The Galapagos Islands
The Enchanted Archipelago is renowned as an iconic destination – and with good reason. It features some of the world’s most unique and endemic wildlife species, wonderful beaches that continually rank among the world’s best. This living laboratory will offer its visitors a spectacle to be admired, a daily story that will turn this journey into a story to forever be told.
The Galapagos Islands, located roughly 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador is made up of 13 main islands, 6 smaller islands and more than 40 tiny islets and has remained a closely guarded natural secret for millions of years. The archipelago has evolved into a home for an amazing array of plants and animals. In 1859, Darwin published On the Origin of Species, which introduced his theory of evolution and the Galapagos Islands to the world.
When to go:
There is no bad time to visit the Galapagos Islands. No matter when you go, the adventure is sure to be unique and wonderful.
June through December are the cooler and drier months. Even though this is the dry season, a garúa (or light, misty rain) is still possible, particularly in December. Skies can be cloudy and gray.
January through May are the warmer and wetter months, but the rain creates brilliantly clear blue skies between showers — great for photography.
March and April tend to be the hottest and wettest months, while August tends to be the coolest time.
Top interests:
Culture & History
Activities:
Culture & History
Nature & Wildlife
Hiking
Running
Snorkelling & Diving
Climbing
Boating
Photography
Polar
Environment & Ecology
Adventure
Dining & Nightlife
Over time, the archipelago has evolved into a home for an amazing array of plants and animals. The most famous early visitor was Charles Darwin, a young naturalist who spent 19 days studying the islands' flora and fauna in 1835. In 1859, Darwin published On the Origin of Species, which introduced his theory of evolution — and the Galápagos Islands — to the world.
Since then, word of these islands and their magnificent beauty has steadily grown. In 1959, the Galápagos became Ecuador’s first national park, and in 1978, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, more than 275,000 people visit the Galápagos each year to see those incredible animals and landscapes for themselves.
