Galapagos Islands: tours, photos, local flora and fauna. Open left menu Galapagos Islands

Are you tired of the noise big city and choose a venue long-awaited vacation? Do you want to relax on the beach under the sound of the surf and get acquainted with amazing sights, but at the same time do not consider boring Turkey, Egypt and Thailand, as well as stiff Europe? We suggest visiting Ecuador, or rather, the Galapagos Islands located about 1000 km to the west of it.

Despite the fact that the Galapagos are quite far from civilization, here you are guaranteed to enjoy all the resort delights and get a lot of fresh impressions! You can come here alone or with a loved one, with children or friends - no one will be bored: neither lovers of lying on the beach, nor explorers of the ocean depths!

The Galapagos Islands is an archipelago of 19 islands in the Pacific Ocean on the equator line, formed 6,000,000 years ago after repeated underwater volcanic eruptions. The equator passes through the crater of the mighty volcano Wolf - the most high point Galapagos (1707 m above sea level).

The archipelago is conditionally divided into northern and southern parts. The division occurs along a deep ocean trench. Almost all the islands are located in the southern part, and in the northern part there are only a few small rocky islets (Darwin, Wolfe, etc.). Each island has its own unique nature, and the animals that live here have adapted for centuries to the climatic conditions and the local harsh landscape. By the way, Darwin Island is named after the famous scientist who conducted his research here and first thought about the evolutionary origin of species. Therefore, the Galapagos is also called the "laboratory of evolution."

The area of ​​the main archipelago is 7880 m2. Now about 30,000 people live on it. And for the first time, a human foot set foot on these lands only in 1535! Currently, the islands have the status of "Galapagos National Park and Ecological Reserve". by the most big city and the largest tourist center of the archipelago is Puerto Ayora, located on the island of Santa Cruz.

The unique ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands guarantees a comfortable and pleasant stay! Lady Nature herself opens the doors to bold travelers in wonderful world with mesmerizing scenery, white, black and olive sandy coastlines, cactus forests and other natural attractions.

Weather and climate

Despite the fact that the Galapagos are located on the equator, the climate here is not tropical, but mild and gentle. The weather in this region is largely influenced by cold ocean currents and winds. There are no seasons familiar to us, but two seasons are pronounced: from December to April - the rainy season, from July to October - the dry season.

The hottest periods are December-June, the coolest are July-November. Average annual temperature is about +24 °C. In March and April, the air warms up to +28 °C, and in September - only +21 °C, but by our standards it is quite warm. The water temperature never drops below +21 °C. Thus, you can relax in the Galapagos throughout the year! Acclimatization period for European tourists goes by quickly and almost imperceptibly.

Wildlife of the Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands amaze travelers with an abundance of unprecedented living creatures! Majestic frigates are circling in the sky, boobies are sitting on the coastal rocks, proudly showing their amazing bright blue paws, hundreds of pelicans and penguins are splashing in the sea.

And in the depths under water there is a life of its own - cruel, but at the same time beautiful. Schools of all kinds of fish dart about in a solid mass, but from time to time the idyll is interrupted by bursts, clanging of closed jaws and the contented rumbling of a predator that has dealt with its prey. In local waters you can find sea ​​lions. They are happy to meet tourists and even play with them!

In addition, the rarest Galapagos terrestrial iguanas, elephant and green turtles, holothurians, birds of the finches family, buzzards, cormorants are found here ... All representatives of the local fauna simply cannot be counted! Can you imagine what beautiful and unique photos you will bring back from this trip?! Some animals living in the Galapagos Islands are threatened with extinction. But the guards of the National Park successfully fight against visiting poachers.

Galapagos Islands tours

A visa is not required for a tourist trip to the Galapagos Islands. It is more convenient to book tours with well-known tour operators. On average, a trip to the Galapagos will cost you $ 4,000 (for 1 person). Throughout the route, you will be accompanied by a Russian-speaking guide who will try to create the most comfortable conditions during the trip and tell you a lot of interesting things about these amazing islands.

To get to the Galapagos Islands, you first need to fly by plane to the capital of Ecuador, Kyoto. From there, take an Aerolineas Galapagos flight to Guayaquil (1.5 hours), and only then to the Galapagos (another 1.5 hours).

