One of the most biodiverse destinations on the planet, the Galápagos Islands has recently secured even more stringent environmental protection. Late last year, the leaders of Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Panama ratified the more than 20,000-sq.-mi. Hermandad Marine Reserve. The reserve extends the existing protected zone around Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands to encompass marine areas in several neighboring countries, including Cocos Island National Park in Costa Rica and the Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary in Colombia, creating a marine migratory corridor that will curb commercial fishing in that area. Read about how visitors can enjoy the islands, and see the full list of the World's Greatest Places, at the link in our bio. Photograph by Cristina Mittermeier (@mitty)