I visited the Galapagos in Jan/Feb 2007, with a couple days on the mainland. As a student of evolutionary biology it was always a region of intrigue in my mind, which was enhanced after reading (or more accurately listening to the audiobook) the Pulitzer-Prize winning Beak of the Finch by Jonathan Weiner, a fantastic book!

Day 1: San Cristobal and Kicker Rock - sea lions and scenics

Day 2: Genovesa Island - red footed boobies, short-eared owls, Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls

Day 3: Santa Cruz, Bachas Beach - marine iguanas, lava lizard, scenics

Day 3: N. Seymour - frigatebird displaying, land iguanas

Day 4: Isabela - lavafields, Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorant

Day 4: Fernandina - masses of marine iguanas, Galapagos flycatcher

Day 5: Bartolome - Pinnacle Rock scenics, Sally lightfoot crabs

Day 6: Santa Cruz - Giant tortoises

Day 7: Espanola - my favorite! Sea lions, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, oystercatcher, colorful marine iguanas.

Bosque Cerro Blanco - dry tropical forest reserve and wildlife center outside Guayaquil.