The local cuisine is very tasty, but at first it is better to limit yourself to the usual rice, eggs, vegetables, seafood and corn tortillas. Once adapted, gourmets can try roasted guinea pig, suckling pig or beef hooves in a South American olive oil and white pepper sauce. But we do not recommend trying the traditional local dish - fried green bananas: this is fraught with indigestion!

You must be vaccinated against malaria and yellow fever before traveling to the Galapagos Islands. And we should not forget that in the equatorial countries, as in many others, you can not drink running water!

Tourist routes

In order to view the Galapagos, travelers take a cruise around the islands with landfalls. Tourist routes pass through the interesting places Galapagos archipelago: remote northern island Genoves, rich in fantastic fauna, the most picturesque island Bartolome and, of course, the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island, home to the famous giant tortoises. Surprisingly, all the wild animals of the Galapagos are absolutely not afraid of people and allow you to watch yourself from a fairly close distance.

It should be noted that you can move around the permitted places of the picturesque territory of the National Park only if accompanied by an employee of the host travel company. Entrance to the park costs about $100. All excursions are paid in cash. On protected area it is forbidden to make noise and kindle fires, as this irritates birds and animals that have delicate hearing and a sensitive sense of smell.

Bartolome

Photos of Bartolome Island have spread all over the world: there are stunning volcanic landscapes here! The main attractions for tourists are swimming with sea lions and small Galapagos penguins, whose numbers have been significantly reduced by the warm El Niño current, watching manta rays and sharks swimming near the shore, climbing to the 114-meter peak of the island, which offers fantastic views of all the Galapagos islands.

Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz is considered the main island of the archipelago, and its capital, Puerto Ayora, is the main city of the Galapagos Islands. In the immediate vicinity of the city are the main attractions of this island: Galapagos National Park, lava caves, turtle farm, picturesque beach Tortuga Bay and the C. Darwin Research Center. Scientists of the institute are engaged in the preservation of the unique ecosystem of the archipelago. They consider the import of animals from other regions to the Galapagos Islands as the main problem: cats, dogs, goats, insects.

The city has both cheap hotels and luxury hotels. There are many entertainments for tourists: snorkeling, diving, yachting, kayaking, bird watching, cycling and horseback riding, etc. You can travel from Puerto Ayora to other islands of the archipelago on a rented yacht or light aircraft.

San Cristobal

Second largest locality The Galapagos is considered the port of Baquerizo Moreno on the island of San Cristobal. Its main attraction is the Interpretation Center, which was built with the help of the Spanish government. By visiting the Center, you can learn about the volcanic origin and development natural features islands.

If you want to have fun visit main park village located near small beach and watch the sea lions. These amazing animals are very friendly to people!

isabela island

The main settlement of this island is the fishing village of Puerto Villamil. Tourists almost never visit Isabela, except sometimes they sail by on yachts. But in vain! There are no less attractions than on other islands of the Galapagos archipelago:

The path along the reef is the habitat of white sharks;

Bay of Conha and Perla - wonderful place for snorkeling;

Impressive volcanoes Chico and Sierra Negra (its crater has a diameter of 11 m!);

A farm where giant tortoises are bred;

Lake where pink flamingos live;

"wall of tears", stones for which were collected and carried by the prisoners of the colony, previously located on this island.

Santiago

The main attraction of the island of Santiago is Puerto Egas beach with black sand of volcanic origin. This beach is home to iguanas, sea lions, crabs, blue herons, gulls and other shore birds. It's nice to just walk or swim and dive under the water in a mask.

We invite you to take a trip to unique world Galapagos Islands. We wish you to have a good time, learn a lot of interesting things and get incredible impressions!

See you on the pages of the site!

Location: Ecuador
Square: 8010 km²
Coordinates: 0°30"52.8"S 91°02"05.2"W

Almost 1000 kilometers from the Republic of Ecuador, located in the northwest of the South American continent, are the unique Galapagos Islands.

Speaking in dry scientific terms, the Galapagos are 13 volcanic islands, which appeared as a result of almost incessant volcanic eruptions at the bottom of the sea. In addition, the archipelago includes 6 islands of non-volcanic origin and 107 rocks, and small islands of land that were washed up by ocean waves.

According to the assumptions of scientists, which cannot be considered reliable data, the very first island of the world-famous Galapagos, arose approximately “only” 7 million years ago. This suggests that Galapagos archipelago, by certain standards, can be called relatively young. By the way, two islands bearing beautiful female names Fernandina and Isabela are still at the stage of formation, and what they will be in a few hundred years is rather difficult to predict. The thing is that at a depth below them volcanoes constantly erupt, which means that these islands are constantly growing.

