More than 180 years ago, a young British naturalist named Charles Darwin stepped ashore on a volcanic archipelago unlike anything he had ever seen. The Galápagos Islands, located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador and named for the giant tortoises native to the islands, would go on to shape the entire course of science. His observations here formed the backbone of his groundbreaking work, On the Origin of Species, and changed the way we understand life on Earth. Today, you can follow in Darwin’s footsteps and experience the same raw, extraordinary beauty that sparked one of the most profound scientific revelations in history. This is a pilgrimage to the birthplace of evolutionary thought, and a chance to see how conservation, exploration, and curiosity can coexist. If you’re ready to walk the same paths, observe the same wildlife, and stand in the same awe, you can trace the legacy of Charles Darwin in the Galápagos, thoughtfully and sustainably.
Charles Darwin was just 22 years old when he joined HMS Beagle as a naturalist in 1831. The ship’s mission was to chart the coast of South America, but Darwin’s role was broader: to collect specimens and document natural environments around the world. The Beagle reached the Galápagos Islands in September 1835, and what Darwin encountered there would change everything. He noticed subtle differences in animals from island to island, notably the beaks of finches, which were adapted to different food sources. These variations hinted at the revolutionary idea that species were not fixed. They could change. They could evolve. Though Darwin didn’t fully formulate his theory of natural selection until years later, the seeds were planted here, on these wind-swept, lava-covered islands teeming with strange and fearless creatures.
Darwin’s first stop in the Galápagos was San Cristóbal, and it remains an excellent starting point for travelers today. The port town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno houses the Interpretation Center, a must-visit for historical context. Here, you’ll find exhibits on Darwin’s journey, the islands’ ecology, and the ongoing efforts to protect them. A short hike from the center takes you to Cerro Tijeretas (Frigatebird Hill), believed to be one of the exact spots Darwin explored. From the summit, you get a panoramic view of the coastline and can observe frigatebirds, large seabirds known for their dramatic red throat pouches, soaring overhead. You can also snorkel in nearby Darwin Bay, where sea lions, sea turtles, and tropical fish glide through clear, calm waters.
Española is one of the most biodiverse islands in the archipelago, a modern-day mirror of the ecological marvels that so inspired Darwin. The island is home to the waved albatross, a species found nowhere else on Earth, as well as vibrant colonies of blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and marine iguana, the only sea-foraging lizards in the world. Hiking the Punta Suárez trail reveals dramatic cliffs, blowholes, and dozens of species in their natural habitat. Darwin marveled at how the animals here showed no fear of humans, and it’s still true today. You’ll find yourself inches away from nesting birds and basking reptiles, all seemingly unaware of your presence. It’s a reminder of what makes the Galápagos unique, and what’s at stake in preserving it.
Darwin never visited Santa Cruz, but it’s now the heart of scientific and conservation activity in the Galápagos. The island’s main town, Puerto Ayora, is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, founded in 1964 to carry forward his legacy. Here, scientists study endangered species, run captive breeding programs, and develop sustainable practices for the islands’ human population. It’s also the former home of Lonesome George, the last known member of the Pinta Island tortoise species, who became a global symbol of extinction and conservation. A visit to the station offers a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between tourism, development, and preservation, and how Darwin’s ideas are still influencing science today. While on Santa Cruz, consider a guided hike into the highlands, where giant tortoises roam freely in the wild. Standing in their slow-moving, ancient presence feels like time travel, a direct connection to the species that so intrigued Darwin.
Darwin also spent time on Floreana, and its remote, rugged beauty remains much as he would have seen it. Here, you can visit Post Office Bay, where 18th-century whalers left mail in a wooden barrel, a tradition visitors continue today. Hiking the highlands of Floreana, you’ll encounter lava caves, freshwater springs, and a variety of finch species that helped Darwin develop his theory of adaptation. The island’s sense of isolation gives insight into how different environments, even just a few miles apart, can shape the development of life in dramatically different ways. Floreana is also home to one of the smallest communities in the archipelago. Supporting locally owned lodges and tours here directly contributes to sustainable tourism efforts and helps preserve both nature and culture.
The younger, western islands of Isabela and Fernandina offer some of the most untouched and volcanic landscapes in the Galápagos, and are ideal for understanding the geological backdrop of Darwin’s thinking. At Punta Espinosa on Fernandina, you’ll walk over fresh black lava fields where marine iguanas pile together in thermal masses, and flightless cormorants dry their wings after diving for fish. These birds are a striking example of Darwin’s theory: though related to flying cormorants elsewhere in the world, these evolved shorter wings to adapt to swimming. Isabela, the largest island, is home to five volcanoes and multiple species of giant tortoises, each adapted to its distinct region. Exploring this island offers a dramatic view of the forces that continue to shape the Galápagos landscape.
Following Darwin’s trail is about engaging with his spirit of observation, humility, and curiosity. It’s also about traveling responsibly. Here’s how:
Travel with eco-certified tour operators, such as Responsible Travel, who follow park rules, employ local guides, and contribute to conservation.
Avoid plastic waste and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the fragile marine ecosystem.
Observe without disturbing. Wildlife in the Galápagos is unafraid because it's been protected for generations. Maintain your distance, stay on trails, and let nature lead.
Support science by visiting research centers, learning about ongoing conservation, and donating to organizations like the Charles Darwin Foundation.
To walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin in the Galápagos is to experience a revelation. It’s a place where every rock, feather, and fin tells a story of adaptation and change, where evolution is a living, breathing reality. You’ll leave the islands with more than memories. You’ll leave with a sense of wonder, responsibility, and deeper understanding, the same things Darwin took with him nearly two centuries ago. And perhaps, like him, you’ll never see the world quite the same way again.