Nineteen islands make up the Galapagos, of which only five remain populated. This relatively small cluster of islands measures only 174 miles from east to west.
Island hopping via a boat remains the best means for viewing wildlife: the region's famed turtles, iguanas, birds and sea lions. Snorkeling and diving are common activities as well, and they provide excellent insight into the area's sea life.
From December through May the Galapagos Islands feature a healthy dose of rain but plenty of sun and warm weather as well. June through November offers colder weather but little rain. Mid-June through early September, as well as mid-December through mid-January, reign as the island's peak seasons.
Most tourists arrive to the islands by plane. Flights originating from the mainland start in Quito and schedule a stop in Guayaquil before traveling on to the Santa Cruz or San Cristobal islands.
Charles Darwin helped put the Galapagos on the map after studying the vast array of species on the island and including his findings in his theory of evolution.
