Born in Quito, Ecuador, Claudia spent her childhood and adolescence in Recife, Brazil, where she developed an early connection to the ocean and coastal communities. She returned to Ecuador at age 17 and knew by the end of high school that she wanted to pursue a career in tourism rooted in conservation.

Claudia studied ecotourism at the Universidad Catolica del Ecuador, a program that took her throughout the country and deepened her understanding of its landscapes, wildlife and cultures. During her studies, a visit to the Galapagos Islands changed the course of her life and inspired her to return.

She later settled in the Galapagos, where she built a family and career. Drawn back to the ocean, Claudia became a certified dive instructor and spent more than 20 years working as an adventure guide and dive instructor with Galapagos National Park. In 2023, she completed the park's naturalist guide certification course, expanding her expertise from the marine environment to the islands' terrestrial ecosystems.

As an Expedition Leader, Claudia enjoys helping guests experience the Galapagos with fresh eyes, whether encountering a giant tortoise in the wild or watching blue-footed boobies along the shoreline. She hopes travelers leave with a deeper understanding of the archipelago's ecosystems and the importance of protecting them.

Claudia lives in the Galapagos Islands with her husband and family. Even after more than two decades exploring the archipelago, she continues to find new details in its wildlife, landscapes and changing seasons.