The islands first became famous with the scientific voyage of the 'Beagle' by Charles Darwin during the 19th century where he was inspired to formulate his theory of evolution by natural selection.

The volcanic Galapagos Archipelago is made up of 13 major islands and six smaller ones lying on the equator about 970km from mainland South America. It is the second largest marine reserve in the world, spread over 50 000km² and was made a National Park in 1959. Positioned between three ocean currents the climate is unique, and is why about 50 percent of the species are endemic to the islands.

Visitors to the archipelago will be guided around various islands, each one with different species of fauna and flora. It is possible to pass within inches of mating iguanas, walk between nesting frigate birds, stand beside blue-footed boobies feeding their chicks, gawk at fur seals and watch thousands of brightly coloured Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttling across the black volcanic rocks.

In the sea visitors can swim, snorkel and dive with sharks and turtles, and come mask-to-face with sea lions and penguins. Also to be seen are albatrosses, lava lizards, flamingos, giant tortoises, masked boobies and Darwin finches.

Although the islands are volcanic and largely bare of vegetation, they have different geological features that make them dramatic and strangely beautiful. These include a 10-metre cactus forest, exquisitely twisted lava flows, spatter cones and lava tunnels, bizarre rock formations, and red, black or white sand beaches.

Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island, is the most developed town on the archipelago and is the centre of the Galapagos tourism industry. Most visitors stay in this friendly little town while arranging a boat tour to the rest of the islands or anchor in the harbour during their cruise.

Near Puerto Ayora is the Charles Darwin Research Station that contains a National Park information centre and a museum.

It is also has a protected tortoise nursery that aims to boost the endangered species of the Galapagos tortoise, whose enormous saddle-shaped shell gave the islands their name (the Spanish word 'galápago' means 'saddle').

There is a walk-in enclosure where visitors can meet the giant tortoises face to face.

The station is also home to 150-year old Lonesome George, the world's only surviving Pinta tortoise. Until he was discovered in 1971 the race was considered extinct. Hunting in the 18th century and the introduction of goats in the 1950s, which destroyed the vegetation, had wiped them out.

For a taste of what the Galapagos has to offer, browse through our gallery below. You can also find out more in our Ecuador Travel Guide.

Window or aisle? The best airfares. Hotels. Car hire. Package deals. Book them all through iafrica.com.

Abu Dhabi to Zagreb Don't get lost these summer holidays. Get all the inside info with our travel guides...

Stadium-sized airfares? Travel Editor Richard Holmes looks at how airlines are cashing in on World Cup fever.