On the 27th September, LAN airlines flew us from London to Ecuador for the #HappyInEcuador trip with the South America travel experts, Metropolitan Touring. On the last three days of our eleven day journey we ticked off a destination that had been hovering at the top of our travel bucket for years – the Galápagos islands. We sailed aboard the luxury La Pinta yacht exploring the highlights of the thirteen volcanic islands which are scattered across either side of the Equator in the Pacific Ocean, 960km adrift from the Ecuadorian mainland.
The islands were once known for their rocky inhospitality, where only pirates roamed and passing whaling ships feared, but also where their most famous visitor, Charles Darwin was inspired to formulate his evolutionary theory of natural selection – awarding these islands a legendary status. Today they make up one of the largest marine reserves in the world, but the island’s tourism is strictly managed and the old days of apparently being able to ride on the back of a tortoise are long gone. The diverse wildlife that reside on the archipelago have little fear of humans offering magical encounters such as swimming with playful sea lions, walking beside boobies and albatrosses and taking a dip with the odd swimming iguana. Here’s our Galápagos island highlights in BIG pictures…
Special Reader Offer: Follow in our footsteps on a 10-day Ecuador & Galapagos journey of discovery with Metropolitan Touring at the special rate of US$4,510 per person (saving US$2,462 per couple). Quote #HappyInEcuador. Fly with LAN who are part of LATAM Airlines Group, the largest airline group in Latin America, which flies to 135 destinations across 22 countries.
35 Comments
Bec
28 February, 2015 at 12:55 pmI so wanted to go to Galapagos Island, but I bet it can be scary and exciting at the same time.
Mik
14 November, 2014 at 5:06 amOH MY GOSH this is one of my favorite posts of your’s ever, Becky, due to the pictures of all of the wildlife!! I have been scrolling back and through this for 15 minutes now. You guys couldn’t have made a quick stopover in Reno to pick me up and take me with you?? 🙂
Becky Moore
23 November, 2014 at 4:07 pmHa ha thanks Mik! Next time we go we will 😉
Alex
28 October, 2014 at 4:17 pmThese photo’s are truly stunning well done – if anything was to rid me of any doubt about visiting the Galapagos islands then it’s these! I think a cruise is the way to go!
Becky Moore
29 October, 2014 at 11:22 amThanks Alex if you’re thinking of cruising around the islands we would recommend La Pinta – such a friendly and knowledgeable crew!
Scott
28 October, 2014 at 9:21 amWhat an incredible place the Galapagos islands have just shot to the top of my travel bucket list! Great photos as usual Becks 🙂
Becky Moore
29 October, 2014 at 11:22 amAw thanks Scott 🙂
Emma
28 October, 2014 at 9:16 amLoving these shots, just fabulous and they are really making me want to go more! What a fantastic trip to go on!
Becky Moore
29 October, 2014 at 11:23 amThanks Emma, it was a fantastic trip 🙂
Allie
27 October, 2014 at 9:12 pmHello! My husband and I are currently planning our trip for next year to Peru’s Machu Picchu / Amazon, and the Galapagos Islands. I’ve got most of our trip details sorted, with the exception of the islands. Were there any places in particular that you absolutely loved? Places you would suggest skipping due to time? Any information or advice you could give would be greatly appreciated and super helpful!
PS: If it’s any help, we love a good adventure. Loved your pictures & keep traveling!
-Allie
Becky Moore
29 October, 2014 at 12:04 pmHi Allie,
We only had three days there but I would definitely recommend San Cristóbal Island and also Española Island. The wildlife on both were incredible! Enjoy your trip!