Luisa Córdova & Ivonne Zumarraga
About Luisa & Ivonne
Luisa Córdova is the CEO of Golden Experiences and Travel, the company behind the Golden Galapagos brand. Ivonne Zumarraga is the Executive Director. The two of them lead the operation together; the SCAPE interview source uses CEO and Executive Director as their formal titles rather than “Co-Founder,” and this page follows that lead.
The company has been operating for over a decade. It runs in the Galápagos Islands and the Ecuadorian Amazon, with a fleet that includes the Endemic cruise and the newer Monique catamaran, and it holds carbon-neutral certification across its operations.
Professional Background
- CEO and Executive Director of Golden Galapagos
- Leaders in Carbon-Neutral Tourism and Sustainable Travel
- Operators of Endemic Cruise and Monique Catamaran
- Dedicated to Creating Meaningful and Transformative Galápagos Experiences
Leadership Profiles
Luisa Cordova
Luisa came from the coast to Quito originally planning to study dentistry; she ended up in tourism instead. Her favorite moment in the islands is Española during albatross courtship season:
"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 Zumarraga
Ivonne had been planning a gap year when her mother enrolled her in a tourism management program. She describes the turn plainly:
"At first I resisted, but soon I discovered this was what I was meant to do."
Favorite Places in the Islands
Her favorite moment in the islands is Española during albatross courtship season:
North Seymour Still Amazes
Her favorite site is North Seymour, for the frigatebirds:
A Dream Shared with Every Guest
Beyond a Beautiful Trip
Her view of what Golden Galapagos is trying to deliver:
"Offering a beautiful trip isn't enough. We want every guest to feel they lived something truly unique, something they can't find anywhere else."
The Dream Set Sail
On the partnership between them, and the closing recommendation to travelers:
"We say do not hesitate and visit the Galapagos Islands at least once in your lifetime."