The capital of Hunan Province in central China, north of Guilin. Founded over 5000 years ago, it has long been a major cultural and educational center. Mao Zedung lived here and attended school.
Ouidah is a coastal city in southern Benin, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and a network of lagoons and wetlands. It is one of the country’s most historically significant destinations and is known for its connections to the Atlantic slave trade, religious traditions, and cultural heritage.
Regina, Saskatchewan’s capital, is a city with deep roots and wide-open skies. Originally established as a key stop on the Canadian Pacific Railway, Regina quickly grew into a political and cultural hub. Today, visitors can explore its past at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, which features life-sized dinosaur exhibits and an extensive First Nations gallery.
KwaZulu-Natal is a province on South Africa’s east coast, stretching from the Indian Ocean beaches around Durban to the mountains of the Drakensberg and the savanna of the interior. Its landscapes include subtropical forests, grasslands, wetlands, estuaries, sugarcane fields, and protected wildlife areas.
Photo Credit: Photo by Michael Jerrard on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Dylan Shaw on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Marcela Baca on Unsplash
Whale
Photo Credit: Photo by Bryan Thompson on Unsplash
Iguana
Photo Credit: Photo by Dylan Shaw on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Dylan Shaw on Unsplash
Galapagos Tortoise
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Photo Credit: Photo by Heidi Bruce on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Sofia on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Sofia on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by The Official CTBTO Photostream on Wikimedia
Photo Credit: Photo by The Official CTBTO Photostream on Wikimedia
Photo Credit: Photo by The Official CTBTO Photostream on Wikimedia
Albatross in flight
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Photo Credit: Photo by Heidi Bruce on Unsplash
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Photo Credit: Photo by Sofia on Unsplash
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A male Magnificent Frigatebird
Photo Credit: Photo by Andrew Turneron Wikimedia
Photo Credit: Photo by Lieutenant Elizabeth Crapo, NOAA Corps. Wikimedia
Galapagos Brown Pelican - Pelecanus occidentalis urinator
Photo Credit: Photo by Judy Gallagher from Wikimedia
Galápagos lava lizard
Photo Credit: Photo by Peter Wilto from Wikimedia
Swallow-tailed Gulls
Photo Credit: Photo by suecan1 from Wikimedia
Off the coast of Ecuador, the iconic and biodiverse Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s nineteenth-century research expeditions on HMS Beagle, beckon you. This glittering archipelago, surrounded by vivid turquoise waves, abounds with stunning beaches and spectacular wildlife, perfect for the adventurous traveler.
A popular destination for South American cruises, you’ll find plenty to see and do on each island. Sea lions, iguanas, blue-footed boobies, penguins, and the infamous Galápagos tortoises are just a few of the many indigenous wildlife that make these islands home. Favorite spots for animal watching include Tortuga Bay, Reserva El Chato (a tortoise reserve), and Parque Nacional Galápagos. Venture to San Cristóbal Island and Isabela Island for the archipelago’s best snorkeling or trek up the Sierra Negra volcano, the only Galápagos volcano accessible to hikers, for panoramic island views. Unwind in the island’s picturesque towns, including Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil, and be sure to sample authentic Ecuadorian cuisine and fresh seafood dishes.
Discover your next adventure in the Galápagos Islands!
Other Popular Destinations in Ecuador
Guayaquil
Guayaquil, Ecuador, is a vibrant port city and a frequent starting point for cruises to the Galapagos Islands.
Quito
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you.