Bartolome, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

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Named for Sir Bartholomew James Sulivan, who sailed with Charles Darwin on the HMS Beagle's famous voyage, Bartolome is possibly the most photogenic stop within the Galapagos archipelago. A walk along the island's dramatic, lunar-like landscape leads visitors past lava flows, tuff cones and vegetation such as the tequila plant. One of the more striking sights here is Pinnacle Rock, a towering rock formation made of thin layers of basalt that was created when an underwater volcano erupted. Views of this natural wonder can be admired by hiking to Bartolome's summit, a breathtaking overlook from which you also can see Sullivan Bay and Santiago and Daphne islands. Keep your eyes peeled for native herons and hawks, go snorkeling among sea lions and other marine life or enjoy a swim off the northern beach, where sea turtles nest from January to March and penguins are known to frolic.

Language: Spanish
Currency: US dollar (US$)