Discover the Top Visa-Free Tiny Country: A Journey Back to the Jurassic Era
Traveled to over 60 countries in 20 years, and if you ask me what my favorite destination is, it must be the Galapagos of Ecuador! 🌟
This enchanting archipelago rivals the most captivating National Geographic and BBC documentaries. 📹 It’s a place where the Earth’s pristine beauty remains untouched:
🐳 Imagine encountering one-meter-long giant lizards, 250kg elephant tortoises, humpback whales performing their romantic love rituals, adorable blue-footed boobies, frigate birds with their enormous, bright red throat pouches, and waddling tropical penguins.
These rare species are remarkably unafraid of humans, allowing for incredibly close and intimate encounters. 🦜
The Galapagos is a diver’s paradise! 🤿 The unique volcanic geology, nutrient-rich waters, and underwater fissures create an environment teeming with marine life. From the shore, you can witness manta rays, marine iguanas, green sea turtles, and penguins swimming freely. 🐢
Explore the islands by zodiac, kayak, or on foot. Hike through giant tortoise reserves, step into the daily work of researchers, and immerse yourself in the magic of this extraordinary land. 🚣♀️
The diverse landscapes of the Galapagos are nothing short of breathtaking. Bizarre volcanic formations, lush Amazon rainforests, majestic Andean mountains, and stunning island vistas—all within a small country of just 250,000 square kilometers. Every view is postcard-perfect! 🌋
The Galapagos is truly the cradle of biological evolution. Darwin conducted his groundbreaking research here, leading to the famous theory of natural selection. The islands are home to the Darwin Research Station, and due to their isolation, many rare species are found only here. 🌳
**Tips:**
1️⃣ The Galapagos straddle the equator, with mild temperatures year-round, making wildlife active at any time. January to March is the best time for diving.
2️⃣ This secluded and peaceful South American country offers ample security on the islands. Follow the guidance of your expedition team for a safe and enjoyable experience.
3️⃣ Chinese tourists can enter Ecuador visa-free, with a stay limit of 90 days. 🇪🇨
4️⃣ For a more comfortable travel experience, consider a cruise. Many diving enthusiasts also opt for liveaboard diving trips in the Galapagos. 🛳️
5️⃣ The official language is Spanish, and English is not widely spoken.
Most specialized tour guides and crew members speak English, so it’s recommended to have Google Maps handy.
6️⃣ Essential gear includes hiking shoes and water shoes. It’s also advisable to wear long-sleeved, long-pants wetsuits or use coral-friendly, environmentally friendly sunscreen. 🧥
7️⃣ The island’s ecology is pure but fragile.
Please take care to protect it. 🌱