The total area of ​​the Galapagos today is almost 8,000 square kilometers, they are considered an integral part of the state of Ecuador. About 30,000 indigenous people live on the islands, although it is rather difficult to calculate the exact number of Galapagos residents: most of them are almost constantly at sea or lead the life of hermits on one of the rocky islands. It is impossible not to mention that the Galapagos Islands got their name in honor of ... a water turtle, more precisely, water turtles: galápagos is a Spanish word in the plural, literally translated into Russian as water turtles. This is where the data that will be of interest to scientists, geologists, historians and volcanologists almost end.

In Search of God

Further, the Galapagos cannot be described using only scientific terms and data, which, by and large, will not be of much interest to a simple layman or tourist who has decided to go to one of the most amazing places on our planet. To the place where the well-known scientist Darwin “discovered God”.

More precisely, exactly in the Galapagos Islands, Darwin "discovered" evolution on our planet. I would like to immediately make a reservation that only ardent admirers of the teachings of Charles Darwin adhere to this point of view. Almost all historians agree that the famous theory of evolution was formed much later. And Mr. Darwin only used the knowledge gained in the Galapagos in his work.

“Everything is now very easy for me to explain! What I saw in the Galapagos Islands, namely animals and plants, is not found anywhere else on the planet. However, many species bear some resemblance to those found elsewhere in the world. This means that evolution still takes place everywhere, practically, in an orderly and uniform way,” Charles Darwin wrote something like this in his notes. Quite a strange theory, isn't it? Yes, yes, it is precisely such conclusions that for the most part constitute the theory of evolution, to which at the moment the vast majority of scientists are skeptical.

History of the Galapagos Islands

To say that the history of the Galapagos Islands is remarkable for anything, of course, with the exception of its origin, would be too presumptuous. The Galapagos were discovered by a Spanish priest in the spring of 1535. There is nothing surprising in this, in those days when Spain was experiencing its heyday, the state often equipped various research expeditions led by church ministers, because it was they who were supposed to carry the word of God to unenlightened peoples.

Before 1832 unique islands belonged to Spain, and then were annexed to Ecuador. Until 1936, the islands, which were located at a considerable distance from the mainland, served as a place where convicts served their sentences, who died, for the most part, from various diseases or simply became savages. In 1936, the authorities of Ecuador, realizing what wealth is located very close to them, declared the Galapagos National Park, where rich flora and fauna were under vigilant protection. 1978 was a landmark year for the Galapagos Islands; UNESCO drew attention to them, recognizing them as a world heritage. This is such a short and mostly unremarkable story that guides tell to numerous tourists.

Flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands

Alas, it is almost impossible to describe the richness of flora and fauna that can be found in the Galapagos in one article. One has only to make a reservation that the vast majority of animals and plants that can be found on volcanic islands, in coastal zone and on sheer cliffs, are endemic. This says only one thing, they are not found anywhere else on our planet. Naturally, the symbol of the Galapagos Islands is the marine iguana, which is shown in almost all television programs dedicated to this unique archipelago. She is the only iguana who most spends his time in sea ​​depths. At the same time, being cold-blooded, she is forced to bask in the sun. She does it with great pleasure on the coastal rocks: she is not afraid of any waves, because tenacious claws help her to hold on and take sunbaths even on very slippery stones.

Describing the endemics of the island, one should not forget about the Galapagos cormorants, buzzards, holothurians and sea lions: all these animals, like many others, live only on the Galapagos. Numerous attempts by scientists to spread them to other isolated islands, where the conditions were almost identical, ended in failure.

Naturally, it would be an unforgivable mistake to forget about the Galapagos tortoise, or, as scientists call it, the elephant tortoise. After all, it is thanks to her that the huge archipelago got its name. Alas, at the moment they are on the verge of extinction and scientists are doing their best to preserve this rare and, at the same time, interesting view turtles, whose weight exceeds 400 kilograms, and the length is approximately 2 meters. In nature, these turtles, which gave their name to a number of volcanic islands, live for about 100 years. Scientists cannot calculate their exact age. Not so long ago, a Galapagos tortoise died in one of the zoos, whose age was accurately recorded - 170 years. This endemic used to be very widespread in the Galapagos, but the enterprising Spaniards, having learned the characteristics of these turtles, which could easily live in stuffiness for several months without water and food, decided to make them ... live canned food. Hundreds of them were thrown into the holds, and if necessary they were killed and boiled, from a species that is disappearing today, turtle soup.

