Golden Galapagos: the idea that became a reality for founders Ivonne and Luisa

The Galapagos Islands are considered the crown jewel of Ecuadorian tourism. Its landscape is unparalleled, its wildlife unique, and presence crucial for the environment. Taking this into consideration Luisa Cordova and Ivonne Zumarraga crafted an ideal for a travel company that will explore nature and the beauty of Ecuador, Golden Galapagos.

For nearly a decade, Ivonne and Luisa’s dream has been shaping a new standard in luxury travel. Their ideal lies in rooting elegance and luxury with care for the environments it visits.

Luisa and Ivonne shared their insights on the industry and how they turned their dream into reality. In addition, they highlighted the debut of their newest catamaran, Monique, a ship designed to be luxurious yet set a crucial example in sustainability.

Key takeaways

• With visitors’ comfort in mind, Golden Galapagos advocates for unique experiences that go hand in hand with sustainability.
• Golden Galapagos represents years of hard work and effort to take a dream to reality by Luisa Cordova and Ivonne Zumarraga.
• The company has taken a closer approach to sustainability with their carbon-neutral certification and programs for responsible tourism.
• Golden Galapagos will be featured in Latin Trail’s digital magazine. This collaboration will promote sustainable tourism in Latin America.

Strong Leadership

Golden Galapagos was created through constant effort, Luisa Cordova and Ivonne Zumarraga manage the company with the same vision on which it was created. Day by day they both look to maintain the same essence that characterized Golden Galapagos since its beginnings.

Luisa Cordova: Finding sustainability

Luisa is the CEO of Golden Experiences and Travel, she has led the company with a strong belief in Golden’s mission. Furthermore, since the start, Luisa has implemented sustainability as a central objective in which the company revolves around. As a result, under Luisa’s leadership Golden takes on sustainable practices that aim to prove that luxury, tourism, and sustainability can all be achieved if practiced correctly.

Ivonne Zumarraga: Looking for positive impact

Like Luisa, Ivonne Zumarraga is a pillar figure in Golden’s creation and success. Ivonne is Golden Experiences and Travel’s Executive Director therefore takes on overseeing operations throughout all of the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon. Due to her many travels, she has gotten to know the Galapagos very profoundly. “For me, ecotourism is a way of giving back to nature for everything it gives us”, she shares.

Unique Cruises across majestic landscapes

Since Golden Galapagos began operations it has aimed to provide visitors with the most exclusive and unique ships sailing the Galapagos. It now features an interesting fleet that can provide guests with everything from exhilarating adventures to calm retreats.

What stands out about each ship

The cruises offered at Golden Galapagos provide meaningful experiences for its visitors. Activities range from surprise workshops to pop up ice cream events for all. Both Luisa and Ivonne agree that guest satisfaction is at the center of it all and it is because of Golden’s team that they can reach that.“Offering a beautiful trip isn’t enough,” Luisa shared. “We want every guest to feel they lived something truly unique, something they can’t find anywhere else”, she added.

The Golden Galapagos crew is trained not just to serve, but to anticipate. And that makes all the difference.

Experiencing eco-friendly tourism

Golden Galapagos reached a milestone when it became a certified carbon-neutral company. Being carbon-neutral was a long road but it ultimately represents the tourism that Golden aims for. In its cruises and programs it reduces plastic use, implements clean energy solutions, and provides support for reforestation projects. As a result, guests can learn and appreciate the paradisiacal places they are visiting.

Monique: taking responsibility and luxury into tourism

The next step in their mission has been unveiled, the Monique catamaran. Monique is a catamaran that will sail the Galapagos Islands with one mission, providing unforgettable experience while maintaining sustainability at its core. It features a modern design that blends perfectly with its surroundings, and an example of this is the beige color that covers the ship instead of the usual white. The cruise has diverse itineraries that feature entertaining onboard and offshore activities.

Personal experiences in the Galapagos Islands

Luisa and Ivonne hold a special place for the Galapagos. For them it’s a paradise on earth, they shared what makes this destination so special for them.

Luisa and Ivonne’s fondest memories

Luisa shared her excitement when their first boat, the Endemic, set sail on its maiden voyage. “I stood at the dock watching it depart and felt the dream was no longer just ours, but shared by everyone who believed in us”, said Luisa.

