Galapagos Islands

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Galapagos Islands (1978, The First Ever Listed) And A Biosphere Reserve. The Islands That Shaped Darwin'S Theory Of Evolution, With Giant Tortoises, Marine Iguanas, Blue Footed Boobies And Sea Lions That Show Little Fear Of People. Visits Are Controlled By National Park Rules, A Park Fee And Licensed Guides. · Puerto Ayora, Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago about 1,000 km west of mainland Ecuador, and the first place ever listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 1978. Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, sea lions and penguins live here with so little fear of people that you can stand a few metres from them. This is the wildlife that shaped Darwin's thinking. The honest picture is a premium trip. Flights from Quito or Guayaquil, a park fee and licensed guides all add cost, and the rules are strict: stay on marked trails, keep about 2 m away, touch nothing and carry out all rubbish. You choose between a live-aboard cruise, which reaches the farthest islands and is easier, and island-hopping from hotels in towns, which is cheaper and flexible. Book early, expect rough boat rides and bring patience, sea sickness tablets and reef-safe sun cream. Wildlife is good all year, so the choice of season matters less than the choice of route, boat and budget. Plan the money first, then the dates, and keep a spare day at both ends for flights.

Volcanic archipelago about 1,000 km west of mainland Ecuador, reached by flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra or San Cristobal, with Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz as the main base, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos, Ecuador

The islands are open every day of the year, but you can only visit the park sites with a licensed guide, in daylight, and along fixed trails. Visiting hours and landing slots depend on your tour or cruise itinerary. Towns are open normally. The park fee is NEVER free for most foreign visitors. Confirm current rules, closures and ferry times locally.

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