Famous Islands West of Ecuador: The Galápagos Archipelago

The Galápagos Islands are the renowned volcanic archipelago located ~1,000 km (620 miles) west of Ecuador in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

They are famous for:

• Unique endemic wildlife: Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Darwin's finches.
• Evolutionary significance: Inspired Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection.
• Active volcanism: Several volcanoes periodically erupt.
• Protected status: National Park & UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A premier destination for nature tourism and scientific research.