My Travel Experience as Conservation Volunteer in Galapagos, Ecuador

Last Updated: March 25, 2025

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Hola, 

I am Aldo, and I come from Chile. Last week, I traveled to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, you know, that place with the big turtles and lovely birds? I go there as a volunteer for a conservation program. It was… how you say… increíble, amazing! I always love nature, and in Chile we have beautiful places too, but Galapagos? Wow, it’s like another world.

When I arrive, I stay with local people, not in a fancy hotel or nothing like that. They were so nice, so warm, even if my English is not so good and my Spanish is Chilean, fast and full of weird words. But we understand each other as my coordinator Jose was good with spanish. 

I learn how to help the environment there, like cleaning beaches, planting little trees, and watching the turtles so they don’t get in trouble. It feel good, you know? To do something for the planet.

I remember one day, I see a tortoise, so big, moving slow, just living his life. I think, ‘This guy don’t care about nothing, just eat and walk!’ It make me laugh, but also feel… peaceful. 

The air there, the ocean, everything so clean and wild. I love it. I am glad to be part of this activity.

Helping the environment there, it change me a little. Now I think more about how I live, how I can take care of my home in Chile too. It’s hard to explain in English, but… it’s like my heart grow bigger, you understand? 

I’m so happy I go. Maybe one day I go back, who knows? For now, I just keep the Galapagos in my mind, like a treasure.

- Aldo from Chile