galapagos islands

Wait, people actually live on the Galápagos Islands? Yes, yes they do. Located about 600 miles off the western coast of Ecuador, the island group of the Galápagos is home to several thousand people. Of the thirteen major islands, five are inhabited by Ecuadorians, most of whom live on the islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal. Puerto Ayora, the largest city on Santa Cruz, is a thriving tourist’s paradise complete with gift shops, restaurants, and nearby sightseeing. Many tourists are attracted to these tropical islands, situated less than one degree south of the equator, for their exotic plant and animal life and their breathtaking beaches. It’s not every day that you get to see a five-hundred-pound tortoise or set foot on a beautiful, uninhabited island. Because traveling to the islands can be pricey, plan on staying for a week or longer in order to get the most out of the tropical experience. The following are a few of the most popular sites to help you plan your getaway.

People watch animal documentaries because, as human beings, we find animal behavior absolutely fascinating. There’s something about seeing the rawness of nature in wildlife that intrigues us, since people are typically far removed from anything wild. We may take it a step beyond watching a documentary, or maybe we go to the zoo to see these animals up close. However, nothing compares to seeing these majestic, exotic creatures interacting in their natural habitats. To protect both the creatures and their habitats from uncontrolled intrusions, many organizations around the world have created preservation centers and wildlife parks. Touring these protected natural sites can give visitors the best look into the eyes of a truly wild animal.