At Punta la Barca, we are fortunate to welcome incredible people who inspire us with their unique perspectives. Today, we introduce Marie Franssen, a traveler who has visited us twice, leaving a lasting impact on our community.
Marie is 29 years old and comes from Belgium. She is an environmental anthropologist, writer, and journalist. Additionally, she works as a sustainability manager for a coffee company. She speaks Dutch, French, English, and Spanish fluently. Thanks to her global perspective, she actively engages in various social and ecological causes.
Community and Sustainability: Her Driving Force

Marie values community and sustainability above all. For her, living together, helping others, and caring for the planet are essential. These values align perfectly with what she found at Punta la Barca: a place where people and nature connect naturally.
“Living in community and working toward a fairer world isn’t just an idea; it’s a daily practice. At Punta la Barca, I felt that it was truly possible.”
Furthermore, Marie actively participates in socio-ecological movements. She connects theory with practice by turning ideas into actions. As a result, her time at Punta la Barca allowed her to live out this vision.
A Traveler Dedicated to Change
During her visits, Marie joined community activities. She also shared inspiring books and ideas on sustainability and social justice. Moreover, her energy and commitment enriched every space she visited.
“For me, living authentically means living in community and serving the planet. Punta la Barca is a place where that feels possible.”
You can explore her writings here:
https://linktr.ee/mmfranssen
Want to Experience Something Similar?
Punta la Barca is more than just a beach on Ecuador’s coast. It’s a place where community grows, sustainability thrives, and purposeful living becomes possible. Like Marie, many people find a temporary home here that changes them forever.
If you want to learn more about our community and initiatives, visit our Punta la Barca blog.