Declared a national park by the Ecuadorian Government, the Galapagos Islands is a World Heritage Sanctuary. An archipelago of 19 islands and smaller islets, the Galapagos makes for a fascinating place to explore. The dream destination for nature lovers, wildlife watchers and eco adventure tourists, these tiny islands are an incredible and unique place to catch nature as it’s most pristine.

While only five of the islands inhabited by humans, the rest of the Galapagos Islands play host to a fantastic array of rare and endemic wildlife such as the Galapagos Tortoise, Darwin’s Finches, the Waved Albatross, the Flightless Cormorant, the Galapagos Penguin, the Galapagos Hawk, the marine iguana and the Brown Pelican.

Most of the people in the Galapagos live in Puerto Ayora, on Isla Santa Cruz. Centrally located in the archipelago, Isla Santa Cruz is very important as there are a number of hotels, accommodations and restaurants available here. The biggest town in the Galapagos, Puerto Ayora has easy access to the airport on Isla Baltra. However, this is not the only place to land, as there is an airport on Isla San Cristobal as well, just outside the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, administrative capital of the Galapagos. The eastern most island in the archipelago, Isla San Cristobal has accommodations for tourists with a few restaurants in town.

The other inhabited islands here include, Isla Isabela and Isla Floreana, both of which have modest accommodations and food stalls, where one can have a quick and inexpensive meal. While the remainder of the Galapagos Islands are uninhabited, regular tours do take place so that you can visit them. However, some islands remain off limits do to the sensitive nature of their fragile ecosystem.

Complete list of Galapagos Islands

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