cruz, the Charles Darwin Research Station deepened my understanding of conservation efforts, particularly the ongoing work to protect giant tortoises and other endemic species.
With time, I became an expert on the islands—not just in their landscapes and wildlife, but in understanding the delicate balance between conservation and the visitor experience. I began curating journeys, allowing travellers to experience the immense beauty and significance of the Galápagos without disrupting its fragile ecosystem. I had experienced firsthand that luxury here was not about extravagance but about exclusivity and immersion—what I came to think of as “barefoot luxury.” It was about waking up in a remote bay where no one else was around, snorkelling in waters so pristine they felt like an untouched world, and ending the day watching the sun dip below the horizon with nothing but the sounds of nature filling the air.
My naturalist guides became a source of endless inspiration, weaving Darwin’s theory of evolution into the tapestry of everyday experiences. On Genovesa, we observed the finches that had shaped Darwin’s groundbreaking research, noting the subtle variations in their beaks—a living testament to adaptation and survival. At Fernandina, I watched in awe as flightless cormorants, having lost their ability to fly over generations, propelled themselves effortlessly through the water in search of food. Every island offered something unique, not just in landscapes but in the stories of survival written into the very fabric of its wildlife.
The Best Way to Travel the Galápagos
I’ve always championed slow travel—taking the time to absorb a place rather than just passing through. In the Galápagos, one of the most rewarding ways to explore is through an island-hopping, multi-sport adventure. Unlike a cruise, which follows a set itinerary, island hopping allows for more freedom. You can spend your mornings strolling along quiet beaches, walking into small towns to taste local life, or setting off on an adventure by kayak or bike. One of my favourite days involved biking along Isabela’s coastline to the historic Wall of Tears, a silent reminder of the island’s past, before ending at a hidden beach where sea lions basked in the sun, unbothered by my presence.
That’s not to say that cruising isn’t an incredible way to experience the Galápagos. One of the main advantages of a cruise is access to the more remote islands—places you simply can’t reach on a day trip. It also spares travellers from the sometimes bumpy speedboat rides between islands. For those looking for a deeper, uninterrupted immersion into the archipelago’s wonders, a small expedition yacht can offer an intimate and seamless way to move between the islands while maximizing time in nature.
The Galápagos has evolved in recent years, offering more ways to experience its wonders while maintaining its wild, untouched essence. Luxury here is not about five-star resorts—it’s about the privilege of being in a place where nature takes center stage. Several eco-lodges and sustainable hotels have emerged, blending seamlessly into their surroundings while offering refined yet low-impact experiences. Even the cruises, once seen as exclusive to larger ships, have adapted to provide intimate and environmentally responsible options.
One of the things I love most about the Galápagos is that it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking to hike volcanic trails, a wildlife enthusiast eager to swim with hammerhead sharks, or someone who simply wants to disconnect from the noise of the world, the islands have a way of giving you exactly what you need. Every experience here leaves an imprint, changing how you see the natural world. But more importantly, the Galápagos has a way of finding you. These islands have a way of leaving you with a sense of wonder that never quite fades.
Your Turn: Galapagos Island Hopping
This itinerary takes you from the colonial charm of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, to the unforgettable Galapagos Islands. Here, you can snorkel with playful sea lions, spot graceful white-tipped reef sharks, cycle around the picturesque Isabela Island, and hike the impressive volcanoes that dot the archipelago.
With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Jean founded JSB Journeys with a vision to introduce travellers to the unique beauty and hidden wonders of Latin America. As an American-Argentine citizen, she brings a deep understanding of the region’s diverse cultures to design the most authentic and off-the-beaten-path luxury experiences.