Bitinia Espinoza

Bitinia, better known as Biti, was born on Santa Cruz Island. She attended primary school and high school on the island then spent two years studying computer sciences in Quito. She then came back to study at the university extension of Guayaquil in Galápagos and graduated as a Naturalist Guide in tourism administration. In 1991, she became a Naturalist Guide for the Galápagos National Park. Since then she has been looking forward to welcoming visitors to show them the wonders of this Paradise.

Bitinia lives on the island with her parents and two daughters (the eldest one is a champion in her category of professional bicycle road racing at 13 years of age; the younger one is following her footsteps). Her mother was also born on Santa Cruz, from a family that has been living on the island since the mid 30s. Her father was an active fisherman and worked in the tourism industry as well. He loved fishing sustainably to support his family so she learned to love nature from him.

Bitinia participates in the lecture circuit and teaches intersession courses at Rollins College in Florida on the ecology and management programs of the Galápagos National Park. She is currently in her second year of studying Environmental Engineering, via correspondence, and hopes to finish in the next three years, to work and apply her knowledge for the benefit and future of the Galápagos. She also enjoys professional photography and has led several photo safari trips.