Modern Galapagos

The most popular islands among tourists currently include: Hispaniola, Fernandina, Rabida, Pinson and Baltra. As mentioned above, the Galapagos is national reserve, therefore, in order to visit this place, which cannot be described otherwise than by high-flown epithets, you will have to stop in Ecuador. There are many hotels there: from economy class to five-star hotels. Unfortunately, it will not work to get to the Galapagos Islands on your own, unless the traveler decides to risk his life and overcome a distance of 1000 kilometers across the ocean, which is famous for its obstinate character and the presence of a large number of sharks in it who want to profit from warm-blooded meat. Therefore, in order to get to a place where everything is the most amazing, fantastic and “out of this world”, you will have to rent a yacht that can take the traveler to the Galapagos in 5-9 days. It all depends on the number of passengers and, of course, on the wallet of the tourist. The yachts are provided with the most various entertainment during the cruise, diving in the Galapagos Islands, which are recognized as one of the seven wonders of the underwater world, fishing in the ocean and much more.

Prices for a cruise to the Galapagos range from $100 to $1,000 per day on the ship. But such amounts do not scare away tourists at all. On the contrary, buy a ticket and enjoy the beauty of the Galapagos, see with your own eyes undersea world and its inhabitants is a big problem. Only a pre-booked ticket will give confidence that the traveler will be able to see with his own eyes practically what the great scientist and explorer Charles Darwin saw in 1835. By the way, a long journey, despite the entertainment, is still tiring. Constant pitching, which leads to dehydration of a person suffering from seasickness, life on a ship on a strictly scheduled basis: breakfast - lunch - dinner, diving, fishing - a little boring, but the expectation of something great and hidden from the eyes of millions of people that will become available, once the yacht reaches the Galapagos, it is worth these small inconveniences.

The Pacific Galapagos Islands, which belong to the Republic of Ecuador, are also called the Turtle Islands, because in Spanish "turtles" are "galapagos". It is not surprising that this particular animal has become a symbol of the archipelago, because it is inhabited by a large number of gigantic sea ​​turtles. But, of course, turtles are not the only pride of the islands. There are many plants and animals that can not be found anywhere else, such as the marine iguana, endemic species of seals or the Galapagos fur seal.

Such a rich natural heritage cannot be left without protection, because most of the rare animals today are close to extinction. The Galapagos National Park includes almost all the islands of the archipelago. The islands are diverse: some of them are covered with dense tropical vegetation, while others have a desert “lunar” landscape.

The Galapagos Islands are amazing and lovers wildlife they visit these places with pleasure to observe rare creatures and enjoy wonderful views.

Hispaniola Island

Hispaniola is also known as Hood. Hispaniola was named after Spain. The area of ​​the island is about 60 square kilometers, and maximum height- 206 meters above sea level.

The age of the island is estimated at 3 and a half million years. This is the oldest and most south island from the entire archipelago. WITH geographic point it is the most classic example of a shield volcano, which was formed by a single caldera in the center of the island. Over time, the island moved away from the hot spot, then the volcano died out, and erosion began.

The remoteness of the island from the main group of islands has contributed to the development of a large number of endemic inhabitants that are adapted exclusively to local natural resources.

The Galapagos albatross, a rare bird species, lives here. The steep and forbidding cliffs of the island are great for taking off these large birds. The hooded mockingbird, a bronze fearless bird, is also endemic to the island.

In addition, guests of the island can meet brightly colored marine iguanas, gulls, lizards, boobies and finches here. And large spacious bays attract a large number of sea lions.

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Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galapagos archipelago. On it is located The largest city the Puerto Ayora archipelago, here you can find all the benefits of civilization. But the main attractions of the island, of course, are natural objects, of which there are many on the island, because almost its entire area is occupied by the Galapagos National Park.

There is an amazing place on Santa Cruz: Tortuga Bay, located near Puerto Ayora, which is a long white sand beach, which is characterized by fairly strong waves. It is here that surfers can practice their favorite sport, and swimmers can relax in peace at the end of the beach strip, where there are no surfers anymore. Here you can explore the mangroves, watch mockingbirds, pelicans, marine iguanas or swim with sharks.

