Set along the equator, some 600 miles off the South American coast of Ecuador, is a crown jewel of the natural world.

The Galapagos Archipelago consists of seven major islands (San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Santiago, Isabela and Fernandina), six smaller ones (Darwin, Wolf, Pinta, Marchena, Genovesa and Baltra) and dozens and dozens of rocks and islets. Sometimes the smaller the island, the bigger the effect it has on the visitor. The archipelago stretches roughly 270 miles (430 km) from Darwin in the northwest to Espanola in the southeast.

That's just for starters. What will make your visit here truly exceptional are the many opportunities for close encounters with wildlife. The islands and surrounding waters are quite literally teaming with exotic and colorful creatures that have never learned to fear humans. This translates into a series of daily peak experiences including snorkeling with playful sea lions, tracking giant tortoise and trading stares with unconcerned iguanas.

Bird life is abundant, varied and fearless. You may have to give way as a blue footed booby crosses your path, or have the opportunity to observe a Galápagos hawk perched just a few steps away, as an albatross launches itself off a cliff on a journey that will encompass thousands of miles.