Wildlife without fear, where Darwin found inspiration
The Galápagos Islands lie about 1,000 km off the Ecuadorian coast, and their animals, having evolved without predators, show little fear of people. Charles Darwin's visit in 1835 fed into his theory of natural selection. Giant tortoises roam the highlands of Santa Cruz, marine iguanas bask on black lava, and blue-footed boobies dance on Española and North Seymour. Snorkelling brings sea lions, turtles, penguins and hammerhead sharks. Most of the islands are national park, visited by boat or from the towns of Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Isabela.