Mateo Zabala

I grew up in the beautiful Galápagos Islands, specifically in San Cristobal. My childhood was filled with simple yet exciting adventures, like exploring lush forests and meeting tourists in our close-knit community of El Progreso. My family has a strong connection to the tourism industry, and my own curiosity about it started at a young age.

When I was nine, I spent a transformative year studying in San Francisco, which opened my eyes to a world full of opportunities beyond my island home. Now, my life revolves around two main things: creating unforgettable experiences for visitors to the islands and exploring different aspects of tourism. This includes everything from guiding and managing tours to marketing and creating content. Whether I'm farming in the highlands, diving in the ocean, or leading groups across the islands, every day is a new adventure.

Every day, I'm driven to learn more about our world while staying true to my island upbringing. My goal is to use the lessons I've learned to make my community better. Even with all the advances in technology and the world changing, I believe it's crucial to focus on self-awareness and simpler, more self-reliant lifestyles to tackle the challenges we face, both in society and the environment.

I've left behind my career in tourism and real estate to sail around the world, immersing myself in different island cultures. My mission is to explore how these communities live, sustain themselves, and view life spiritually. I want to bring this knowledge back to benefit the Galapagos Islands in the future.

I'm dedicated to getting involved in projects that promote sustainable living, such as organic architecture, permaculture, and renewable energy. I'm eager to be a part of your initiatives and help drive positive change.

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Together, let us create a better world.