Visit Galápagos Islands, Ecuador (UNESCO Sites)

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The Galapagos Islands, owned by Ecuador, is an archipelago located in the Eastern Pacific Ocean serving as the background for studies by amateur and professional natural historians due to its unusual flora and fauna. The famous naturalist Charles Darwin was inspired by the Galapagos Islands as he developed his Theory of Natural Selection. The islands, volcanic in origin and somewhat barren, have been an Ecuadorian National Park since 1959. The islands are considered young from a geological perspective with active volcanic activity still occurring. Many of the islands’ plants and animals are found only in the Galapagos and nowhere else on earth. Among the animals that are easily seen from land are Sea lions, Giant Tortoises, Penguins, land and marine Iguanas and a multitude of birds, including the chronicled Blue Footed Booby. On the island of Santa Cruz is found the Charles Darwin Research Center and its tortoise breeding operation which is a must for first time visitors to the Galapagos. The Galapagos Islands are also considered to be one of the premier dive spots in the world due to the rich and colorful sea life that abounds. Two islands in particular are considered to be ideal location for diving, Wolf and Darwin, with live-aboard charters the primary method for participating in these dream dive excursions. Divers can expect to see large turtles, sharks (including Whale Sharks at certain times of the year), sea lion pups, penguins, four eyed fish and dolphin among the ocean’s bounty. The wildlife, land and sea, in the Galapagos are considered tame and docile by almost any standard due to the limited interaction with humans. Although the Galapagos Islands are reachable by air from Quito and Guayaquil the recommended method of touring the Islands is by boat. Private charters may be arranged as well as cruises on larger vessels accommodating up to 100 passengers. Your dream of visiting the pristine and unique Galapagos Islands, where Charles Darwin was inspired to develop his theories about evolution, can by fulfilled by adding the trip to your list today. Some of the islands limit the number of visitors so planning your trip well in advance is vital. Start working on the details today.

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