In the south-west of the island is Las Ninfas Bay, with calm waters, surrounded by cliffs in tropical greenery, the nearby Bellavista Tunnel is known for being home to sea turtles, various fish species, rays and sharks. In general, there are many places worthy of a detailed description on Santa Cruz Island, but it is better to see them with your own eyes.

Isabella Island. was named after the Queen of Spain. This is the most big Island Galapagos Islands. The island was discovered by Christopher Columbus.

The area of ​​the island is about 4640 square kilometers, the length is 100 kilometers, and its shape resembles the figure of a sea horse. At the moment, there are five young active volcanoes on the island, of which two are located on the Equator.

The island is very rich in its flora and fauna. It is amazing a nice place! Here live marine iguanas, penguins, crabs, pelicans, Galapagos tortoises, boobies and other inhabitants. From the island you can watch the Galapagos whales, of which there are 16 species.

The local population of the island is only about 2200 people. This area is the most important reserve in the country, because it is here that more than 60 percent of the species of flora and fauna are concentrated.

Volcano Sierra Negra

Sierra Negra - an active volcano on Isabela Island, has a crater with a diameter of 11 kilometers. The height of the volcano is 1124 meters. Tourists are attracted by its size and picturesque landscapes surrounding the volcano.

Sierra Negra is active volcano, last eruption which was in 2005. Volcano has enough big sizes, with a crater striking in its size - a huge funnel with a diameter of 11 kilometers! Tourists are offered to climb and ride along the edge of the crater on horseback, during which you can not only see the crater, but also the birds and animals that inhabit the slopes of the volcano.

Floreana Island

Floreana is an island in the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The island is also known as Santa Maria or Charles Island. It is the sixth largest island in the Galapagos Archipelago. Its area is about 173 square kilometers.

Floreana Island was named after the first president of Ecuador, Juan José Flores, under whose rule the Galapagos Islands came under the jurisdiction of Ecuador. And before that, the island was called Santa Maria in honor of one caravel of Christopher Columbus.

The main attraction of the island is the unusually beautiful pink flamingos, which have chosen the lagoon at Cape Punta Cormorant. Here you can find a beach where large sea turtles lay their eggs.

At Punta Cormorant Point, tourists will find black sandy shores, which, thanks to the inclusions of the mineral peridot, shimmer with green crystals. These inclusions indicate strong volcanic eruptions.

Fernandina Island

Fernandina Island of the Galapagos archipelago is located in the waters of the Pacific Ocean and was named after the king of Spain, who supported the great discoverer Columbus in his expedition.

In the very center of the island there is an active volcano La Cumbre, in this regard, a trip along Fernandina poses some threat to tourists. There you can also see a depression formed as a result of the collapse of the top of the volcano, at the bottom of which a volcanic lake shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow. Tourists are not allowed here, so you have to be content with walks along the coast, admiring endless expanses Pacific Ocean.

Flora is not rich, the only thing that can survive in difficult natural conditions laurel cacti, of which there are a great many, and mangroves along the coast.

A pleasant surprise may be a meeting with cormorants, marine iguanas, and, of course, the famous Galapagos penguins. And on the ocean shore, sea lions bask in the rays of the hot sun, sometimes giving their loud voice, capable of blocking the bewitching sound of the surf.

Are you curious to know how well you know the sights of the Galapagos Islands? .

Santa Fe Island

Santa Fe Island is located in the middle of the Galapagos archipelago, has an area of ​​24 square kilometers. Tourists are attracted by one of the most beautiful bays on the islands and the diversity of flora and fauna.

The bay of the island is its main attraction, it is protected from winds and storms and attracts with its clear turquoise waters. Also, tourists can see various animals living on the island and in its waters - sea lions, turtles, rays, iguanas and many others. Walks away from the coastline will also be interesting, where there will be an opportunity to look at various types of cacti and other exotic plants.

The most popular attractions in the Galapagos Islands with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Galapagos Islands on our website.

More attractions in the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are a small archipelago of islands, in the eastern part Pacific Ocean belonging to Ecuador. The islands are quite remote and isolated, lying 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) west of the South American continent. The Galapagos archipelago consists of 13 main islands and 6 smaller islets, which together cover about 50,000 square kilometers (19,500 sq miles) of ocean.

