Galapagos Islands

The Galápagos Archipelago is a unique world heritage. Situated on the equator 600 miles off the coast of South America, this remote volcanic archipelago remains much as it was millions of years ago. Over the centuries, animal and plant life from the Americas reached the islands and gradually evolved into new forms. Many of its species are found nowhere else on earth. Since Darwin's famous voyage, its marine and terrestrial ecosystems have provided a wealth of information and source of inspiration for people through the world. The "Enchanted Islands" continue to play an important role in our understanding of life on earth. The Galapagos experience offers world travelers a way to step back in time, to visit an isolated, relatively untouched place on earth.

Quito

Quito is a fantastic place to visit and the best place to start your Latin American journey. Quito is also the entertainment center in Ecuador with new bars and discos opening every week and also the best place to shop, either at the small souvenir shops or at big malls. Quito has many interesting cultural sites, historical sites, museums, private galleries, churches, exhibition centers, and theaters.

North Seymour

Located off the northern tip of Baltra, this island is home to the largest colony of frigate birds in the Galapagos, as well as blue-footed boobies and playful sea lions.

Cerro Brujo

Cerro Brujo, or “Wizard Hill”, is located on San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands. Home to the only freshwater lake in the Galapagos, Cerro Brujo is provides a perfect environment to bird watch. Among the birds to be seen on the island are yellow warblers, ground finch, oyster catchers, lava herons and the diving blue footed boobies. Wandering along the beach, be careful not to accidentally step on a sea lion – they’re all over the island. The lagoons are perfect to take a quick dip or a snorkel and explore the undersea of the Galapagos. Kicker Rock is viewable from the shoreline, a picturesque tall rock formation split down the middle that is rife with seabirds.

Isla Bartolome

This small, barren island offers guests the opportunity to observe firsthand its volcanic formations and moon-like landscape.

Post Office, Galapagos

The Post Office Box on Post Office Bay was used in old days by whalers and others to stay in touch with their loved ones at home. Leaving the letters behind in the wooden barrel, other sailors returning home took it with them. Today tourists take the tradition over and leave post cards behind to be picked up later by others. A large lava tube is located behind the barrel. Visitors can enter the lava tunnels by stairs. The coastal vegetation is a dry tropical forest with low growing trees and shrubs. Frigate birds become frenzied when fisherman or cooks clean fish and throw away the scraps. Watch them playfully throw up the pieces and have aerial acrobatic frigates snatch them from the air. When free meals are not available frigates harass other sea birds in the air to drop their catch. Rays are seen around boats floating close to the water surface. The beautiful sunsets on the equator are fast and should not be missed.

Isla Española

Among the many sights of this island is Punta Suarez, a rocky point of land where guests may observe various colonies of sea birds as well as other fauna found nowhere else on the planet.

Isla Santa Cruz

Here, the Charles Darwin Station offers insight into ongoing research and conservation in the Galapagos. Also located on this island is Cerro Dragon, one of the best places to spy land iguanas.

Charles Darwin Station

The Charles Darwin Station offers insight into ongoing research and conservation in the Galapagos.

Floreana Island

The combination of nutrient-rich soil and an adequate water supply make Floreana Island (or Isle Floreana) an island of abundant plant life. Centuries of settlers chose to live and farm on Floreana, giving the island a rich human history. The island offers different visitor sites like the famous Post Office Bay and the Devils Crown, which is said to offer the best snorkeling in the Galapagos. Besides this visitors can spot sting rays and flamingos.

Gardner Bay

Gardner Bay gives visitors the unique experience of mingling with the friendly sea lions that rest on the white sand beaches. Relax and sunbathe near the sea lions, or possibly explore and discover a green sea turtle nest, or observe giant manta rays or spotted eagle rays gliding gracefully through the clear shores. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling by Turtle Rock to view the vibrant marine life, or hike on land to check out the unique wildlife the Galapagos is known for.

South Plaza

South Plaza is an Island located off the east coast of Santa Cruz, belonging to the Galapagos. It is home to a vast amount of species and beautiful flora. The South Plaza is open to the public and cruise ships, however the Northern Plaza is closed to visitors and purposely only available for scientific findings. The South Plaza was formed by Lava and depending on the season the Sesuvium ground vegetation changes colors from orange to purple and intense shades of green.

Puerto Ayora

Puerto Ayora is located on the southern end of Isla Santa Cruz. Puerto Ayora is a charming port town where sea, sun, seabirds and sailboats coexist. On the town's outskirts are the headquarters to the world-renowned Charles Darwin Research Station. Many travelers just pass through on the way to see Lonesome George (a 150-year old tortoise; the last of his species) at Darwin Station. Puerto Ayora is a lively seaside town offering international cuisine, oceanfront hotels, outdoor bars, scuba diving schools and an avenue of boutiques with everything from tie-dyed sarongs to Panama hats. Relish the Islands' crescent slices of sand, spectacular diving, mountain top vistas, and tropical climate. Visit select islands and choose from an array of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding and mountain biking. Puerto Ayora provides the most convenient base for island hopping. Three boats, the Delphin, Esmeraldas III and Santa Fe, offer day trips to Florena, Bartoleme, North Seymore and Plazas.

Punta Pitt

Isla San Cristobal