The Galapagos Islands, about 2 hours flight from Quito and Guayaquil, offer unparalleled and intimate interaction with the most exotic species of nature’s creation.

In 1835, Charles Darwin and his vessel, the HMS Beagle, landed on the shores of the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Darwin, an English naturalist, is perhaps best known for his controversial theory of evolution, a hypothesis about the development and existence of earth’s creatures including humans which he formulated heavily based on the work he conducted in the Ecuadorian archipelago. After detailed observations and research of the Galapagos’ diverse wildlife populations, particularly those of the tortoises, mockingbirds, and 13 tanager species now referred to as “Darwin’s finches,” he was able to concretely declare and note his findings, the majority of which continue to accurately hold true to this day.

Today’s visitors on a Galapagos cruise as part of their Ecuador trip or Peru vacation can follow Darwin’s steps although the exact path he took remains vague and inexact. More than 97% of the islands’ areas were declared protected national park lands by the Ecuadorian government in 1959, so much of it is as pristine as nature gets. Here are some of the main destinations on the string of islands that are sure to be highlights of your travel.

Lonesome George is the last tortoise species of his kind, although he and his friends could once be found all over Pinta Island.

Pinta Island (aka Abingdon Island)
This island is actually off limits except to the most credited of researchers, but its significance to the archipelago is undoubted. Lonesome George, the most iconic tortoise of the Galapagos, once lived here with his peers but due to the infestation of introduced goats, the tortoise populations on Pinta died out in 1972 because their food sources were challenged. With all the goats now gone, other tortoise species are now being brought back to the island. Lonesome George is the last of his kind and there have been difficulties trying to get him to breed with others. As such, he now lives at the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, established in 1964 to aid the efforts of the Charles Darwin Foundation.

Birdwatching throughout the Galapagos is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Genovesa Island (aka Tower Island)
With so many birds for watching, Genovesa Island is a nature lover’s boon. Visitors are permitted to set foot on its land, but the birds can also be easily seen from nearby waters. Red-footed boobies are a big attraction, as are various gulls, sea lions, fur seals, and peaceful sharks down below. The Galapagos Dove and short-eared owl are found only on this island and nowhere else in the world. As well, a number of “Darwin’s finches” can be spotted flitting about. Once docked, visitors can embark on a 750-meter trail that provides up close and personal opportunities to examine the animals up close.

How would you like to swim at Gardner Bay on Espanola Island alongside adorable sea lions such as this one?

Espanola Island
Espanola Island is the southernmost of the Galapagos Islands, and its removed location made it a premier spot for the rise of a number of endemic species. For example, marine iguanas are unique to the Galapagos as they are, but the ones on Espanola actually change color with the breeding season! Another delight is the Hood Mockingbird which has developed no fear of man and often approaches unsuspecting travelers. Gardner Bay is a fantastic place to fit in a swim on your Galapagos vacation, and Punta Suarez is one of the major wildlife watching spots in the entire archipelago.

If you get inspired by the richness of the Galapagos and wish to help with conservation efforts, there are a number of foundations to look into. However, be sure that the organizations are official and trusted before committing to a program!