Paola Luque

Originally from the city of Guayaquil, Paola spent her childhood in two distinct regions of Ecuador: near the ocean and in an agricultural area surrounded by rivers and fruit trees. These early experiences shaped her strong connection to nature. In 1998, she settled on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos Archipelago.

There, she became involved in the tourism industry, working in a variety of roles. Her interest in the sea and travel later led her to remote destinations around the world, particularly in the western Pacific, where she experienced diverse cultures and environments. During this time, she developed a strong interest in food and cooking and spent more than five years working as a chef and crew member aboard private yachts, always returning to the Galápagos as her home base.

These experiences deepened her appreciation for nature and the importance of environmental education in isolated communities. Upon returning to the Galápagos, she volunteered with NGOs and the Galápagos National Park, participating in environmental education programs for local adolescents focused on conservation and stewardship of these unique ecosystems.

Paola has worked as a certified Galápagos naturalist since 2016. Her connection to the natural world and the ocean led her to pursue a career in guiding, which she enjoys sharing with travelers from around the world. She joined the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions team in 2019. During her time off, she enjoys brewing ginger beer, cooking for friends, planning future travels and embracing island life.