20 Countries You Might Soon Be BANNED From Visiting: Time is Running Out

4. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador: A Delicate Balance of Biodiversity

The Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boast extraordinary biodiversity found nowhere else. To protect this fragile ecosystem from overtourism, Ecuadorian authorities impose strict visitor quotas, designated paths, and require licensed guides. Recent proposals have included significant increases in entry fees (potentially from $100 to $400 USD). As conservation efforts intensify, these measures may become even more stringent, potentially reducing overall access or making visits prohibitively expensive. The future of visiting this natural wonder hinges on maintaining a precarious balance between human curiosity and ecological preservation.