collage of portrats

Our Story

Gustavo Andrade Torres2009

Gustavo’s roots in the Galapagos Islands trace back more than a century. His great-grandfather arrived in 1912, seeking work and a better life for his family. Gustavo took his first trip around the islands at age 6 aboard the Beagle III—named for Charles Darwin’s iconic ship—as his father explored a career in yacht navigation. That early experience, playing among sea lions and watching the islands’ wildlife up close, left a lasting impression and shaped Gustavo’s future.

Though he went on to earn a degree in industrial engineering and an MBA, Gustavo couldn’t shake his pull toward the islands. In 2005, he left the corporate world behind to become a certified naturalist guide in the Galapagos, turning his childhood passion into a profession.

At 50, Gustavo gave himself a new kind of gift: his first serious camera setup. Wanting to document the wildlife and landscapes he knew so intimately, he took a deeper interest in photography. Years earlier, he had worked with Natural Habitat Adventures photo expedition leaders like Erick Rock and Cassiano Zaparolli (Zappa), and their influence helped shape his photographic eye.

Photography became more than a hobby—it was a new lens through which to experience the islands. Gustavo now combines decades of ecological knowledge with a growing talent for visual storytelling, capturing both the iconic and the hidden wonders of the Galápagos with a guide’s insight and a photographer’s precision.

What Our Guests Say

Gustavo just the best. And so kind, too. We also appreciated his excitement about seeing wildlife, especially since they have probably seen a frigate puffing out or a blue booby dance about a million times--but it was our first time, and his excitement helped make it a special event.
T. Brown
Gustavo lives on the Galapagos and probably the most informed guide there is in the Galapagos. I tended to eavesdrop on other trips and you could tell what kind of caliber guides we had compared to the others and that we were in a totally different division. Gustavo was extremely helpful while snorkeling pointing out different ocean life, he was very enthusiastic about the history of the islands, the politics of Ecuador, the plant life and animals/reptiles we found on the islands. I really have a lot of respect for him, working so hard and always smiling and staying positive. He was really exceptional.<br />
C. Wood
Could not have had a better guide. Real passion for nature and his work, which showed in his enthusiasm and positive high energy approach. Incredibly knowledgeable and has spent most of his life studying nature and wildlife in the Galapagos We spent most of our hikes in Gustavo's group and he went out of his way to help those with special needs. Also a real pleasure to spend time with socially.
T. Haigh

Upcoming Adventures with Gustavo Andrade Torres

Our Story

Our Trips

Polar bears in Churchill by P. Endres

Polar Bear Tours

African Safaris

Galapagos Tours

Alaska Adventures

North Rim of the Grand Canyon Cape Royal

U.S. National Parks Tours

Canada & the North

Europe Adventures

Mexico & Central America Tours

South America Adventures

Asia & Pacific Adventures

Penguins One After Another Jump Into The Blue Water From A Snow-white Iceberg, Antarctica

Antarctica & Arctic Journeys

Photo Expeditions

Adventure Cruises

Women's Adventures

Family Adventures

New Adventures

Questions? Call 800-543-8917

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Hours
Mountain Time

  • 8 am to 5 pm, Monday - Friday

  • 8 am to 3 pm on Saturday

  • Closed on Sunday

Call 800-543-8917
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