Galapagos fights temptation of lucrative mass tourism With its iconic giant tortoises, crested black iguanas, huge ocean manta rays and a veritable menagerie of other cool creatures, the Galapagos Islands are one of the most beautiful places to visit. But in order to protect the flora, fauna and ecosystems of this Pacific archipelago, Ecuador is in the odd position of having to turn away perhaps millions of would-be tourists each year.