Parque Nacional Galápagos
National park · Santa Cruz ·
Landmark conservation area with unique endemic wildlife and flora
Information
9MP3+6WH, El cascajo, Ecuador Get directions
Landmark conservation area with unique endemic wildlife and flora
9MP3+6WH, El cascajo, Ecuador Get directions
"This park is absolutely beyond compare and is a must for national park enthusiasts. As one of the most protected national parks in the world, [this group of islands] are full of incredible wildlife that are not afraid of humans and will come in closer contact with you than is possible in most other natural places in the world. "You can experience a variety of landscapes in a small space, from lush highlands full of tortoises to moon-like volcanic rock covered in piles of iguanas. And the marine life is sure to excite even the most well-traveled guests when they have the opportunity to snorkel with penguins, sharks, and playful sea lions, all while blue-footed boobies dive for food in the distance." — Erin Correia, Adventure Life" - Elizabeth Cantrell Elizabeth Cantrell Elizabeth Cantrell is a senior editor at Travel + Leisure. She edits stories with a focus on outdoor and adventure travel, as well as Canada, Northern Europe, and the Southeastern U.S. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"I learned that the park, established in 1959 and central to protecting the archipelago's wildlife, requires an entry fee of $100 payable in cash on arrival, plus a $20 transit card (also cash) at the airport; it's strictly managed to limit crowds and environmental pressure and is the base for most regulated visitor activities." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Ecuador's Galápagos Islands — visited by Charles Darwin in 1835, which inspired his theory of evolution — are home to some of the most unique species in the world, including sea lions, blue-footed boobies, flamingos, penguins, and giant tortoises. Officials at the Galápagos National Park go to great lengths to protect the landscape and the animals that call it home, limiting both the number of islands people can visit and the quantity of visitors who can come each year." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"I learned that Galapagos National Park, working with operators like Metropolitan Touring, established the tourism model and visitor limits that protect the islands' wildlife; those rules mean itineraries must be carefully planned to see specific species and often result in more private, less crowded visits to the islands." - Jessica Poitevien Jessica Poitevien Jessica Poitevien is an international storyteller and regular contributor to Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
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