Winter is on the way and many of us will already be thinking of our next holiday abroad. But why wait until summer? If you are looking to escape the winter blues and want to find an exotic place the Galapagos islands might be the answer.

The Galapagos islands are one of the great natural wonders in the world. They are located in the Pacific Ocean formed by 13 volcanic islands (and more than 40 smaller islands). The oldest of the islands are about 4 million years old and the youngest are still in the process of being shaped. Its surrrounding marine reserve has been called a unique “ living museum and showcase of evolution”. There is unusual animal life such as the land iguana, the giant tortoise and many types of finches. If you love water activities, then sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving here are superb. Land lovers, can also enjoy extraordinary best bird watching.

Top 5 Galapagos Islands

• Isla Bartolome (Penguins & Moonscpes) – This tiny island is among the younger of the archipelago. It offers a unique opportunity to swim after playful penguins and enjoy a lunar-like landscapes in the space of an afternoon.
• Isla Punta Espinosa (Animal Spotting) – This island is in the west of the archipelago and provides the most fascinating example of inter- species coexistence. You will see colonies of animals casually walking or swimming or, in the case of gigantic group of marine iguanas, just hanging around.
• Isla Isabela (Volcano Lovers) – The largest island in the Galapagos. There are five young and active volcanoes which formed a skyline as impressive as Manhattan’s but it’s the animals who prosper in this isolated landscape that make the long and usually rough trip here worth doing.
• Isla Punta Espinosa (Beaches) – This is one of the best islands to visit due to its variety of landscapes. It has a beautiful white-sand beach and excellent opportunities for snorkelling.
• Puerto Ayora (Town) – The largest town of the Islands and main tourist centre. It is home to the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Park. Here You will have the opportunity to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the history of the archipelago and the future conservation.

Most travellers to the Galapagos fly into Quito and organize activities and tours on Ecuador’s mainland. Wildlife lovers go to camps of the Amazon region and explore the town of Mindo or take the route of “Avenue of the Volcanoes” surrounded by snow capped mountains and volcanes. History enthusiastics explore colonial haciendas and city centers of Cuenca and Quito.

So, why not take a step back in time an enjoy a part of the world that stimulated Charles Darwin to change the way that man saw his natural environment.

If you’ve already experienced an ideal winter getaway, why not share it with us?

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