One of the most popular and beautiful vacation destinations around the world, The Galapagos Islands are located off the coast of Ecuador. They are home to some of the most unique animals and plants on earth, including sea lions, giant tortoises, sea horses, and an enormous variety of birds.

This vast area is also home to more than one thousand different species of birds, as well as whales, dolphins, and various marine mammals. The islands are visited by over twelve million visitors every year, making it the number one travel destination in the world.

There are a few things that you should keep in mind when planning to visit this spectacular and amazing location. These tips will help ensure that your trip to The Galapagos Islands goes smoothly.

Tip #1

The first thing that you should consider when planning your trip to The Galapagos is where you are going to base your stay. Many people choose to spend their time in Ecuador, which is the main island in the archipelago. However, you may also want to visit adjacent islands, such as San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana. This will allow you to see more of the wildlife on each island, giving you a more varied view during your time on The Galapagos.

It is important to check your itinerary carefully to make sure that you do not miss out on any cruises or activities while you are in transit between islands.

Tip #2

If you want to have the most exciting time on the island, you should consider booking a Galapagos tour. Tours vary from a day trip for a few hours, to a week-long cruise that includes camping and other amenities. Most tour operators take visitors on tours that include a short stopover at the Charles Darwin Station, where they can have a one-on-one encounter with the famous scientist.

Before you leave for your Galapagos trip, you will want to make sure that you plan your itinerary so that you actually end up seeing everything there is to see on each island. For example, you should avoid visiting Isabela and Floreana until you have reached San Cristobal. Even though this sounds drastic, it is recommended that you visit these last two islands before visiting the main ones, because they offer a more unique experience. If you want to spend more time sightseeing, you should consider visiting each island during the summer, or between May and September.

Tip #3

You may be tempted to stop at Tortuga Bay, which is the entry point to the islands. But visiting the archipelago itself is much more spectacular, especially if you go aboard a boat or embark on a hiking trail. Hiking is the best way to get a real feel for each island’s terrain. When you visit the islands, you may also want to rent equipment like trekking poles and canoes. Some tour companies offer guided tours of the archipelago, which are a great option if you do not know where to start.

Tip #4

If you are touring with children, you may want to consider taking them to visit all of the islands. This is the time when you can really let them loose and get some adventure in their own world. If you visit all of the islands during your vacation, you will also increase the amount of time that you will be spending in the islands. This is because you will not want to try and squeeze in visits to see Santa Cruz, Floreana, or Isabela. You should also consider taking your kids to see the wild animals found on the island such as sea lions, iguanas, and even the unusual skull of an ant.

Conclusion

When looking for a reason to go to the Galapagos, you should know that this is a wonderful location to spend a vacation, no matter what your interests are. It does not matter if you want to go white water rafting through jungles and waters, or if you want to try your luck diving for stingrays or walking through the volcanic peaks of Isabella island. What matters is that you will never get bored in this region of the world. The natural resources of the region are amazing. There are a lot of things for tourists to do during their vacation.