It’s no wonder Herman Melville called the Galapagos “Las Encantadas,” “The Enchanted Isles.” This far-flung archipelago, the ancient tops of submerged volcanoes that straddle the Equator 600 miles off the coast of South America, is unique on earth. Here, giant tortoises roam misty island meadows while sea lions loll nonchalantly on pristine beaches, oblivious to human presence. Iguanas bask by hundreds on the sun-baked lava, blue-footed boobies nest in the rocks, and graceful sea turtles, rays and penguins swim with snorkelers in the aquamarine waters of the Pacific.
