For tourists who are visiting Ecuador and can't afford a trip to the Galapagos, the giant tortoise shell in Rodrigo Dueñas' recently opened science museum in downtown Quito is a good way to get close.

The next day I join the Carrs for tours of the Charles Darwin Research Station (a short walk from the Red Mangrove), to a lava tunnel the size of a subway, to a giant tortoise preserve, and the beach at El Garrapatero Parque Nacional for sunset.

There is a six-foot boundary law for all animals on the islands. As humans, it was our duty to keep that distance even though the birds, who approached us regularly didn't seem to care about the rule.

The islands are right smack on the equator, give or take a degree or two. The weather is usually a balmy 87 degrees, but it feels like it's 95 and the sun is relentless.

Time spent exploring these often overlooked isles is guaranteed to satisfy your wanderlust, no matter how bad the itch.

With few natural predators, the wildlife here has never had reason to fear visitors, so they go about their normal routines in the presence of humans.

Prince Charles will help guide the construction of 1,000 eco-friendly houses on the Galapagos Island of Santa Cruz, long a destination for tourists e...

Last year I actually won a sweepstakes for a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Beyond Darwin, I knew nothing of the archipelago. However, my week touring this eco-wonder changed my life and perception of ecotourism forever.