The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are genuinely a dream destination. These legendary 13 islands and 40 islets constitute Ecuador’s most famous National Park, and are strewn like jewels in the Pacific Ocean, 612 miles off the coast. They are fiercely protected and visitor numbers are strictly limited. Incredibly, 97% of the National Park is pristine and untouched, so today’s visitor can see the same sights Darwin did over 300 years ago.

Although cloud forest exists on some islands, the landscapes are strikingly arid with cactus-dotted volcanoes etched with jet black lava flows that pay testament to the volcanic origin of these islands. This vivid combination of dramatic landscape with azure seas and the incredible array of wildlife is unforgettable. Your encounters with pink flamingos, playful sea lion pups, tropical penguins, giant tortoises, coal-black marine iguanas and rainbows of spectacular fish will all amaze you, and each island is home to different species and subspecies with various and fascinating adaptations. A characteristic common to all wildlife here is that none of them fear humans in the slightest. This simple fact leads to encounters with animals so close, so precious and so surreal, that you really will believe you are dreaming. Without question, a visit here will be a source of priceless memories, not to mention a prized stamp in your passport.