Once you've been to the Galápagos Islands, you'll be able to brag to your friends, neighbors, and family about the amazing things you experienced.

1. You can better appreciate Darwin. Once you've traveled through the Galápagos, you've traveled in the footsteps of Charles Darwin. In fact, after his trip to the Galápagos Islands, Darwin developed his theory of evolution through natural selection from observing the vast number of endemic species that live on the islands, including his famous finches.

2. You’ve seen the famous Galápagos boobies. Blue-footed Boobies are a popular bird among tourists for their distinctive bright blue feet, which they show off to attract mates. The Galápagos is the nesting home to more than a half of all breeding pairs of Blue-footed Boobies.

3. You've experienced its prehistoric feel. Because the Galápagos Islands are isolated and remote, the native species have not changed much from prehistoric times. Natural inhabitants like marine iguanas and giant tortoises fascinate scientists and are an interesting sight to see!

4. You've seen volcanic islands. After you’ve been to the Galápagos, you’ve stood on one of the most active volcanic centers on earth, second in intensity only to Hawaii! Some of the underwater volcanoes are still active, so when you visit you will be able to see crater lakes and lava tubes.

5. You've visited a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1978 the Galápagos Islands became a World Heritage Site. A World Heritage Site is a place listed by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its special cultural or physical significance. The Galápagos Islands were listed because of their unique wildlife. Many reservations and conservation efforts have been introduced in order to protect these species.

6. You've traversed diverse terrains. Once you've been to the Galápagos, you'll have experienced one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. Ranging from arid lowlands, cacti forests, dense forests, rocky cliffs and volcanic beaches, the Galápagos has a wide variety of settings. Known by many as “the Enchanted Islands,” the Galápagos have been described as an angelic and demonic terrain because of the drastic differences you encounter.

7. You've been up close to some of the world's most unique wildlife. The wildlife in the Galápagos is unlike any other place. After visiting the Galápagos, you will have seen animals like the cute Galápagos Fur Seals and the regal 500-pound giant tortoises. Other popular animals include sea lions, Darwin’s finches, Galápagos Penguins, land iguanas and many other endemic species.

Browse our trips to the Galápagos Islands.