Although it was formed 1,5 to 2 million years old, Bartolome is one of the youngest islands in Galapagos. With a lunar appearance and predominant shades of orange, red and green, it's considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Archipelago.

Thought to be at least 3,9 million years old, Santa Fe, also called Barrington Island after British Admiral Samuel Barrington, is one of the oldest islands in Galapagos. Covered by a thick forest of giant prickly pear cactae (unique to Santa Fe), this small, uninhabited island is home to many endemic species, including Santa Fe land iguana, Santa Fe mockingbird, Santa Fe rice rat and Santa Fe lava-lizard.

Due to the emerald crystal-clear water and the sharp volcanic rocks surrounding it, Las Grietas is considered one of the most beautiful places on Santa Cruz Island. With fresh water at the surface and salt water of the sea at the bottom, the lagoon is a lovely place to hike, swim or snorkel.

With incredible diving spots and stunning landscapes offering a magnificent contrast between its green hills and beautiful white, black or purple sand beaches, Floreana is the smallest of the four inhabited islands of the Galapagos Islands. Located in the south part of the Archipelago, the island was a well-known stopping point for pirates and whale hunters in the past.

With stunning white-sand beaches surrounded by black volcanic rocks, natural reserves, lagoons and amazing wildlife that has no fear for humans, Santa Cruz is one of the most popular inhabited island in Galapagos and by far the most developed.

Surrounded by a mangrove forest whose colors are reflected in its clear water, Las Ninfas Lagoon is probably one of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset on Santa Cruz Island. This peaceful lagoon has a short boardwalk around the trees, where you can relax and enjoy birdwatching.

Although it’s a year-round destination, the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is from December to May. Depending on the month and season, each island is different and has something unique to offer. The Archipelago has a hot, tropical climate and experiences two distinctive seasons: a warm (also known as rainy) season from December to May and a dry season from June to November.

There are only a few places in the Archipelago where Galapagos tortoises can still be found in their natural environment. Among them is El Chato, a natural reserve that occupies thousands of square meters in Santa Cruz's highlands.

Home to many endemic wildlife such as marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, crabs, marine turtles, sharks and rays, Tortuga Bay is one of the largest beaches on Santa Cruz Island. It has two areas, the open beach where currents are very strong, suitable for surfing, and a beautiful lagoon where you can swim.

Even though the Galapagos Islands are distributed on both sides of the Equator line, the bathing suit and a pair of flip flops are by far not enough to spend a few days in Charles Darwin’s paradise. If you're planning a vacation in the Archipelago and you can’t wait to visit as much as possible, walk along giant tortoises or snorkel with tropical fish and sea lions while above you fly blue-footed boobies or frigate birds, don't forget the following:

If you want to spend an entire day at the beach, El Garrapatero is the perfect place for swimming, relaxing in the sun, or enjoying a nice picnic by the ocean. Lined by a mangrove forest, this white sand beach is particularly popular with the locals.

Inaugurated in 1964, Charles Darwin Research Station serves as a research station for studying the wildlife in Galapagos. In the hopes of increasing the endangered populations of Galapagos tortoises, the foundation conducts here a unique breeding program.

North Seymour Island, located in the world-famous Galapagos Archipelago, is a wildlife haven known for its incredible biodiversity. One of the island's main attractions is the unique blue-footed boobies, a bird species that fascinates visitors with its vibrant blue feet and intriguing courtship dance. Whether you're a birdwatching enthusiast or a nature lover, North Seymour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these charismatic birds in their natural habitat.

Making a travel budget is an important part of planning a trip, especially if you go to the Galapagos Islands. Of course, it depends on everyone’s style for traveling, but you shouldn't miss the opportunity to take advantage of everything this incredible place has to offer. Visit several islands on day trips, eat fresh-caught tuna from the ocean, and visit as much as possible.

Playa de la Estacion is a small beach on the right side of the main road to Charles Darwin Research Station, home to dozens of marine iguanas, sharks or rays that you can spot near the shore. Due to very strong currents and sharp volcanic rocks on the shoreline, the beach is more appreciated for the view than for snorkeling or swimming.