Ecuador’s most popular attraction, the Galapagos Islands lie 600 miles west of the mainland. This archipelago of volcanic rock was made famous by Charles Darwin, who, after visiting the islands in 1835, published his theories of evolution in the controversial “Origin of the Species.”

Named for the giant “Galapagos” tortoise that lives here, the Galapagos are home to an incredible number of endemic animals, sea life and birds, everything from iguanas to sea lions and colorful varieties of boobies. The wildlife dominates the islands, which are now protected thanks to major preservation efforts. In 1978, UNESCO declared the islands a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO and World Biosphere Reserve in 1985. As well, the second largest marine reserve in the world is located in the Galapagos.

Flights to/from Quito and Guayaquil to/from the main islands, San Cristobal and Baltra, depart daily. Cruises are strongly recommended for those who have a more limited amount of time to tour the Galapagos.