Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands, located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, have a storied history that is as captivating as their unique biodiversity. Discovered by chance in 1535 by the Bishop of Panama, Tomás de Berlanga, the islands were initially considered a desolate and inhospitable place. Their remote location made them a popular stopover for pirates and whalers during the 17th and 18th centuries.