Slow and steady goes further. That is how Mapi, the Mundo Traveler travelling turtle, sees the world, and how it guides the youngest members of the family on their first trips. If Sofía is the explorer who has already seen half the world, Mapi is the one who teaches children to look at it calmly, with curiosity and care.
Who is Mapi?
Mapi is a loggerhead turtle, hatched on a beach in the Canary Islands. One summer night, as the newly hatched turtles raced towards the sea, Mapi decided to follow Sofía, and they have travelled together ever since. Mapi carries the world drawn on its shell, as a golden world map, and wears a red neckerchief, a hat with a compass and a backpack that is always ready. Mapi loves maps, small adventures and the places that end up becoming big memories.
Mapi has no status, race, religion or gender. Just a free little turtle, born to explore, belonging to every child who has ever packed a suitcase with excitement.
What Mapi does at Mundo Traveler
On our website Mapi shares fun facts, small challenges, tips and a reminder it repeats often: exploring also means caring for the place you visit. Mapi is also the voice of our children’s videos and the one who adds a stamp for every destination in the Mundo Traveler Passport, including “My first passport”, the edition for babies.
Mapi’s favourite plans in the Canary Islands
Mapi loves anything to do with the sea. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the Poema del Mar Aquarium is home to more than 550 species and is open 365 days a year, perfect for a grey morning. In Tenerife, Loro Parque has more than 400 species, Planet Penguin and Kinderlandia, a play area for younger children.
Mapi also enjoys the animals that live only in the islands. In El Hierro, the Guinea Ecomuseum and Lizard Centre breeds the El Hierro giant lizard, an endangered species found nowhere else. And in Gran Canaria, the Viera y Clavijo Canarian Botanical Garden has around 500 endemic species, free entry and giant lizards sunbathing among the plants.
To care for the places you visit, Mapi has one tip before you head to Lobos Island: it is a nature park with limited access, and you need a free prior permit from the island council (Cabildo).
Travelling with young children, at turtle pace
Mapi’s approach also works for families with babies and toddlers: fewer plans a day, more time in each place and naps respected. Our Canary Islands with kids guide helps you choose the island that suits your family best.
Read the full story on Meet Sofía and Mapi.