Galapagos

Penguins, blue-footed boobies, land and marine iguanas, tortoises, flamingos, and whale sharks can be observed here in close proximity. The islands are located in the equatorial Eastern Pacific, 604 miles west of the Ecuadorian coast.

The archipelago consists of 13 main islands, six junior islands and over 100 islets and large rocks spread out over 45,000 square miles of ocean. These volcanic islands began to emerge between five and ten million years ago. The youngest islands, Fernandina and Isabela, continue to grow with new volcanic eruptions.

The Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination with two distinct seasons. During the warm season (December to May) temperatures hover in the 80’s and 90’s. Rainfall is uncommon but strong, with water temperatures near the surface averaging 75°. The Garua, or cool season (June to November) brings fog, drizzles and cool winds.

Air temperatures reach the 70’s and water temperatures fall to the 60’s. These months are the height of the breeding season for many of the island’s avian species. The Galapagos can be reached by air from Quito (three hours) and Guayaquil (1.5 hours) via daily flights. Airports are located on Baltra and San Cristobal islands.

Most visitors embark on three, four, or seven-day cruises. Many of these programs visit the major island cluster, offering daily guided wildlife and geology tours. If you’re interested in diving, longer cruises to the outlying islands are available. LANDED offers hotel and lodge options, as well as private yacht charters.