The archipelago is known worldwide for its uniqueness and undaunted wildlife. The islands are very popular among naturalists, both professionals and amateurs. You can see giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas and various types of birds. The landscape of the islands is volcanic and relatively uninhabited, but beautiful nonetheless. The most high mountain among the Volcán Wolf Islands on Isabela, 1,707 meters (5,600 feet) high.
The Galapagos Islands were claimed by independent Ecuador in 1832, three years before Darwin's visit. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the islands were sparsely populated and used as a penal colony. It was closed in 1959 when the Galapagos Islands were declared a national park.

Climate:
The Galapagos Islands have a highly variable climate, just like the Ecuadorian mainland. There are two seasons on the islands: the hot season and the rainy season from December to June when the humidity is high and average temperature reaches 26°-30°C (80°F). There may be occasional showers during this time, however, the days are mostly warm and sunny.

From June to November, you can expect cool winds that sometimes bring fog and rain. Temperatures average 20°-24°C (70°F) during the day, lower at night.
Every month there are unique changes in the climate. Peak season for nature tourists is usually from December to May when the sea is calm and the weather is warm. However, the summer months of June, July and August are also very popular and the animals are most active during this period. September to November is generally the low season when most boats leave the island and enter the dry docks. For divers in the Galapagos Islands, the peak season is from July to November when whale sharks can be found.

Islands:

• Baltra (airport and military base)
• Bartolome
• Darwin & Wolf
• Espanola
• Fernandina
• Floreana
• Genovesa
• Isabela - the largest island
• Marchena
• North Seymour
• Pinta
• Pinson
• Rabida
• San Cristobal
• Santa Cruz- main island and popular center
• santafe
• Santiago
• South Plaza

Cities:

• Puerto Ayora
• Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
• Puerto Villamil
• Puerto VelascoIbarra

What to see:
Each island has a limited number of visitors and there are a small number of official drop-offs and places to visit. It is necessary to follow the guide's instructions to protect wildlife, so you must not deviate from the intended path. Some of the animals are practically tame and can sit right on the trail.
Cruises:
Cruises are the only way to see most outlying islands. All cruise ships must have a naturalist guide certificate. cruise ships have standard routes, they need to pay different fees for each port. Cruises are available on the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 8th and 15th. Below is a list of typical attractions.

• A classic view of the Galapagos Islands opens up on the hill at Bartolome.
• Giant tortoise breeding and rearing program at the Charles Darwin Research Center in Santa Cruz.
• Unique nature and Galapagos penguins can be seen on Isabela or Floreana island.
• Swimming with sea lions and sea turtles.

Leisure:
In the Galapagos Islands, snorkeling and diving are very popular. sea ​​life very rich and colorful.
Snorkeling equipment must be available from the tour operator, but you may bring your own equipment as well. You can also use a waterproof camera. On the islands that are older (mainly in the west), it is often cool. Wetsuits are available for rent, as are snorkeling equipment.

There are 2 ways to swim in the Galapagos Islands:
1. Daily dive with a local tour operator from Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal providing certified courses
2. Galapagos safari on the islands of Darwin and Wolf.
Darwin and Wolf Islands were considered the best places in the diving world for several years. However, the Galapagos Islands is not a place for beginners and novices. currents, waves, cold water, and sometimes poor visibility and depth create difficulties. Here you can see huge flocks of hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks and whale sharks during the season from July to November. There are also other marine animals - giant manta rays, stingrays, huge flocks and nests of tuna, sea turtles, sea lions and much more.

Hiking:
Hiking in the Galapagos is part of organized cruises, or mountain tours. Although it is common to see various animals during the trips, more attention will be paid to the difference in landscapes and vegetation, as well as the formation of islands. Hiking is limited throughout the National Park, however, several attractions such as the Wall of Tears (Wailing Wall) on Isabela Island and Cerro Tijeras on San Cristobal Island can be visited on your own.
A ride on the bicycle:
Cycling gives you quick access to places far from the port. Bicycle rental is available on Isabela, San Cristobal and Santa Cruz. Bicycles can be rented for about $15 per day. Surfing:
The Galapagos Islands provide good waves, and many locals make this type of entertainment everyday. Boards can be rented for a day or a month in city ports. Below are the beaches where you can go surfing.

• Punta Carola San Cristobal
• La Loberia San Cristobal
• Tongo Reef San Cristobal
• Tortuga Bay Santa Cruz
• Playa Ratonera Santa Cruz
• Isabela, has a more continuous coastline that allows open surfing.

