The Galapagos Islands are rightly renowned as a bucket-list destination. These fabled islands 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador were the inspiration for Charles Darwin and are home to remarkable species that can’t be found anywhere else.

Although most tourists who are lucky enough to visit are keen to see Giant Tortoises, Marine Iguanas and to swim with friendly Galapagos sea lions, there is another side to the Galapagos. A little-known human story from the early days of colonisation. A tale of unspoilt island paradise, free love, and murder…

Exploring the little known side of the Galapagos Islands

This intriguing tale from the 1930s has been beautifully brought to life by the voice of Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett in the fascinating documentary film “The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden”.

The movie tells the tale of Europeans who came to the Galapagos looking for a new way of life. These unconventional and eccentric characters were pioneers in free-living and free-loving, and intended to build a paradise away from the tensions of the pre-war years.

Using archive footage, letters and diaries, and interviews with descendants of those involved, the filmmakers Daniel Geller and Dayna Goldfine weave a fascinating tale of love, lust and murder set in the unspoilt Galapagos.

Planning your Galapatour…

To celebrate the 5th anniversary of the film’s release, Galapagos travel specialist Galapatours.com have launched a competition to win a stunning naturalist cruise around the islands for two people worth over $6,700. The cruise is aboard the luxurious Camila – a stunning 125ft luxury motor trimaran which features only 8 staterooms, each with en suite bathroom and private ocean balcony.

The itinerary the winners will follow includes visiting the island of Floreana where the settlers involved in the Galapagos Affair made their home. As well as seeing the unique flora and fauna on the islands, you can visit the scene of this still-unsolved mystery.

To be in with a chance of winning this amazing trip, simply visit Galapatours.com and answer a few simple questions in the Galapatours quiz. Everyone getting all the answers right will be entered into a draw for the top prize. Entries close on the 10th January 2020, and there are full terms and conditions on the Galapatours website.