Located 600 miles west of the coast of Ecuador, the 19 islands of the Galapagos Archipelago are famous for the window they provided into the workings of evolution. The youngest of the islands is estimated to be about four million years old, and the oldest, though now submerged, almost nine million years. Due to their complete isolation, the flora and fauna have evolved into species found nowhere else in the world, with unique adaptations to the individual environments of the islands. There are over 1,900 species of animals and plants endemic to the Galapagos. The most amazing result of this isolation is that the indigenous animals have no natural predators, and as a consequence, almost no fear of humans. You literally will be stepping over and around snoozing sea lions and nesting blue footed boobies as you hike the islands.

When Charles Darwin reached the archipelago from England in 1835 aboard HMS Beagle, the islands were deemed "worthless." Darwin and the crew surveyed the islands, creating maps so accurate they were used well into the 20th Century. This view into a unique, untouched eco-evolutionary system spurred his evolutionary theory, which triumphed with his 1859 tome The Origin of the Species. The Galapagos Islands were placed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1978.

Due to the sensitive ecosystem, Xpedition does not dock at any of the islands; you will be tendered by Zodiac. These small, comfortable, inflatable craft are equipped with high-powered engines and hold about 16 passengers. Tours are offered in three intensities depending on your physical ability. High-intensity tours are longer hikes, usually two or more miles, over the roughest terrain. Medium-intensity tours are shorter in length, but over the same rugged terrain, and low-intensity tours are usually beach walks or Zodiac tours around the islands. During our last visit, a woman in her eighties and walking with a cane completed the high intensity tours without much problem.

No one is allowed on the islands without a guided escort. All tours are limited to 16 people and are conducted by Galapagos National Park Naturalist-Guides. The guides are highly educated, having accredited biology degrees, and are experts in the flora and fauna of the Galapagos. They provide insight on the islands' history, animals, plants, and geology. The guides are some of the nicest people, with deep personal interest in the conservation and culture of the islands. Smoking and littering is forbidden on the islands. Once you see this unique, pristine land you will understand the motto, "Leave only footprints and take only memories".