Lonely PlanetSep 21
What’s the Best Way to Visit the Galápagos Islands?
Should you book a cruise, or craft your own land-based itinerary?
expedition vessel
21 things in this story
- Finch Bay Galapagos HotelHotelIf you’ve only ever visited the Galapagos Islands by sea , this beachfront eco-lodge on the south side of Santa Cruz…
- Galápagos National ParkSight97% of the islands' landmass is protected
- North Seymour IslandSightIt was formed by uplift of a submarine lava formation and is now covered with low, bushy vegetation.
- Bartolomé IslandSightjust off the east coast of Santiago Island.
- Galápagos Marine ReserveSightsurrounding waters are protected
- Charles Darwin Research StationMuseumhome to more tortoises
- Charles DarwinSightspent a month here in 1835
- EspañolaSightisland to see waved albatrosses
- GenovesaSightisland home to red-footed boobies
- Big 15SightGalápagos' version of the African safari's 'Big Five'
- Puerto AyoraNeighborhoodmost populous city, ideal base on land
- Santa Cruz IslandSightlocation of Puerto Ayora
- South Plaza IslandSightSouth Plaza is a small island off the east coast of Santa Cruz in the Galápagos Islands.
- Santa Fe IslandSightVisitor access is by a wet landing in Barrington Bay on the northeastern side of the island.
- Santa Cruz highlandsSightto see giant tortoises
- FloreanaSightThe island has an area of 173 km2 (67 sq mi).
- Yacht La PintaPlaceexpedition vessel
- Finch Bay HotelHotelrelaxed stay after cruise
- IsabelaPlace
- Pikaia LodgeHotel
- San CristóbalSight