Immerse yourself in nature’s greatest wonders on a Galapagos tour

If the prospect of travel makes you dream of adventure more than lounging with a tropical drink, you might not be satisfied with a typical vacation. And if you're interested in exploring an intriguing destination, a land untouched by time, where you can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you should consider a Galapagos tour.

The Galapagos Islands, located off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific ocean, are remote, wild and one of the premier adventure travel destinations on the planet. The islands' rugged varied landscapes are home to some of the most unusual animal species in the world, which captivated Charles Darwin when he landed there in 1831. Luckily for today's travelers, the Galapagos are virtually the same today as they were then, so you can be equally wowed by the islands' natural wonders as Darwin was in his day.

Getting to the islands is far easier as part of a Galapagos tour. Not only are the cost savings quite dramatic - taking a tour like those offered by Tauck can save you up to 40 percent over independent travel - but you also have the benefit of traveling with experts who can offer extra insight. The stress you'll save is an added benefit, allowing you to focus on the extraordinary things you can see and do on the islands.

The logistics of going on a Galapagos tour generally include a stop in Ecuador's capital city, Quito. The old-world colonial charm of the city makes it a great addition to any itinerary and spending a day exploring its sights is a must. The city is right on the equator, so you can stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres at once. Take in the city's architecture history and revel in its dramatically beautiful setting at 9,200 feet above sea level.

The Galapagos are far enough from the coast that taking a tour often means flying to the islands. With Tauck's tours, the quick flight is followed up by boarding a private cruise that will take you to the best spots in the islands.

With daily shore excursions led by expert naturalists, you'll have the opportunity to see flamingos, sea lions, penguins, a vast array of birds and perhaps even the islands' famed Galapagos tortoises. Active travelers can revel in the chance to get close to some of the world's most unspoiled nature on hikes, swims and snorkeling excursions.

The natural wonders of the Galapagos can't be found anywhere else on Earth, so it's important that travelers leave nothing more than footprints and help keep the environment pristine. Tauck's expert naturalists know the importance of preserving the landscape and wildlife, so travelers concerned about sustainability can rest easy.