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If you are considering a trip to Galapagos Islands-There is no need to wait for the call. And if you have never considered visiting this wonderful archipelago, now is the time to include it on your list. You will not find anywhere else on earth a place that combines like no other wild animals, Unspoiled nature, and tropical climate With an increasingly environmentally conscious society. Beside of Precautions are recommended For travel to Ecuador related to COVID-19, it makes no sense to start planning. Buy the ticket, and make the trip.
The only question remains is how to get the most out of your adventure in the Galapagos Islands.
What you need to know before you travel
The Galapagos Islands are located nearly 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, and provide a natural backdrop unmatched anywhere else. A volcanic archipelago made up of 21 islands and more, the Galapagos Islands were discovered in 1535 by the Bishop of Panama who derailed on a trip to Peru. Unmoved by the islands, the bishop said it looked as “rained down”. Subsequent visitors, including Charles Darwin, were astonished by their abundant and varied collection of normality. This is where, after all, that inspired Darwin to create his theory of evolution On the Origin of Species.
In 1959, to help protect and preserve the ecosystem, 97 percent of the islands were declared Ecuador’s first national park. The first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the islands are now protected by the Galapagos Marine Reserve that covers more than 50,000 square miles of ocean. To help protect the environment, the government is also moving away from fossil fuels and toward renewables. Currently, 15 percent of the islands’ energy comes from renewable sources, mainly wind and solar energy.
Traveling the Galapagos Islands requires a licensed guide for nearly any activity of interest, as part of the effort to keep plants and animals protected. Additionally, there are associated fees ($ 100 for the National Park) to enter most regions, plus a visa ($ 20).
How to travel in Galapagos
A serious consideration for any trip to the Galapagos Islands is how to get involved. Generally, there are two ways to visit the islands, by land or by sea. Traditionally, cruise ships and guided boat tours have dominated the number of experiences for travelers interested in the area. Today, however, Trails of the wild Galapagos It divided a large portion of the tourism effort.
Whether it’s by boat or land, it’s hard to go wrong. Each island offers unusual opportunities, as well as being completely unique from its neighbor. Darwin wrote that it was the diversity of animal species on the islands that inspired him, “… many islands have their own species of tortoises, burlesque castles, sparrows, and many plants… to my surprise.
The only thing the islands have in common is the landscape that combines desolate rocky fields that reflect the desert and cold lava fields. This varied terrain provides perfect contrast alongside vibrant plants and exotic wildlife.
Marine life and hiking at Isabella’s volcano
Take the island of Isabella, for example. Within the first hour of exploring by marine kayak, you can quickly encounter Galapagos penguins, green sea turtles and sea lions. These are, of course, plus marine iguanas, light sally crab, eagle rays, and white shark. Don’t forget to bring a breathing tube!
Watch distinctive blue-footed snakes pouring over large piles of lava rocks jutting out from the sea. One thing that many visitors notice is how unafraid the animals that live in it are. You walk up to the mutt who are doing the courtship dance for their mate, and for them, it might also be a rock.
Another worthwhile expedition in Isabella is hiking the edge of the Sierra Negra, one of the islands’ most active volcanoes (its last eruption occurred in 2018). Although there are seven different species of finches that can be spotted along the hike, it is the endemic plant life and the enormous caldera of the Sierra Negra that make this hike so unique. Depending on your guide, you can learn about the landscape of the island and the influence the volcanoes have had and continue to have on island life.
Visit the giant turtle in Santa Cruz
When you visit Santa Cruz Island, you will find the largest population of giant land turtles. The animals inspired the name Spanish explorers gave to the archipelago. Word Galapago Translates to tortoise in Spanish.
The turtles on the island are amazing. Males can live up to 200 years and weigh up to and around 600 pounds. Whereas, females can be up to 150 years old and weigh about 200 lbs. Together, these turtles dominate the attention of most tourists as well as local governments. This results in many different opportunities to see turtles in nature as well as in Charles Darwin Research Station. Today, the Galapagos Islands and the Ecuadorian government are actively working to preserve the level of pristine nature that Darwin wrote about in the 1830s.
Plan your trip soon
The Ecuadorian government is very strict about how people visit the islands but with good reason. After all, the archipelago is home to about 181 species of native fauna and over 500 species of native plants. It is a fragile ecosystem that is growing in popularity with easy access. So, before tourism gets overwhelmed by the wonder of the Pacific, start planning your adventure to the Galapagos Islands. As we said, buy a ticket and go on the trip.
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