Kayaking:
Kayaking allows you to navigate the water without the use of boats. Kayaks can be rented at Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island and at San Cristobal Port, based on nearest beaches. While kayaking, you can often see sea turtles and fish. Horseback riding:
Horseback riding can be arranged to see the highlands on high altitude. The cost of the tour is approximately $50.
Map of the Galapagos Islands:

It is no wonder that the Galapagos Islands are so interesting to explore, because there are many unique species of flora and fauna, some of which are on the verge of extinction. The archipelago belongs to the territory of Ecuador and is its separate province. Today, all the islands and the rocks surrounding them have been turned into national park where crowds of tourists come every year.

Where did the name Galapagos Islands come from?

The Galapagos are a type of turtle that lives on the islands, which is why the archipelago was nicknamed after them. These clusters of landmasses are also simply referred to as the Galapagos, the Turtle Islands, or the Colón archipelago. Also, earlier this territory was called the Enchanted Isles, since it was difficult to land on land. Numerous currents made navigation difficult, so not everyone managed to get to the coast.

The first approximate map of these places was made by a pirate, which is why all the names of the islands were given in honor of pirates or people who helped them. Later they were renamed, but some residents continue to use the old options. Even the map shows names from different eras.

Geographic features

The archipelago consists of 19 islands, 13 of them are of volcanic origin. It also includes 107 rocks protruding above the surface of the water and reclaimed land areas. Looking at the map, you can understand where the islands are located. The largest of them, Isabela, is also the youngest. There is active volcanoes, therefore, the island is still subject to changes due to emissions and eruptions, the last occurred in 2005.

Despite the fact that the Galapagos is an equatorial archipelago, the climate here is not at all sultry. The reason lies in the cold current washing the coast. From this, the water temperature can drop below 20 degrees. The average annual indicator falls in the range of 23-24 degrees. It is worth mentioning that there is a big problem with water in the Galapagos Islands, since there are almost no sources of fresh water.

Exploring the islands and their inhabitants

Since the discovery of the islands in March 1535, no one was particularly interested in the wildlife of this area, until Charles Darwin and his expedition began to explore the Colon archipelago. Prior to this, the islands were a haven for pirates, although they were considered a colony of Spain. Later, the question arose of who owns the tropical islands, and in 1832 Galapagos officially became part of Ecuador, and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno was appointed the provincial capital.

Darwin spent many years on the islands, studying the variety of finches. It was here that he developed the foundations of future evolutionary theory. Animal world on the Turtle Islands is so rich and unlike the fauna in other parts of the world that it could be studied for decades, but after Darwin no one did this, although the Galapagos was recognized as a unique place.

During WWII, the United States staged here military base, at the end of hostilities, the islands were turned into a haven for convicts. Only in 1936, the archipelago was given the status of a National Park, after which they began to pay more attention to protection. natural resources. True, some species were already on the verge of extinction by that time, which is described in detail in documentary about the islands.

Due to specific climatic conditions and features of the formation of the islands, there are a lot of birds, mammals, fish, as well as plants that are not found anywhere else. The largest animal living in this territory is the Galapagos sea lion, but giant tortoises, boobies, sea lizards, flamingos, penguins are of greater interest.

Tourist centers

When planning a trip, tourists want to know how to get to an amazing place. You can choose two popular ways: during the cruise or by plane. There are two airports in the Colon archipelago, but most often land in Baltra. This is a small island north of Santa Cruz, where the official military bases of Ecuador are now located. From here it is easy to get to most of the islands popular with tourists.

Photos from the Galapagos Islands are impressive, because there are amazing beauty beaches. You can spend the whole day in the blue lagoon, enjoying the tropical sun without the sweltering heat. Many people prefer to go diving, as the seabed is replete with colors due to the volcanic lava that has solidified in the coastal zone.

In addition, some species of animals will happily swirl in the whirlpool with scuba divers, as here they are already familiar with people. But sharks live near the islands, so you should inquire in advance whether diving is allowed in the chosen place.

What country would not be proud of such amazing place like the Galapagos, given that it's on the list world heritage. Landscapes are more like pictures, as they surprise with an abundance of colors from each side. Truth to keep natural beauty and their inhabitants, you have to put in a lot of effort, which is what the research center does.