Let’s be honest, 90% of going to the Galapagos is to say, “Yes, that’s right, I’m traveling to the Galapagos.” It’s the travel equivalent of being a fan of Mad Men: It’s basically code telling the world that you’re “in the know,” that you have discernible tastes, and that you consider yourself outside of the pack. Though, it may also mean that you simply have an inordinate infatuation with gaseous sea lions, in which case the Galapagos is the place for you, as this recent Sydney Morning Herald article explains. But there’s more to see than just the giant sea creatures.

On the island of San Cristobal, sea lions easily outnumber inhabitants, and when you’re done ogling over them as they lay about in the sun, you can head out off the rocky shores for some unforgettable snorkeling. In Floreana, travelers can seek out “Lonesome George,” the lone remaining tortoise on the island, then sail over to Isabela where white sand beaches are home to both iguanas and orange crabs — just like the travel brochure showed!

But let’s be honest, despite all that you see and experience — including the threat of a tsunami like the author encountered — the real treat is ticking that box off your bucket list; next stop: Antarctica.

The post What To Expect In The Galapagos appeared first on The Expeditioner Travel Site.

Our latest installment of  The Expeditioner’s Travel Final Jeopardy comes from the category of Lists.

UNESCO recently decided to withdraw the Galapagos Islands, amid obvious controversy, from their list of “World Heritage Sites in Danger.” Without using any Google magic or the interweb, I present this final jeopardy clue: This is the number of properties that make up the full World Heritage List? Think big.

Leave your guess in the comments below, and the winner will receive a Stabile-led tour through TheExpeditioner.com’s World Headquarters. We will reveal the answer in a week! Good luck!

The post The Expeditioner’s Final Jeopardy Clue: Lists appeared first on The Expeditioner Travel Site.

Can you tell how the number of posts I do about South America increases dramatically the colder it gets here in New York? Anyways, a trip to Ecuador is only half-complete without a stop in the Galapagos. Just a short hour-and-a-half flight from Quito, over 60,000 people make the trip every year to see the over 15,000 giant tortoises, 50,000 sea lions, iguanas, and of course the plentiful boobies.

It’s really amazing to see how different the terrain is from each island to the next. For some highlights, check out the Louisiana-style bayous in Caleta Tortuga Negra at 2:33, the completely oblivious igauanas at 3:32, and the beaches at 5:16 that look like you were several thousand miles west in the South Pacific.

The post Places To See Before You Die: The Galapagos appeared first on The Expeditioner Travel Site.