Central & South America
Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands straddle the Equator in the Pacific Ocean, 600 miles from mainland Ecuador. There are 19 islands, and dozens of other islets and volcanic rocks spread over 20,000 square miles.
Only about 17,000 people live on the 4 main islands of San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Floreana. It's a tranquil, unspoiled natural wonder and the Ecuadorian government wants to keep it that way. They have established a limit of 100,000 visitors per year in order to preserve the ecosystem. To visit these islands is an amazing adventure and because of the limited number of people allowed, a privilege as well.
The Galapagos are renowned for their unique and fearless wildlife. You can swim with sea lions and float eye-to-eye with penguins. There are also albatross, turtles, iguanas, whales and dolphins. It's one of the most amazing natural adventure destinations in the world.
