Galapagos Islands
When most people think of the Galapagos Islands, they often think of the famous native Galapagos tortoise, and it's no wonder. The largest living species of tortoise, the Galapagos sometimes measures over 5.9 feet and can weigh over 880 pounds! It also has one of the longest lifespans of any vertebrae, living over 100 years in the wild and many more than that in captivity. This was one of the interesting animals that Charles Darwin encountered when he visited the islands in 1835 and later formulated his theory of evolution. In addition to these fascinating creatures, the islands are also home to sea lions, many fish, and a wide variety of birds including the waved albatross and the Galapagos penguin.
So where exactly are the Galapagos Islands located? Well, the islands are located 500 nautical miles west of Ecuador, of which they are considered a part. They consist of thirteen major islands and six minor islands, as well as a number of islets, and were formed by a chain of volcanoes located on either side of the Equator. Despite their proximity to the Equator, the Humboldt Current brings cold water and drizzles to the islands for much of the year. The major islands have a population of around 25,000 inhabitants, and the main language spoken is Spanish.
San Cristobal and Baltra are the only two islands that can accommodate visitors by plane, although travelers can hop between islands by boat once they have arrived. There are approximately 116 visitor sites in the Galapagos, but most of these only allow a certain number of visitors at a time with a licensed guide in order to lessen environmental impact. Many of the islands do permit camping and snorkeling for an up-close look at the native wildlife. Travelers often describe the wonder of the Galapagos Islands as akin to visiting another planet, and it is certainly an experience that any naturalist should add to their “life list”. Visit this link for more information on planning an unforgettable trip to the Galapagos!
So where exactly are the Galapagos Islands located? Well, the islands are located 500 nautical miles west of Ecuador, of which they are considered a part. They consist of thirteen major islands and six minor islands, as well as a number of islets, and were formed by a chain of volcanoes located on either side of the Equator. Despite their proximity to the Equator, the Humboldt Current brings cold water and drizzles to the islands for much of the year. The major islands have a population of around 25,000 inhabitants, and the main language spoken is Spanish.
San Cristobal and Baltra are the only two islands that can accommodate visitors by plane, although travelers can hop between islands by boat once they have arrived. There are approximately 116 visitor sites in the Galapagos, but most of these only allow a certain number of visitors at a time with a licensed guide in order to lessen environmental impact. Many of the islands do permit camping and snorkeling for an up-close look at the native wildlife. Travelers often describe the wonder of the Galapagos Islands as akin to visiting another planet, and it is certainly an experience that any naturalist should add to their “life list”. Visit this link for more information on planning an unforgettable trip to the Galapagos!
Galapagos Islands