The Galapagos Islands offer wildlife encounters you can't have anywhere else on Earth. The animals here have little fear of people, so you can watch giant tortoises graze, see penguins waddle along the equator and witness blue-footed boobies perform their comical mating dance, all from just a few feet away. Nearly two centuries after Charles Darwin visited aboard the HMS Beagle, travelers still follow his path to marvel at these remarkable creatures.

The archipelago lies about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador and includes more than 200 islands, islets and rocks, so you'll need to choose where to go. On Santa Cruz Island, see giant tortoises roaming free at the El Chato and Rancho Primicias reserves, and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and breeding programs, and to see Lonesome George, the last of his species and a powerful reminder of why protection matters. On San Cristobal, sea lions lounge and bark on the white-sand beaches. On Isabela, hike to the rim of the massive Sierra Negra volcano. Snorkeling with sea turtles, rays and playful sea lions is a highlight everywhere.

The Galapagos can be explored by small expedition ship or on an island-hopping land tour, and both require careful planning. I'll help you choose the right option and handle flights from Quito or Guayaquil.