Author Archive for Adrián Peñafiel
Adrian Peñafiel Schweitzer is the Chief Commercial Officer at Metropolitan Touring. He manages multiple facets of both the financial and commercial areas, specializing in offering clients the best experience available. Adrian is a passionate explorer and educator that views the Galapagos as one of the greatest places to visit. He's also a family man, a big fan of the NFL, mathematics, and the Galapagos BIG15 group of iconic species. For 6 decades, Metropolitan Touring, a regional DMC with offices in Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia, has offered transformative experiences in iconic destinations such as Galapagos, Quito, Machu Picchu, and many more.
5 reasons the Galapagos has left an irrefutable mark on science
By Adrián Peñafiel on Mar 14, 2018 in Adventure Travel, Ecuador, Regions, South America, Speciality Travel
The Galapagos Islands have arguably established their title as the most famous archipelago on the planet, and although this series of islands sits along the equator, their fame is not merely for their breathtaking beaches. Since Charles Darwin landed in the Galapagos Archipelago in 1835 and published one of the most groundbreaking theories known to 
5 unique adaptations in the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are a living laboratory of evolution. The strikingly unique life found in the archipelago, both on its shores and below the surface, attracts researchers and visitors from all over the world. Tourists are able to walk the islands’ trails, and observe plant and animal species found nowhere else on earth, just as
Habitat zones of the Galapagos Islands
Once a land of bare volcanic rock, the Galapagos Islands are now home to approximately 9,000 plant and animal species. This stunning variety of life is largely due to the wide range of habitat zones that can be seen as you walk across the islands and their varying altitudes. Galapagos habitats are divided into five
5 unforgettable Galapagos experiences
By Adrián Peñafiel on Dec 26, 2017 in Adventure Travel, Attractions, Ecuador, Going Out, Leisure Travel, Regions, South America, Speciality Travel
The Galapagos Islands are famed for having one of the highest rates of endemism in the world, and some of the planet’s most unusual and avidly studied life. An incredible 97% of all reptiles and land mammals, and 80% of land birds that you will see on the islands are found nowhere else on earth, 
5 animals you would never expect to see in the Galapagos Islands
By Adrián Peñafiel on Nov 13, 2017 in Adventure Travel, Ecuador, Regions, South America, Speciality Travel
Become encompassed in the world-famous living laboratory of the Galapagos Islands, among the feathered nests of blue-footed boobies and trolling feet of the giant Galapagos tortoise, and along the way you will doubtlessly come across animals that, although they don’t have such big names, are just as spectacular. When Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos in 
Take your honeymoon to the secluded shores of the Galapagos
By Adrián Peñafiel on Oct 13, 2017 in Adventure Travel, Ecuador, Food and Drink, Honeymoons, Regions, South America, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany
After months of preparation and organizing with family, friends and planners, take your first few weeks of marriage to a place where you can truly begin your new adventure together – an archipelago of not only stunning beauty, but also unworldly diversity, where everything from the sand that borders the crystalline waters to the beaks 
Solo travel in the Enchanted Islands
Travelling alone may be one of the best ways to treat yourself, and only yourself; this is an opportunity to focus on what you want and exploit it to the maximum. Solo travelling often pulls us out of our comfort zone, and as a result it teaches us a completely new perspective of the world
A Galapagos Islands itinerary that has everything you need
By Adrián Peñafiel on Aug 18, 2017 in Adventure Travel, Cruises & Boat Travel, Ecuador, Regions, South America, Speciality Travel
Stepping onto the Galapagos Islands is like stepping into a land of the unknown – a time before man where birds lost their ability to fly, penguins survive at shockingly high temperatures, and tortoises and dandelions grow to mammoth sizes. However, a wonderland of such proportions can quickly turn from an enchanting paradise into a 
Top tips for travel in the Galapagos
By Adrián Peñafiel on Jul 17, 2017 in Adventure Travel, Ecuador, Regions, South America, Speciality Travel
The Galapagos Islands attract people from all over the world, from couples to big families, to nature lovers and adventure-seeking travelers. You will undoubtedly meet people with different cultures, languages and interests in this world-renowned equatorial archipelago. However, this can lead to some complex problems when it comes to tour groups, including potential language barriers, 