Likewise, Ivonne gave some personal insights on her first trip to the Galapagos. Ivonne undertook a group of travel agents to show them the beauty that revolves around the islands. For her, doing this was an experience that marked a new chapter in her life.

Photo: Ivonne Zumarraga

Luisa and Ivonne’s favorite places in the Galapagos

Luisa took a moment to answer the question. She finally shares, “I love every corner of these islands. But if I had to choose, it would be Española Island during the albatross courtship season. Watching them dance and perform their rituals is pure magic.”

Ivonne, on the other hand, immediately mentions North Seymour. Luisa says, “Watching male frigatebirds inflate their red chests is something that moves me every time. I´ve watched it many times, and it still amazes me.”

The unexpected paths that brought them together

Luisa and Ivonne started Golden Experiences and Travel together and have worked on ever since to fulfill all of their goals. However, their paths towards tourism weren’t direct.

Luisa arrived in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city, from the coast. She was interested in studying dentistry, but it wasn’t what felt right for her. Luisa shared, “I realized tourism was my true path, connecting with people, sharing my country”.

Ivonne, like Luisa, was planning a gap year and never had tourism in mind. Unexpectedly, her mom enrolled her in a tourism management program and she found her true passion. Ivonne fondly shares, “At first I resisted, but soon I discovered this was what I was meant to do”.

“Destiny brought us together, and today we’re proud to be partners in a dream that’s already sailing”, Luisa said.

Working with Latin Trails digital magazine

Latin trails put up an initiative to work alongside Golden Galapagos for a feature in their digital magazine. Latin Trail’s magazine works continuously to provide insight and promote tourism in South America.

Efforts to promote tourism in South America by Latin Trails Digital Magazine

Latin Trail’s digital magazine provides valuable information for foreign visitors that are looking for different destinations. Furthermore, it also features the best cruises in terms of itineraries, accommodations, and sustainable practices. Luisa and Ivonne, the founders of Golden Galapagos, back the mission of Latin trails as they believe to capture a potential visitor’s attention you need detailed and accurate content.

The Galapagos Experience

The Galapagos Islands are unique in every sense. On the islands, visitors can delight with the endemic flora and fauna, the majestic island of which some are still expanding, and the delight of experiencing the power of nature. “We say do not hesitate and visit the Galapagos Islands at least once in your lifetime”, Luisa and Ivonne strongly recommend.

Golden Galapagos: a mission and a purpose

Golden Galapagos was born out of the belief of two Ecuadorian women, Luisa Cordova and Ivonne Zumarraga, and has expanded ever since. Both of its founders have given importance to sustainability and modernizing the tourism industry. As a result, they now provide a meaningful experience in the Galapagos that many tourists deeply appreciate.

Elegance, sustainability, and outstanding service is what characterizes Golden. In an ever changing world it is important to give time to the wonders created by nature itself, therefore, the Galapagos Islands are an outstanding destination. The islands showcase nature in its purest form, its destructiveness but also its creation, visiting a scene such as this will be life changing.

FAQs

1. What is Golden Galapagos?

Golden Galapagos is a luxury travel company based in Ecuador, founded by Luisa Cordova and Ivonne Zumarraga. It offers luxurious experiences in the Galapagos Islands, blending comfort with personalized service and a strong commitment to sustainable tourism.

2. Who are Luisa and Ivonne?

Luisa Cordova and Ivonne Zumarraga are Ecuadorian entrepreneurs and the founders of Golden Galapagos. Luisa is Golden Galapagos’s CEO while Ivonne manages the company’s operations as its Executive Director.

3. How does Golden Galapagos stand out from other cruise options?

In Golden Galapagos, every aspect is thoughtfully designed to serve guests while minimizing environmental impact. The focus revolves around sustainability, local collaboration, and excellent accommodations.

4. What makes the Monique catamaran special?

The Monique catamaran reimagines luxury cruising by offering a modern, sustainable way to explore the Galapagos. It features unique itineraries that advocate for a deeper and more meaningful connection with the islands.

5. How can I book a cruise like Endemic or Monique?

You can check availability and look at the latest offers for Endemic or Monique cruises online in real time.