11 Countries Where Tourists Are No Longer Welcome

4. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador: Preserving Unique Biodiversity

The Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a living laboratory of evolution, implement stringent visitor controls to protect their unparalleled biodiversity. Tourists must be accompanied by licensed naturalist guides, adhere to strict pathways, and visit only designated sites. There are limits on visitor numbers, and a national park entrance fee (currently $100 for foreigners) helps fund conservation. These measures ensure that human impact is minimized, safeguarding the delicate ecosystems and unique species found nowhere else on Earth.