A Countess Crash Lands on the Enchanted Isle

Floreana, the enchanted isle in the Galapagos, has always attracted dreamers and eccentrics.

The Baroness Arrives

In October 1932, a third group of enigmatic settlers arrived on Floreana. Leading them was a woman, a presumed impostor, who called herself Eloise Wagner de Bousquet.

The Baronin's Grandiose Plans

Claiming to be an Austrian baroness, Eloise arrived with 80 quintals of cement—enough to build a castle—and an entourage of four men. Her grandiose plans included establishing a settlement and exploiting the island's resources.

A Suspicious Past

However, Eloise's past was shrouded in mystery. Some believed she was a German spy, while others suspected she was a con artist with multiple aliases.

A Lasting Impression

Eloise's arrival on Floreana marked a turning point in the island's history. Her enigmatic presence and ambitious dreams left an enduring legacy, sparking speculation and wonder about the motivations that drove these extraordinary individuals to seek refuge on this remote paradise.