If you ever wanted to make your friends jealous, visit the spectacular archipelago that is the Galapagos Islands. A veritable paradise of incredible sights and sounds, these South American islands offer much for even the more seasoned explorers. The sea is blue, the air is clean, and you can get an up close and personal look at the incredible (and preserved) wildlife that inhabit this popular tourist haunt. Once you have set foot away from Galapagos Island Airport, there is a whole new world to venture into. Need convincing? Here are some of the reasons why you should visit.
See some of the best wildlife in the world
We have already mentioned the wildlife, but there is really no better place to visit them than in their natural habitat. Incredibly, they are unthreatened by human interaction, so you can walk among them as they go about their daily business. One moment you will see a whale leap and dive back into the ocean, and the next moment you will see a synchronised dancing sea lion procession. Spend time with the pink flamingos, sit with the giant Galapagos tortoise, and swim with the penguins. The experience is surreal and better than being at any zoo or aquarium.
Go deeper than you have ever gone before
Thrill seekers will love the opportunity to take one of the challenging dives, which are properly organized to ensure safety. The beauty of the ocean depths is a sight to behold, and you will be able to take in schools of tropical fish, marine iguanas trailing the ocean floor, and incredible mantra rays that look dangerous, but are really quite harmless. If getting wet isn’t on your agenda, travel deep into the Scalesia forests, or climb one of the largest volcanic craters in the world, and walk through the mist-enshrouded Sulfur Mines. The lava tunnels are also worth venturing into, a mixture of artificially lit and darkened tunnels, which you can experience without the aid of a guide. So, whether swimming, caving, or hiking, you can venture away from popular tourist trails, and experience sights that few others have seen.
Mingle with the tourists
If you’re looking for something touristy, there is still much to see and do. Santa Cruz has the usual array of shops and marketplaces to buy cultural wares from in the day, and there are various nightclubs to dance the night away. You would be foolish not to try some of the territory’s delicacies when you dining on the island, from fresh seafood dishes to the exotic Ecuadorian vegetables and fruits that are freshly produced. The beaches are understandably second-to-none. They are less-crowded than your average beach, meaning you can enjoy the island scenery without getting sand kicked in your face, and you can go beach-snorkelling in the clear blue waters without throngs of holidaymakers getting in your way. A true paradise experience.
Finally
If we have sparked your interest, there is some valuable information here regarding travel details, as well as an in-depth look at what else the islands have to offer. If you were ever looking to put something on your bucket list, we think the Galapagos Islands are an ideal destination for anybody with a love for travelling. Thanks for reading.
