The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed on either side of the Equator in the Pacific Ocean, 906 km (563 mi) west of continental Ecuador, of which they are a part.
The Islands were made famous by Charles Darwin and his fascination for the unique wildlife that can still be found here. Animals such as giant tortoises, sea lions, various bird species, and marine iguanas are notoriously comfortable with tourists, and thus enable a unique and intimate wildlife encounter. As always, never approach too closely, and don't touch the animals.
The Galápagos Islands and their surrounding waters form the Galápagos Province of Ecuador, the Galápagos National Park, and the Galápagos Marine Reserve. The principal language on the islands is Spanish. see moresee less