"Independently Galapagos" Top 5 Page for this destination Galápagos Islands by richiecdisc

Galápagos Islands Travel Guide: 937 reviews and 3,497 photos

ubiquitous? only in the Galapagos! - Galápagos Islands

While all places on this planet are special in some way, some can be viewed as more special than others especially with regard to attention garnered. This attention can come from the scientific community or be of the more popular variety of tourism. With the mind of Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution so intrinsically linked to the Galapagos Islands, it lacks no pedigree with regard to the former and with governmental sanctions to limit visitation well in place it is obviously entrenched in the ranks as a tourist destination. That the Galapagos Islands are a special place is surely not a matter of conjecture or debate but what might be argued is how the area of worldwide importance is being managed. Its World Heritage status is perhaps best exemplified by the fact that few people know where exactly the archipelago is located or perhaps more perplexedly what country they are part of. Ecuador is the big prize winner but sadly few visitors to the Galapagos pay even cursory attention to their mother country except when criticizing its unfair visitation practices. It is true that is has become prohibitively expensive to visit the land where the theory of evolution took its inception and while more so in actual dollar amounts for foreigners than Ecuadorians it is prohibitively so for the latter when one takes into consideration annual income.

landscapes from another planet too

So, this is not about the high entrance fee nor the disproportionate price for flights. One can only hope that most of the money does in fact trickle down to the islands' fragile infrastructure. No, this is about how to make the Galapagos more accessible for those with limited funds. Not everyone can afford a $10,000 week vacation but everyone does deserve to see this incredible place. Once in a lifetime should not have to come down to mortgaging the house. While it is true the Galapagos are not a cheap holiday, with some care, it can be an affordable one. You might not spend the week on a luxury cruise liner but you will get to see the unique wildlife and landscapes that make this a special spot. And after all, that's why you came to begin with, right?

survival of the fittest

It seems odd that a site so inherently connected with Darwin's fascination with its flora and fauna's independence from the rest of the world's should become so intertwined with a group tourism mentality. The independent traveler is not only not catered to but is all but shunned when inquiries are made on anything outside the common four or seven day cruises. While no pretenses are made about being able to explore the Galapagos entirely on one's own it is more than possible to do quite a bit that way and in so doing, to become an autonomous traveler on the very archipelago that first instilled the idea of such survival to Darwin.

Last visit to Galápagos Islands: Oct 2007
Intro Updated Apr 1, 2008
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Reviews (54)

not just another rock: napping marine iguana - Galápagos Islands

keep your eyes open Off The Beaten Path (1)

A lot of this page could unfortunately be considered off the beaten path since the tourist industry of the Galapagos... more travel advice

hm..looks like sh#@, smells like sh#$, must be.... - Galápagos Islands

confirm, confirm, confirm Tourist Traps (1)

TAME airlines selling tickets to flights that do not exist and then trying to say it is your fault because you didn't... more travel advice

when the sun goes down - Galápagos Islands

when the sun goes down Nightlife (1)

With so much to do during the day I must confess to mostly taking it easy in the evenings. A sunset and a couple beers... more travel advice

the agile crabs of the Galapagos - Galápagos Islands

odd that no one eats crabs Local Customs (2)

With all the good sized crabs running around Puerto Ayora, we thought it odd that no restaurants offered them to eat. We... more travel advice

Favorites (1)
so where is my $100 going anyway?
Transportation (3)
See All you'll need to get used to boats
Hotels (3)
See All right on the beach, in a jungle
Restaurants (8)
See All great local baked goods
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Comments (21)

marlo.flores 9 minutes ago Report Abuse

Perfect! Your really a great writer. Thank you for sharing this page. Hope someday I can visit Galapagos. See you on the road!
joiwatani Sep 25, 2011 at 1:39 PM Report Abuse

You are a very good writer! I enjoyed reading your reviews!
sim1 Aug 12, 2011 at 4:56 AM Report Abuse

I read your page in 2008 and found it so inspiring and have been dreaming of going here ever since. So now it is time! :-)) Thank you so much for all your tips Richie, they are perfect!
MalenaN Jan 8, 2011 at 8:49 AM Report Abuse

Wonderful page! I defenitly want to visit Galapagos when I go to Ecuador next year, but don't know jet if I should do it on a cruise or independently. Just came back to finish the page!
Trekki Jun 22, 2010 at 11:38 PM Report Abuse

Ceviche! Oh my god, how do I miss that! Magic wildlife, magic morning read, thanks Richie :-) I love these iguanas, the blue feet little guy! And the colours of Las Grietas, and... and.. Haha, it is always good to scream when coming across liars!!
unaS Dec 26, 2009 at 12:31 AM Report Abuse

Ahh - Sweet dreams. Some day, perhaps...
craic Jul 5, 2009 at 11:46 AM Report Abuse

what adventures you have
Sharrie May 30, 2009 at 4:12 AM Report Abuse

As with Galapagos, I do believe good pages ought to be right at the top! Tell u what, I'll undertake to publish your book if I get a cut out of the sales ;-)
zumodemango May 27, 2009 at 4:56 AM Report Abuse

amazing nature!!!!!!!
Mateosh Jan 20, 2009 at 7:31 PM Report Abuse

Which island was this amazing photo taken of the blue seas and lunar landscape on your Galapagos page?