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Galapagos
Enchanted Islands
 This Archipelago
is a living museum of evolutionary changes. Free and
fearless animals, different from any others found
elsewhere, make visitors wonder about their very existence
on our planet. The UNESCO declared Galapagos a World
Natural Heritage Site in 1978 and subsequently a World
Biosphere Reserve in 1985. Among the animals found
are the different species of giant 'Galapagos' tortoises
that gave the islands their name due to the similarity
of their carapaces to a British riding saddle called
'galapago' in Spanish. A variety of birds are found:
blue footed, red footed and masked boobies, flamingos,
frigate birds, albatrosses, unique small penguins
and non-flying cormorants, and 14 different species
of finches. These various species of finches served
as proof for Darwin's theory of evolution from natural
selection. Marine mammals such as sea lions, dolphins
and whales are also found; as well as multitudinous
colorful fishes. The most distinctive plants are mangroves
and endemic cacti. The Galapagos houses an incredibly
high rate of endemic species.
In 1835, Charles Darwin sailed on the British ship
H.M.S. Beagle and visited the islands. His writings
on the theory of the origin of species, which shook
up to the scientific world, were inspired by the living
proof that he found in this unique volcanic Archipelago.
All those who choose to make this unforgettable trip
can confirm his observations and studies.
In 1936, the Galapagos were declared a National Park
to preserve the flora and fauna of the 13 large islands,
6 minor ones and more than 40 islets.
Origin: The islands appeared from
lava eruptions that came from the bottom of the ocean
and that rise as much as 2.600 feet above sea level.
Lava from more than 2.000 craters has continuously altered
the terrain of the region. Some of the younger islands
still have active volcanoes. Variables such as isolation,
climate, altitude and texture of the land on the islands,
have made their distinct vegetation and animal life
appear.
Climate: An erroneous belief about Galápagos
is that the weather is always tropical. During the months
of June to November, the weather is significantly colder
and the vegetation is drastically different: much drier.
Location: 600 miles West of the Ecuadorian
coast
Entrance fee: $100 / Introduced species are
an enormous threat to the native and endemic species
of the islands. Thus, quarantine is required at the
entrance to the Park.
GALAPAGOS MARINE RESERVE
The interior waters of the islands, plus those within
40 nautical miles measured from the baseline of the
Archipelago, were declared the Galapagos Marine Reserve
on 1994. This is the only protected coastal marine area
in the East Pacific, and the second largest Marine Reserve
in the World. There are many areas with small submarine
volcanoes, which are important feeding zones for marine
birds and mammals. Don't miss the opportunity to snorkel
with sea lions, penguins, a variety of colorful fish
and even inoffensive sharks! Diving courses and tours
are also offered for those who are willing to take a
deeper adventure!
CRUISE SHIPS
A cruise is definitely the best way to visit many of
the islands in a short period of time. Tours are of
at least four days. There is a wide range of cruise
offers, from small boats for about 12 passengers to
big luxurious cruise ships for more than 100 passengers.
Please contact ExploringEcuador.Com member tour operators
and travel agent in our service directory for more information.
LAND OPTIONS
Puerto Ayora-Santa Cruz Island:
This is the main port of entrance to the Archipelago,
home to the majority of human inhabitants of Galapagos
(approximately 15.000 people). Close to the town are:
the beautiful "Tortuga Bay" beach, the giant tortoise
breeding center, lava caves, tunnels, and the headquarters
of the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National
Park. In Puerto Ayora and its surroundings it's possible
to do snorkeling, scuba diving, bird watching, sea kayaking,
trekking, biking, horse-back riding, etc. The town also
has an exhilarating night life, and plenty of tourism
services. The lodging options vary from the very inexpensive
($8 a night) to very good accommodations, and even a
luxurious Millennium Resort called "Royal Palm" in the
highlands of the island. One of the best options is
the Finch Bay Hotel.
From Puerto Ayora it's possible to hire daily boat tours
to visit other islands. One can also travel to the other
inhabited islands by light air craft (offered every
day).
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno-San Cristobal Island:
This town is the capital of the Galápagos province,
and has the second biggest number of inhabitants in
the Archipelago. This port holds an Interpretation Center
built by the Spanish Government Cooperation. This center
is modern and didactic and instructs about the volcanic
origin and natural history of the islands. Sea lions
are always found at the main park of the town, close
to a small beach.
Puerto Villamil-Isabela Island:
This enchanted town is almost undiscovered by tourism.
Puerto Villamil has a population of about 2.500 people,
mostly fishermen. Only one of the big cruise ships visits
this island. The tourist development of Puerto Villamil
is mostly reduced to that of visits of private yachts
and a small number of fortunate tourists who have heard
about its wonders.
Very close to town are several impressive sites: a path
alongside a reef that is home to several white tip sharks-
you can easily observe them from land; "Concha y Perla"
bay, a perfect setting for snorkeling; a giant tortoise
breeding center; and the impressive volcanoes Sierra
Negra and Volcán Chico. Sierra Negra has the second
biggest crater in the world, with a diameter of 12 kilometers.
Volcán Chico has an amazing "lunatic" landscape with
fascinating lava formations. It's possible to horseback
ride or trek around Sierra Negra´s crater until reaching
Volcán Chico. It's also possible to camp up there with
a permit of the National Park. Isabela also has a flamingo
lake and several beautiful trails along the way to the
"Wall of Tears". This wall is proof of the genuine human
history of the islands. Before Galápagos was declared
a National Park, this island used to be a penal colony
(around 1946). The prisoners were kept busy carrying
and placing the sharp lava rocks to form this impressive
wall.
Accommodations vary from inexpensive hostels to the
charming "Casa de Marita", the best hotel in town.
