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The Galapagos Islands... there is nothing in the world quite like them. It is a dramatic and beautiful world of volcanic landscapes and fearless animals: Giant Tortoises, Fur Seals, Sea Lions, Land and Sea Iguanas and many species of birds. A visit to this impressive wildlife sanctuary will be a memorable experience for those who appreciate nature.
| | Located in the Pacific ocean and approx. 1000 km off the coast of Ecuador, directly on the equator, the isolation of the islands has permitted life forms to evolve into species found only in Galapagos. This was observed by Charles Darwin, and his research contributed to the fame of the islands.
| | The archipelago encompasses over 50 islands of volcanic origin that are spread out over an area of about 4,500 square kilometers. The volcanic Galapagos platform originated probably not more than 15 million years ago and the oldest island not more than 2.4 million years ago. Some volcanoes are still active with Isla Fernandina and the Sierra Negra volcano on Isla Isabela having erupted within the past 10 years.
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The Galapagos became famous with Darwin's publication of Voyage of the Beagle and Origin of Species. A scientific collection expedition of The California Academy of Sciences in 1906 also helped bring the Galapagos to the attention of scientists and the public. The Galapagos National Park was established in 1959 to protect the unique flora and fauna of the islands. That same year the Charles Darwin Research Station was founded in Academy Bay on Isla Santa Cruz.
Today the Galapagos Islands are a well-managed and protected National Park | |
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