“The love I feel for the world and its diversity has driven me to travel to 86 countries, both to accessible and popular places, as well as to some of the most impenetrable, fascinating and remote corners of the planet.
To know millenary cultures, to live with lost tribes, and to enjoy landscapes that make you reflect on the insignificance of the human being in front of a nature of such bestial beauty.
I have been working as a freelance photographer since 1992 and, although I have a degree in Architecture and have practiced as such, I have been involved in photography for most of my life.
I collaborate with travel agencies and correspondents to promote new destinations, with reports and advertising in social networks.
I also work with magazines such as National Geographic, Routes of the World, Geo, Editorial Sapiens… with articles about many of the corners of the planet that I have captured with my camera.
I have participated in exhibitions such as “Madrid, Oh heavens!” at the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid, in education and research projects in Ghana for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Madrid and works on the Amazonian culture of the Kayapó tribe in Brazil.
I am especially excited about the awards received in international competitions from National Geographic, the South Korean Embassy in Spain and Casa África: where I won the first prize for one of my favorite photographs of Madagascar: “The Malagasy dance of Matisse”.
I Prize X Photographic Competition Objective Africa 2019 of Casa África
Why Madagascar?
I never tire of saying it, Madagascar offers everything: for animal lovers, you can observe lemurs, which do not exist anywhere else in the world, also unique chameleons, among many others. If you like nature and adventure, touring Madagascar seeing all types of baobabs and the national parks is already worth a trip.
Although for me the greatest attraction of this wonderful country are its people, with customs so different from ours and an incredible cultural diversity. And the best of the best, their tremendous kindness and that sweet Malagasy shyness. If, in addition, you are one of those who like to end the trip on the beach, turquoise blue and clear waters, this is your destination.
Why with Indigo Be?
We wanted to let ourselves be pampered, to trust professionals who knew the destination well and who understood our needs at that moment.
Also, looking for the best tips according to the season, my interest in photography and our way of understanding travel.
I didn’t know it at the time, but as the trip unfolded and with the feelings we had when we arrived in Spain, I realized that we couldn’t have chosen better people to organize our trip.
What is your favorite area of the island?
There are still many areas that I am not lucky enough to know, but if I had to choose it would be the area of Morondava and Isalo. I could not visit the Tsingy of Bemaraha, nor the northern part of the country. You know that you always have to leave something to see to have the excuse to come back. I will certainly do it.
Are you a lover of ….?
The culture and traditions of each country. I like to travel around the countries learning from their people and customs. To return home a little wiser and with a more open mind.
A smell?
Vanilla.
A taste?
Chocolate from Madagascar
A peculiar celebration you have attended?
I know it can’t be considered a celebration per se, it’s more the day to day life of a fishing village. I am referring to the transfer of the day’s catch by the women of the Vezo ethnic group on their heads, from the beach of Betania in Morondava when the tide goes out.
Your favorite restaurant?
I don’t want to lie, I don’t remember the name of any specific one. What I do remember is that I ate phenomenally well during the whole tour.
A hotel that you highlight?
The “Babuka Lodge” in Tulear, one of the most special hotels I have ever stayed in.
A curiosity of the island?
I love the typical caps of the Betsileo ethnic group.
A beautiful word in Malagasy?
The most used on our trip: “Misaotra betsaka” (thank you very much), also an expression that people find funny: “mora mora”, something like: take it easy, you can even find T-shirts!
The best-kept secret?
The kindness and friendliness of its people.
Your favorite Malagasy dish?
A delicious chicken with coconut milk.
Beach or national park?
National park.
A word or phrase that defines Madagascar?
A refuge in the ocean.
Photography ©Esther Martínez de Prádena
A book?
Mine 😉 “Ethiopia, a country with soul in the horn of Africa”. My weakness for this continent and a passionate trip to Ethiopia resulted in this photo book of which I am particularly proud.
A movie?
The Last Samurai.
Other destinations that have seduced you?
There are many and all of them hide something. Some of them do not have monuments declared of tourist interest, however, just living with its people is worth knowing them.
I will tell you some places that have left an impression on me:
- Petra (Jordan)
- Snake women (Ivory Coast)
- Japan (I am in love with this country)
- Angkor Temples (Cambodia)
- Syria, considering that I went there in 1992
- Sighting of mountain gorillas in Rwanda
- Northern Lights in Vesteralen (Norway)
If I continue, I won’t stop…
A tip for traveling to Madagascar?
It is a country where beauty is evident, but where surprise and essence are found in the smallest details.
Enjoy the everyday, travel slowly, listen to the sounds of the day and night, talk to the locals, interact with them as much as you can: their shyness and kindness will fill your heart.
If you would like to meet Julio Sacristán and enjoy his spectacular photographs photographs, click here
