- All new full-color photos in this edition - New planning tips for one-, four-, and eight-day travel options - Includes new opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving, new amenities on various live-aboard outfits, and more The Galapagos Islands aren't a vacation destination for those wanting to sip umbrella drinks by the resort pool--which is exactly why The Galapagos Islands and Ecuador continues to be a standard resource for inquisitive adventurers, nature lovers, and DIY travelers. This new 3rd edition packs in even more interesting and useful natural history and travel information, including: - Significant updates to all the major islands and visitor sites; the number of sites has nearly doubled in recent years - Newly updated and expanded maps - New photography tips for digital equipment and process - New detailed chapter on visiting Quito and mainland Ecuador, featuring primary ecological and historical areas in the Andean highlands, rainforests, and coastal areas - New discussion on how the islands are now a "living laboratory" of global warming, including how wildlife is being affected by changes in food sources "Marylee Stephenson brings to her guidebook the perspective of a dedicated birder and naturalist, skilled photographer and experienced traveler (who has made no fewer than ten visits to the Galapagos Islands). This concise handbook is a superb introduction to the biological wonderland made famous by the writings of Darwin." --Donovan Thomas, Ph.D., Professor of Biological Sciences (Retired), University of Windsor.