{"id":21313,"date":"2016-12-13T17:00:18","date_gmt":"2016-12-13T17:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?p=21313"},"modified":"2021-10-28T16:58:10","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T16:58:10","slug":"visiting-galapagos-islands-beautiful-places","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/visiting-galapagos-islands-beautiful-places\/","title":{"rendered":"Visiting the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands’ most beautiful places"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Gal\u00e1pagos Islands<\/a> off the western coast of Ecuador are affectionately known as “The Enchanted Islands.” Now, after a week spent exploring them, I understand why. Each island is pristine, untouched by human interference with the exception of scientists and small groups of tourists who are carefully moved through specified routes. The islands are guarded by local naturalists who have made it their life’s mission to protect the endemic species who have roamed this volcanic archipelago for hundreds of years. The result is\u00a0a utopia. Sea lions regularly go on parade along red sand beaches of R\u00e1bida Island.\u00a0In Fernandina Island, \u00a0the iguanas are the kings of the lava rocks. \u00a0But in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, it’s the giant tortoises that have full reign.<\/p>\n

In fact, it is a federal crime that will land you in jail if you happen to run over one of these magnificent gentle giants\u00a0who frequently (and slowly) cross the main road.<\/p>\n

With a place like the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands<\/a>, I think pictures are a much stronger way to tell the story, so here are six exquisite scenes\u00a0from the enchanted islands. I hope they inspire you to book<\/a> this bucket list trip soon.<\/p>\n

\"img_5122\"<\/p>\n

Snorkeling in the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands is unlike anywhere else in the world. With no fear of humans, expect sea turtles and sea lions to swim come right up to you. One sea lion nearly kissed my mask. When thinking about what to wear in the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands<\/a>, a wetsuit is a must especially if you plan to snorkel or dive in the western islands. The perk of being a little cold in the water is that you are treated to extra special sea life like penguins!<\/p>\n

\"what-to-wear-in-galapagos-islands-1050x700\"<\/p>\n

As you cruise through the open waters between islands, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramas and palo santo forests as far as the eyes can see. Keep your eyes peeled for whale sightings, sharks and curious sea lions who regularly approached our ship!<\/p>\n

\"img_5118\"<\/p>\n

There are two distinct seasons in Gal\u00e1pagos:\u00a0gar\u00faa<\/em> (wet season) from June to November, and the hot\/dry season from December to May. Average temperatures range from the high 60s\u00a0to low 70s\u00a0in the wet season and 80s\u00a0in the hot season, \u00a0although our guides told us it\u2019s been getting way hotter than that. This is a photo from dry season where the bare palo santo trees create a dramatic landscape.<\/p>\n

\"Sea<\/p>\n

You can expect to see sea lions basking along the red sand beach of R\u00e1bida Island, my favorite of the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands. It’s a stunning place; the contrast of the red sand and green prickly pear cactuses wows you. The water here is crystal clear!<\/p>\n

Viewfinder Tip: You must stay at least seven feet away from the wildlife in the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands, but if they are curious about you and come closer,\u00a0that’s okay!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"the-galapagos-islands-courtney-scott\"<\/p>\n

This was the scene of my first day in Gal\u00e1pagos Islands, we awoke after cruising all night to Darwin Bay’s beauty. Turquoise water, black lava rock and tons of blue-footed boobies greeting us.<\/p>\n

\"img_4849\"<\/p>\n

These are the famous giant tortoises of the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands<\/a>. Some are over 200 years old and can weigh\u00a0up to 500 pounds. They are most commonly found in the more humid and damp highlands region of Santa Cruz. \u00a0We watched them take mud baths, graze on shrubs and retreat into their shells for some privacy!<\/p>\n

What animal would you most like to encounter in the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands?<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Exploring the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":21320,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1789,1900,1783,1782,1778,1780,1788,1792,1793,1776],"tags":[132],"authors":[2226],"class_list":["post-21313","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adventure","category-animals","category-caribbean","category-destinations","category-features","category-inspiration","category-interests","category-nature","category-things-to-do","category-type-of-vacation","tag-photography","authors-courtney-scott","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nVisiting the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands' most beautiful places | Expedia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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