Named the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, this archipelago of volcanic islands 563 miles off the coast of Ecuador has fascinated mankind since Charles Darwin’s day.
The landscapes are dynamic and remarkably diverse, from the lush green flora of the Santa Cruz highlands (where the famed Galapagos Tortoise roams wild) to the harsh, alien lava fields on Bartolomé. It’s also home to some of the world’s most fascinating endemic species, from ocean-feeding Marine Iguanas to comical Blue-Footed Boobies and diminutive Galapagos Penguins.
This is the only place in the world where wildlife has virtually no fear of humans: Curious Galapagos Sea Lions swim right up to you, and birds such as the Waved Albatross and Flightless Cormorant nest right beside marked hiking trails. In short, it’s a must-see for anyone who loves nature and wildlife.