Amazing and Diverse
A trip to the Galapagos Islands is always splendid,
however the pleasant (not so hot) weather in August
allows a more comfortable visit.
The Flight
From Quito you fly to Guayaquil and in an hour and ten
minutes you will arrive to the airport at Baltra, your
first contact with the Enchanted Islands:
cactus, intense sun, turquoise sea. The unique flora
and fauna on the Galapagos Islands are due to many factors
such as: the volcanic origin, the distance to the mainland,
the direction of the winds, the confluence of the marine
currents. Charles Darwin was inspired by his observations
during his short visit to the islands in 1835, to develop
his Theory of Evolution, thus revolutionizing modern
thinking.
Santa Cruz Island
 Your first visit
will be to the Charles Darwin Research Station founded
to support conservation efforts on the Archipelago.
Scientists, educators, research students, volunteers
and support staff from all over the world work at the
Charles Darwin Research Station for the conservation
of this "living laboratory of evolution". One of the
most serious problems to the ecosystem in the Galapagos
Islands are the introduced species such as dogs, cats,
goats and insects among others. The Charles Darwin Station,
with the cooperation of other partners such as the Galapagos
National Park, is permanently working to control these
threats to the ecosystem on the Islands. They have a
breeding and conservation progam for the Giant Tortoise.
See the giant tortoises in large pens that simulate
the environment on their island of origin, and the baby
tortoises, all kept safe from introduced predators.
When these tortoises are strong enough to survive, they
are returned to their island of origin. On your way
back to the Yacht, you will walk through the picturesque
town of Puerto Ayora where you will find a variety of
souvenirs.
Genovesa Island
Snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands is a real treat where
you discover and explore an exciting underwater paradise!
You will disembark at Darwin Bay on a white coral beach.
Here you will observe the fascinating Red-footed boobies
nesting on branches unlike the Blue-footed boobies that
nest on the ground. You will also see Swallow tailed gulls,
Petrels, Frigate birds and others. Then, back to the beach
and snorkeling for those who wish.
In the afternoon, disembark at Prince Philip´s Steps and
you will be guided up and along the cliff. Here you will
be able to observe the flora and fauna, you will see Storm
petrels, boobies and frigate birds and with a little bit
of luck, the Galapagos Owl.
Fernandina and Isabela Islands
Disembark early for a visit to Punta Espinoza, a highlight
on this trip. The sea offers abundant vegetation thus
the coastal rocks are home to Marine iguanas, Sea lions,
Penguins, Flightless cormorants, Herons, and Marine turtles!
Snorkeling at this spot is an unforgettable experience.
Back to the yacht for lunch.
Disembark at Isabella on the foot of the Alcedo Volcano.
Observe an example of the geological acti-vity of the
island: in 1984 almost 4 miles of the coast were elevated
15 feet giving birth to new and endemic vegetation. Here
you will see many land iguanas, land tortoises, Darwin´s
finches among other fauna.Santiago and Bartolome Islands
 Wet landing on the
black beach to visit Puerto Amazing and DiverseEgas. On
this beach you will see Marine iguanas, the Blue heron,
the Oystercatcher, Lava heron, Gulls and other coastal
birds, Sally lightfoot crabs, and fur seals. After your
walk, swimming and snorkeling. Early afternoon, you will
visit the Island of San Bartolome, with its volcanic landscapes
of such beauty that its images have traveled all around
the world. You disembark for a swim or to snorkel from
the beach. Here you will swim with sea lions, and the
Galapagos penguin, the second smallest penguin in the
world. The last El Nino current warmed the waters and
unfortunately reduced the Penguin Colony considerably.
You can take a short walk from the beach to the shore
behind the bay. Here you cannot swim but will be amazed
by the sharks and manta rays that can easily be observed
swimming and flipping close to the shore.
Later in the afternoon, you will climb the 370 wood stairs
to the top of the island at an altitude of 114 meters.
The climb is certainly worth it, the awesome lunar landscape
contrasting with the beauty of the color of the sea will
enchant you. Take fantastic pictures!
The islands of the archipelago of
Galapagos and their attractions.
| Island |
Attraction |
| Plazas
0,22 Km2
Plazas Sur |
Land Iguanas
Cactus Finch
Sea Lion
Tropic Birds
swallow-tailed gulls |
| Bartolomé 1,2 km2 |
Pinacle Rock
Nesting Peguins
Lava tunnels towards Scalesiastewarth crater)
|
| Isabela 4600 km2 |
Volcano Alcedo (1097m)
Volcano Sierra Negra (1490m)
Flamingos
Penguins
Flightless Cormorant
Pelicans
Marine Iguanas |
| Santa Cruz 1000 km2 |
Charles Darwin Research Institute
Forests of escalesia
Humid vegetation
Bromelias |
| Fernandina 650 km2 |
Marine Iguanas
Flightless Cormorant
Sea Lion |
| Santiago 600 km2 |
Lava Formation
Sea Lion
Flamingos
Fur Seals |
| San Cristóbal 558 km2 |
Laguna El Junco
Cerro de las Tijeras |
| Floreana 160 km2 |
Flamingo Lagoon
Post Office |
| Española 60 km2 |
PiquerosBoobies
Albatros
Blow-hole |
| Baltra 27 km2 |
Cactus Desert
Darwin Finch |
| Santa Fé 24 km2 |
Terrestrial or Land Iguana
Sea Lions |
| Genovesa 14 km2 |
Red Mangrove
Frigate Birds
Red footed Boobies
Masked Boobies |
Marchena Island (130 km2), Pinta (53 km2) and Pinzón (18km2)
can not be visited by tourists.
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