The Galapagos 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 as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1978 and subsequently a World Biosphere Reserve in 1985. Different species of giant Galapagos tortoises are found among the animals in the islands and their name due to the similarity of their carapaces to a British riding saddle called Galapagos in Spanish.

A big variety of birds are found in the enchanted islands, like blue footed boobies, red footed boobies, masked boobies, frigate birds, flamingos, albatrosses, non-flying cormorants, unique small penguins and 14 different species of finches. These big diversity of finches served as proof of Darwin's theory of evolution for natural selection. Marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and sea lions are also found; as well as schools of sharks and colorful fishes.

The most distinctive plants are the endemic cacti and mangroves. The Galapagos Islands house 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 the scientific world, were inspired by the living proof that he found in this unique volcanic Archipelago.

The islands are located 600 miles from the Ecuadorian Coast. In 1936, they were declared a National Park to preserve the flora and fauna of the 13 large islands, 6 minor ones and more than 40 islets. The origin of the Galapagos Islands is volcanic.

The islands appear from lava eruptions that came from the bottom of the ocean and that rise as much as 2.600 ft. above sea level. Lava from thousands of craters has continuously altered the terrain of the region. In 1959 the Government , along with the Charles Darwin Foundation, UNESCO and other international scientific organizations, established a biological research station in Santa Cruz island. All tours take you to a visit of the Station. Scientists greet visitors while they instruct on the marvels of the islands.

NOTE: The biggest problem affecting the biodiversity of the Archipelago is the introduction of species of animals and plants that are a big threat to the native and endemic species of the islands.

GALAPAGOS MARINE RESERVE

The Galapagos Marine Reserve was declared in 1994 and it is formed by the interior waters of the Islands, plus those within forty nautical miles measured from the baseline of the Archipelago. This is the second largest Marine Reserve in the World. It holds approximately 51.351 square miles of the interior waters of the Archipelago. There are many places in the islands with small underwater volcanoes; they are important feeding areas for marine birds and mammals. The submarine area of Galapagos (0 to 590 ft. deep) is of 2.587 square miles.

Do not miss the chance to snorkel with sea lions, penguins, a variety of colorful fish and even inoffensive sharks. Diving tours are offered for those who are willing to take a deep adventure.