Ximena
Originally trained in Visual Arts and Graphic Design, worked in Ecuador and the United States of America, including duties such as Executive Assistant of the Spanish News Agency, United Nations Office in New York City.
In 1998 started working for the Charles Darwin Research Station. This job became a turning point. Ximena commits herself to environmental causes and sustainable development.
Years later, Córdova becomes a naturalist guide for the Galapagos National Park Service and starts working onboard, interpreting the natural cycles to the Islands' visitors. Through personal observation, scientific theory, and natural history, she began to understand the young Islands ecosystems' fragility and the strong impact human activity has on our surroundings.
Today, as the owner of Mi Playa, Vacation Rental, and the Executive Director of the Emma Darwin Foundation a non-profit committed to prevent women from suffering authoritarianism and abuse. Gender-based violence is creating a complex environmental crisis. The degradation of the environment is reflecting on the loss of ecosystem benefits that create conflict that needs to be urgently addressed
VISITOR SITES
CONCHA Y PERLA
Right in town, a small trail off the side of El Embarcadero a short walk through the mangroves takes you to a shallow bay perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling through the bay, it’s common to find schools of fish, playful sea lions, and the occasional Galapagos Penguin. Come here on a hot day; you will discover the perfect way to cool off! No guide is needed.
TINTORERAS
The place is another worldly appearance, almost like being on the moon. The stark black and grey walk much of which is devoid of any plant life. The lava is covered with hundreds of marine iguanas that blend perfectly with the landscape, providing them with near-perfect camouflage. The pathway overlooks where a fissure on the lava flow has created a small pool where white-tip reef sharks come to nap.
TUNELES
It is a remote site, which most people in the islands don’t even know exists.
The Captain, in a feat of navigational excellence, maneuvers the boat into crystal clear, tranquil pools, an enchanting place, unlike anywhere you have ever been. It’s one of the few places in the Galapagos where you can swim with both tropical fish and penguins, but there is much more here...
HUMEDALES
On the route to Muro de las Lágrimas, you will discover secluded beaches, natural pools, lava tunnels, and the cemetery for the island’s first inhabitants. A fabulous destination for bird lovers, the best area in Galapagos to find migratory birds. It’s possible to encounter small 5-year-old to 25-year-old giant tortoises in the wild when following the trail. No guide needed.
SIERRA NEGRA
One of the active volcanoes of Isabela, with a 10km in diameter crater, is one of the largest in the world; steaming fumaroles, different species of finches, and plant life make the 6-hour walk interesting. To the north of Sierra Negra is the recently erupted parasitic cone of Volcan Chico.
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Tours range in prices, depending on seasons and activities Min $40-120