Region
Latin America, almost 1000 km west of Ecuador.

What can I do?
You can follow Charles Darwin in studying the flora and fauna of this World Heritage Site. He spent just over a month in 1835 in this beautiful area, before continuing his journey round the world. He then wrote Origin of Species, and had an island named after him.

You can witness many superlatives, the most beautiful coral reefs, a massive range of birds and tortoises. In fact the name Galapagos refers to the Giant Land Tortoise which roamed the Islands almost 200 years ago.

What can I see?
As you stroll round the Islands in the sun, you will see sea lions, penguins, iguanas, flamingoes, booby birds, frigate birds and many others. You will see the Archipelago at its most beautiful, as many people fear it is now at risk.

What can I try?
Surfing, diving, swimming with the penguins, taking photos of the extraordinary wealth of wild life. Try to find an Albatross on land. Watch a land iguana eat a cactus, their main food.

What are the highlights?
Board a small boat to take you round the islands, with guides to make sure your questions are answered and that the ecosystem is respected. If you are an experience diver, you can dive with dolphins as well as sea lions, hammerhead sharks and rays.

What are the options?
Some of the islands are in the Northern Hemisphere, some in the Southern as Galapagos straddles the equator. You can go trekking or kayaking if you want to stay dry. Ecotourism is the new way of traveling for those with eco-concerns.

When's the best time to go?
November to April is summer

What's it really like?
It is a series of 6 main islands, and 13 smaller ones. Each has its own species, and you are just as likely to trip over a tortoise as frighten a frigate bird. The wildlife is said to be friendly, almost keen to be filmed.

Who wouldn't enjoy it?
Anyone who wants a deckchair holiday. This holiday is for the adventurous who wants to experience an incredible range of natural spectacles in a spectacular setting.