The Headless Gringa of Galapagos Remains Stuck in Purgatory

This is a guest contribution from Sally Writes.

Every year nearly 300,000 people visit Galapagos according to a report prepared by the Galapagos National Park Directorate. Considering its picturesque landscapes and varied animal life, it is no wonder that the Galapagos is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. Of all the islands that make up the Galapagos, the Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Baltra Islands are without a doubt the most popular.  It is the latter, in particular, that holds a special appeal not only to outdoor enthusiasts but fans of the macabre as well.

A ghost on Baltra Island?

Baltra Island is typically the first place visitors to the Galapagos set foot. Not only is the main airport situated here, but the island is also known for its incredible hospitality and ease-of-access.  It is also, surprisingly, the most haunted place in the entire Galapagos Islands.

For a short period of time during World War II, Baltra was home to a U.S air base that was equipped with a large barracks, two runways, fuel reserves, a water-filled dock and even a casino complete with a small movie theatre and bowling alley. It is this very American Air Force Base that is haunted by La Gringa sin Cabeza (also known as The Headless Gringa) according to island natives.

The fate of the cheating girlfriend

According to legend, a rather disgruntled soldier pushed his girlfriend off a cliff when he found out that she was cheating on him. As the girl tumbled down the jagged rocks, she apparently got decapitated. The murderous soldier managed to cover up what happened by telling people that she had gone swimming and never returned to the base. He even went as far as to initiate speculation that she had run away with her lover.

Things were peaceful on the island for years after that harrowing day. After the war, the U.S retreated from the areas, handing over the now-bare base to the Ecuadorian army. It was at this point in time that things started getting very creepy on Baltra.

Solitary men no longer slept alone

The ghost of the murdered girl is said to visit the beds of sailors and airmen late at night. Most describe their experience as something similar to someone climbing into bed with them and trying to suffocate them with their weight.

There have also been reports of a wispy black torso frequenting the dark corners of the old barracks, calling for the men in an attempt to lure them out into the dark. A few reports state that The Headless Gringa exudes an exotic smell similar to Palo Santo (frankincense) perfume. But as she got closer to her intended victim, the smell changed to rotting flesh. Strangely enough, the Gringa only ever targeted men, completely overlooking any women that were visiting the base.

To this day The Headless Gringa is believed to haunt the site of the original U.S Air Force Base where the hapless girlfriend met her demise. While she poses no threat to the tourists visiting the island, the men in the Ecuadorian armed forces continue to sleep with one eye open, just in case.

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