Sabina Estupiñan

Sabina is a biologist and a naturalist guide with the Galapagos National Park Service. She was born in the northwest of Esmeraldas, the “green province” of Ecuador located on the northern coast of the country but has been a resident of the Enchanted Islands since the 1995. Her love for nature and people led her to this place and this path in life and remain her inspiration and motivation when teaching visitors about the importance of fighting for the conservation of this World Natural Heritage Site. Over the years, she has been involved in some scientist research both in mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos, examples being the monitoring of aquatic mangrove birds at Churute’s Swamp Reserve (in the Guayas province) and studying the symbiotic interaction between endemic Opuntia cactuses, giant tortoises & land iguanas of the Galapagos Islands.

During her free time Sabina enjoys long walks and travelling; she loves art (photography in particular) and music such as salsa, meringue, and other tropical and international rhythms. Her very favorite Galapagos species are the sea lions, which their playful antics, and her favorite place on earth are the mysterious cloud forests of Ecuador (including those in the highlands of Galapagos, the most endangered ecosystem in the islands). However, she is also endlessly fascinated by the desert ecosystems of Galapagos and the world. Her great passion is leading visitors through the trails of Galapagos, following Darwin’s footsteps.