This sprawling volcanic archipelago 600 miles west of Ecuador inspired the birth of Darwin’s theory of evolution, and its staggering array of flora and fauna is just as robust today as it was back when Charles stepped off the Beagle. Each of its 13 main islands bursts with life, from the playful blue-footed boobies to the brilliant red sally light foot crabs to the distinct silhouette of the flightless cormorants. Seals ply the surf and sea lions sun on the beach while lizards and marine iguanas crawl across the black volcanic rock. The landscape—black rocks, narrow coves, bursts of neon green moss and algae—proves equally exhilarating (and yes, some volcanoes are still active). Intense ocean currents make for exciting, if challenging, diving, and guided hikes put you inches from the islands’ famed inhabitants, who haven’t been conditioned to be the least bit weary of their two-legged visitors.  Places like this shouldn’t exist anymore. But thankfully they do.