Originally from Otavalo, a small town in northern Ecuador, Cristian Puente G. leads the prestigious kitchen of Evolution at the luxury eco-hotel Pikaia Lodge in the Galápagos Islands, a proud member of Relais & Châteaux.
His cuisine, deeply rooted in the biodiversity of its surroundings, has been internationally acclaimed for its ability to tell stories through local ingredients, global techniques, and a profoundly sustainable vision. Guided by deep respect for the land, Cristian works closely with local fishermen and farmers, elevating Ecuadorian cuisine through an innovative and conscious approach.
Named by OLTRE magazine as the face of “South America’s Next Great Restaurant” (2025), he has developed a distinctive style that blends elegance, identity, and creative audacity. His collaborations with leading international chefs and his gift for creating immersive sensory experiences have positioned him among the most compelling voices in contemporary Ecuadorian cuisine.
Trained in renowned institutions such as Soho House Chicago and The Peninsula Hotel, Cristian has honed a culinary philosophy where every dish evokes ocean, fire, and biodiversity – a reflection of his belief that gastronomy is both an art of connection and an act of responsibility.