1. Puerto Ayora – this town looked very welcoming. As I mentioned, we truly wish we had spent a few nights here instead of in Quito. In addition to having more time to explore the Charles Darwin Research Station, there were many restaurants and shops and we saw just a fraction on our walk along the main street. 

2. Isabela/Fernandina – these islands are located in the western portion of the Galapagos and for us, we really wanted an itinerary that included the opportunity to see the Galapagos penguin and swim with marine iguanas. 

3. Charles Darwin Research Center. First, it’s free! but more importantly, there are hundreds of tortoises to see and a museum detailing some of their work.