Overview
Take a trip to Galapagos Islands on your Ecuador Vacation
Located to the west of continental Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands on either side of the Equator in the Pacific Ocean. The islands are also a national park and marine reserve to be experienced on an Ecuador vacation.
The Galápagos Islands were discovered by accident in 1535 when Tomás de Berlanga drifted off course sailing from Panama to Peru. The archipelago is perhaps most famous for the scientific expeditions that occurred there during the 18th century. Charles Darwin arrived in 1835 and studied geology, botany, and animals found there. His discoveries provided important evidence for his theory of evolution. Ecuador officially claimed the territory in 1832 and used it mainly for penal colonies. In 1959, 97% of the area became a national park and organized tourism began the following year with Galapagos tours. In 1978 the area was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 1985 it became a biosphere reserve.
The extraordinary Galápagos Islands have to be one of nature’s most important gifts to travellers. Totally unique, they consist of 127 islands and islets, 19 of which are volcanic and are located 1000 kilometres/620 miles off the coast of Ecuador. The UNESCO World Heritage organization calls it a “living museum and showcase of evolution.” Human settlements are restricted to only 3% of the area on four of the largest islands, though many more can be visited on an Ecuador vacation. The Galápagos National Park enacts strict regulations concerning where people can go, what they can do, and how many people can turn up in any one spot, ensuring a superb wildlife viewing experience for every visitor. A limited number of overnight boats are allowed to operate and each boat is equipped with a tracking device so that authorities can verify exactly who is going where at any given time.
Besides being a highlight of your Ecuador vacation, the islands are an ecological wonderland populated with fearless and incredible wildlife. The largest living tortoise species, the Galápagos Tortoise is famous for its long lifespan and can weigh over 400 kg/880 lbs. The distinctive blue-footed booby is synonymous with the islands, as are the colonies of curious sea lions. Besides unique wildlife, there are also excellent beaches that welcome swimming, diving and surfing. Numerous leisurely cruises also maximize your experience here.
Besides being a highlight of your Ecuador vacation, the islands are an ecological wonderland populated with fearless and incredible wildlife. The largest living tortoise species, the Galápagos Tortoise is famous for its long lifespan and can weigh over 400 kg/880 lbs. The distinctive blue-footed booby is synonymous with the islands, as are the colonies of curious sea lions. Besides unique wildlife, there are also excellent beaches that welcome swimming, diving and surfing. Numerous leisurely cruises also maximize your experience here.
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If you a looking for a unique experience, then a stay at Mashpi Lodge, Cloud Forest would be perfect. It is a remote high-biodiversity experience which boasts over 600 bird species, unique monkeys, and other fascinating wildlife
Ecuador has incredible biodiversity and varied landscapes, from the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands to the high-altitude Andes mountains and Amazon rainforest
Tourists often focus on the Galápagos or the Amazon, but the Cloud Forests — mysterious, humming with life, and relatively uncrowded — are a hidden gem.
One local tradition that travelers should absolutely try to experience in Ecuador is "La Diablada de Píllaro", or The Devils of Píllaro, held every January 1–6 in the small Andean town of Píllaro, in the Tungurahua province
Blue-footed booby
Galapagos Marine Iguana
Galápagos giant tortoise
Red Crab
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