Gaby Becker
Tortoise roaming freely on the El Chato Reserve.
The Galápagos Islands, an archipelago in Ecuador, are known for their diverse wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and Amazon rainforests and are roughly a seven-hour flight from Newark Liberty International Airport. On this trip, travelers can step out of their comfort zone through rainforest ziplining, scuba diving, and close encounters with wildlife.
The first place highly recommended for a visit is the Mindo Cloud Forest, located approximately two hours from the capital city of Quito. Taking advantage of the subtropical climate allows for visits to butterfly and hummingbird farms to observe some of the over 500 bird species found in Mindo. Adventurous activities such as river tubing and treetop zip lining offer beautiful views of the natural greenery. Additionally, a coffee and chocolate-making experience is available, allowing visitors to go through the entire process—from cocoa bean picking to tasting the delicious creations.
The second place worth visiting is Santa Cruz, one of the more popular islands in the Galápagos. Santa Cruz is known for the world-renowned Charles Darwin Research Station, which is dedicated to conservation and carrying out environmental projects. Santa Cruz also features the El Chato Reserve, where dozens of giant tortoises roam freely in their natural habitats. A bay tour adventure provides opportunities for snorkeling with white-tip sharks and sea turtles, along with a short hike where various types of iguanas can be spotted. After a long day of adventure, the island offers delicious local foods such as ceviche, lobster cooked in coconut, and fried scorpion fish.
Finally, Isla Lobos is known for its sea lions and seals playing on rocky shores, birds nesting, and copious stingrays. A visit to Kicker Rock offers beautiful aquatic life visible through snorkeling and scuba diving experiences. Common visible animals include hammerhead sharks, tropical fish, and sea turtles, providing an unforgettable experience for visitors. All in all, the Galápagos Islands are an exciting traveling destination where natural beauty supplies a fantastic and engaging environment for tourists to explore.