Galapagos Islands - Galapagos Islands travel community

I want to answer the question: How to start planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands?

The basics: The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago located 600 miles off the Pacific coast of South America, they are part of the country of Ecuador.  They are situated on the Equator line, some Islands on the northern hemisphere, most Islands on the Southern hemisphere.

What type of a travel destination is Galapagos?

It is a nature travel destination, if you like animals, specially birdlife you are comming to the right place. There are many reasons to visit, but the general tourist comes to see the wildlife, the animals are unique, not found anywhere else on the planet and they do not fear humans. It is easy to get close to marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins at the Equator, giant tortoises, blue footed boobies and more... The Galapagos Island are also a marine sanctuary and are one of the best dive destinations on the planet, whale sharks, manta rays, hammer heads (schools of 700 individuals), sea turtles and many other species fish are easily encountered on dive trips.

Visitors also come for the geology (several active volcanoes, lava tubes, cinder cones, craters, lava fields, etc.), landscapes (spectacular Island scenery that gives a feeling of being on the moon or another planet, water sports (world class sea kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, sport fishing) 

A list of activities include: trekking, camping, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, sea kayaking, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, volcanic interpretation, sport fishing... amongst others.

It is an active travel destination and invites one to relax and become one with nature, early mornings 6h00 am is the average wake up time as well as early nights 9h00 pm most travelers are exhausted from all the activities.

What the Galapagos is not?

It is not a party destination, it is not a resort destination, it is not a cultural destination, it is not a hunting destination.

In general it is not a place you will find amusement parks, broadway type shows, discos, casinos, spa´s, etc.

THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS ARE A NATURE TRAVEL DESTINATION!

Travelers visiting the Galapagos Islands should come to help preserve this natural paradise and learn how important it is to protect nature.

A trip to the Galapagos is an expedition! (there are luxury trips, but the main luxury are the natural encounters).