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!
rebecca
26 October, 2014 at 9:57 pmfantastic! what a dream! would love to see all of this
Becky Moore
29 October, 2014 at 12:04 pmThanks Rebecca it did feel a bit like a dream when we were there 😉
Shikha (whywasteannualleave)
26 October, 2014 at 7:00 pmAbsolutely stunning – these photos are beyond gorgeous and how incredible that you had a chance to see this incredible wildlife – I’m sure those memories will be with you forever!
Becky Moore
29 October, 2014 at 12:05 pmThanks Shikha they definitely will! I’m still missing it now 🙂
Jack
25 October, 2014 at 1:34 pmWow , what an amazing place great photos, it’s deffinatly on my bucket list
Becky Moore
29 October, 2014 at 12:05 pmThanks Jack! 🙂
Audrey
25 October, 2014 at 12:46 amLove the close up wildlife shots – and those sea lions look so cozy on the sand!
Becky Moore
29 October, 2014 at 12:06 pmThanks Audrey the sea lions were just gorgeous and amazing to see them when they don’t fear humans!
Agness
23 October, 2014 at 9:19 pmWow, absolutely stunning place. Never been here, but wait…. I’m gonna add it to my bucket list. Beautiful pictures by the way. They must bring good memories from the road I guess :). Cuteness overload!!! <3
Becky Moore
29 October, 2014 at 12:06 pmThanks Agness I’m sure you would love it! Pleased you like the photos 🙂
Andrew Graeme Gould
23 October, 2014 at 8:20 pmBeautiful views from this desirable destination. I really love those iguanas and their colouring!
Becky Moore
29 October, 2014 at 12:07 pmThanks the iguanas were pretty special, especially when you saw them go for a swim!! 😉
Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans
23 October, 2014 at 6:12 pmYou know, I can honestly say that I’ve always been kind of underwhelmed by pics of Galapagos and that it’s never really been a priority for me. But your pics are amazing and you’re making me reconsider!
Becky Moore
29 October, 2014 at 12:08 pmAw thanks Dana that’s a huge compliment! 🙂
Miriam of Adventurous Miriam
23 October, 2014 at 12:31 pmI’ve always wanted to visit the Galapagos islands because of the wildlife. These are truly beautiful photos.
Becky Moore
29 October, 2014 at 12:08 pmThanks Miriam it’s definitely a dream destination! 🙂
Franca
23 October, 2014 at 12:03 pmOMG! The wildlife of the Galapagos is something to die for, I’d love to see these beautiful animals in their own habitats with my own eyes, simply stunning!
Becky Moore
29 October, 2014 at 12:10 pmI think the best thing is that the wildlife weren’t bothered about us at all!
Sand In My Suitcase
22 October, 2014 at 1:25 amFor wildlife lovers, nothing beats the Galapagos! We visited several years ago – we particularly loved the blue-footed boobies, who would prance around, lifting their big webbed feet this way and that. They were so comical to watch!
Becky Moore
29 October, 2014 at 12:10 pmYes we were lucky enough to see those too! Very cute 🙂
Mary Anne
21 October, 2014 at 3:33 pmI’ve wanted to go there for so long. Looks gorgeous
Becky Moore
29 October, 2014 at 12:11 pmThanks Mary it definitely lived up to our expectations!
@mrsoaroundworld
21 October, 2014 at 3:07 pmAbsolutely lost for words – I loved following the trip live and was dying to see the photos!
Becky Moore
29 October, 2014 at 12:12 pmThanks Ana pleased you liked them 🙂