This year’s Best of the World Awards survey closed on March 2, just before COVID-19 generally caused people to stay home. The survey results reflect readers’ experiences before the pandemic. However, we hope this year’s winners will inspire you to travel – whenever.

Islands are often synonymous with beaches. But in this part of the world, they are also proud of their history, wildlife, and archaeological splendor. The winners of this award reflect this diversity of experience.

Each year, Travel + Leisure invites readers to participate in a survey of the world’s best travel experiences, sharing their thoughts on top cities, islands, cruises, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands based on activities and attractions, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.

Belize scored highly, with two countries making the list. Ambergris Caye, the country’s largest island, ranked fifth, drawing divers in droves to the nearby Belize Barrier Reef (the second largest in the world), where diving is “the best in the Northern hemisphere,” according to one reader. Caye Caulker (No. 4) is a five-mile spout of sand with a distinctly laid-back vibe, and golf carts and bicycles are the only means of transportation here, which promotes its “go-slow” credo. In second place, Isla Mujeres has a similar vibe, and while it’s only three miles from Cancun, it feels remote with its beachfront fish sheds and dusty streets.

In third place is Chile’s Easter Island, one of the most remote islands in the world. As one reader praised it, the “culture and history are amazing,” with the iconic Moai being the main attraction. Nearly 1,000 of these stone carvings were carved from compressed volcanic ash in the 13th century and are still intact today.

But the Galapagos once again took the top spot. Read on to find out why T+L readers love it so much – and which other destinations in Mexico, Central and South America made the list.

1. Galapagos: The Islands of Ecuador

These Ecuadorian islands have held the top spot for 18 consecutive years and have been readers’ favorites since the World’s Best Islands Award was first introduced. The rugged beauty of the islands’ terrain and rare wildlife are the main attractions. T+L readers prove that you can have the same fun whether on one of the three inhabited islands (a day trip to a neighboring island, of course) or one of the cruise ships or small boats. “It’s incredible how close you can get to the wildlife and how diverse the landscape is,” one reader wrote. “The Galapagos is a beautiful place and shows me true beauty.”