Galápagos Islands
Wildlife that has never learned to fear people
Photo: Galapagos giant tortoise, head (Chelonoidis niger hoodensis).jpg by E bailey, CC BY-SA 4.0. All photo credits
A national park and marine reserve 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast. Visitor numbers and routes are controlled, so this is a destination that genuinely has to be planned ahead.
What it's known for
- Giant tortoises In the highlands of Santa Cruz and on Isabela
- Marine iguanas The only sea-going lizard in the world
- Blue-footed boobies Along with frigatebirds, albatross and Darwin's finches
- Snorkelling With sea lions, penguins and reef sharks
When to go
Year-round. December to May is warmer with calmer seas; June to November is cooler and better for seabirds.
Getting there
Flights from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra or San Cristóbal. Choose between a live-aboard cruise, which reaches more islands, or a land-based stay.
This page is a starting point, not a packaged trip. Larry builds each itinerary around what you want and quotes it once he has confirmed availability and current pricing.