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Enchanting Islands.
The Galapagos Islands are one of the most visited destinations in Latin America, for being one of the most important scientific and touristic jewels of Ecuador for its surprising and unique ecosystem. The great worldwide interest has to do with the facility to observe different species of marine life and terrestrial life along with the beauty that the landscape presents. The islands are located almost 1000 kilometers west of Ecuador and they are formed mainly by 13 major islands, 6 minor islands, and approximately 42 islets, which together have a total area of 7,850 square kilometers of landmass. The islands have been denominated a Natural Patrimony of Humanity for its numerous endemic species and for the studies of Charles Darwin.
The most importants of the Islands Galapagos are:San Cristóbal, Santa Fe, Genovesa, Floreana, Plaza Sur, Baltra, Santa Cruz, Seymour Norte, Machena, Pinzón, Rábida, Bartolomé, Santiago, Pinta, Isabela, Fernandina, Wolf, Darwin.
The scientist, Charles Darwin visited the island in 1835. His theoretic writings about the origin of species were inspired fundamentally by the live examples he found in this unique archipelago. His observations and studies can be corroborated by all who choose to make this unforgettable trip to the mysterious and fascinating Galapagos Islands.
here existed a penal colony on the island; the prisoners were obligated to construct a large wall with enormous blocks of lava as punishment. Concrete bases where North-American soldiers built their wood houses during the Second World War are still conserved. By climbing some stairs you can reach the high part of the wall from which you will have a panoramic view.
Giant Turtles. At the Charles Darwin Station, you can admire the famous giant turtles. One of the most interesting facts about the giant turtles is that they continue growing for 30-40 years and come be around 5 feet in length and weigh close to 225 k (500 lbs.). These are the largest turtles in the world.
The most visited islands are the following:
The Island of Santa Cruz:
The “high part” of Santa Cruz has exuberant vegetation and is famous for its lava tunnels. A large population of turtles lives in this region, you could even visit the legendry Solitary George. Black Turtle Cove is an area surrounded by mangrove swamp which turtles, manta rays, and small sharks use as their breeding grounds. The Dragon Hill is known for its flamenco lakes and iguanas. Tortuga bay, On the tour of the bahia you can enjoy Las Grieta, the beach of the dogs, and the canal of the sharks, beach of the German’s, Franklin’s Bay, La Loberia, the canal of Itabaca, the butterfly ranch, the twin craters, the Beach of the garapatero, and the canal of love.
The Island of San Cristobal:
An enchanting island, the only island to have a sweet water lake, which is located at the crater of the volcano “El Junco,” coastal zone which is characterized by the contrast of the beaches of white sand and the black lava rocks. San Cristobal is the home of the red footed booby, a visit to San Cristobal is worth effort since it offers various lodging options for its visitors. The tourist attractions to visit are: The Beach of Love, The Beach of the Marines, The Ochoa Beach, Manglecto, Port Chino, Galapagueras, Port Baquerizo Moreno, Estate el Progresso, La Soledad, La Loberia, Leon Dormido which is an exceptional place to take pictures, snorkel or diving, and to observe various marine species.
Bartolome Island:
At Bartolome you can take the most grandiose photography of the islands, here you can find one of the most beautiful places of the archipelago for its unequal lunar landscapes. The walk is a fantastic experience; there you can observe recent volcanic eruptions that are reminiscent of the landscape of Mars. It is also a great place to practice snorkeling, thanks to the abundance of rocks and sub aquatic formations. You can also observe penguins, sharks, manta rays (aetobatus narinari), stenella sp, tursiops truncatus, grampus griseus, delphinus, star fish, flounder, and a variety of tropical fish. In additions there is a white sand beach and crystal clear waters; it’s a magnificent place to with the friendly dolphins.
Isabela Island: is the largest island of Galapagos. It has an indisputably beautiful landscape which constitutes one of most important national parks of fauna and flora of the world, it has spectacular visitor sites, you can visit the summit of the volcano Sierra Negra with its volcanic fumaroles and tranquil beaches, crystalline water bays, and lakes with unique plants and animals. Other sites of interest are: Concha de Perla, Grande Beach, Barahona beach, Los Tuneles. Isabela is the best hidden secret Galapagos holds for you!
Floreana Island: Enjoy an incredible beach accompanies by marine iguanas and sea lions. Then visit the pirate caves and the fountain of life and you can observe the famous finches of Darwin and get to know the famous Galapagos in its natural state or the Devil’s Crown where you’ll have the chance to practice snorkeling. You can also visit the Baronsea looking point, and the Flamingo Lake.
The mines are sulfur fumaroles which are located on the western area of the volcano’s caldera. In a 10km route by horse from the way station to the border of the crater, then descend on foot to the fumaroles situated at the base of the caldera.
Diving. diving at the Galapagos Islands is a unique adventure; the special sites are the Islands Seymour North, Darwin, and Wolf. Te best time of year to dive is from November to April.
Snorkel. At most of Galapagos’ islands there are excellent submarine sites, so you can snorkel almost every day, where the young sea lions are playful and will join you. There are also fish species of all colors and other animals full of life that color this exciting submarine world.
Kayak. We offer you to go sea kayaking, with which you can have more fun going close to the rocks, islets, beaches, mangroves, and lows granting the possibilities to know the islands and all of its hidden marvels.
Hiking- One of the most interesting hikes for its formations of existing lava formations can be taken on the Island of Santiago. At Santa Cruz there are walk paths that cross the vegetation, full of cactus, thickets, and mangroves.
Horse riding- Riding a horse is a true adventure that allows you know another face of Isabela Island. You can visit the volcanoes Sierra Negra and Volcan Chico accompanied by a naturalist tour guide.
Observation of bird and marine life.
Visit Seymour North Island, which is known for its frigate birds and their courtship rituals. The island is also populated by lizards, chameleons, terrestrial iguanas (amblyrbynchus cristatus), blue footed boobies, masked boobies; swallow tailed gulls, finches, playful sea lions, seals, and black lizards mainly on the shores. There is also a beautiful beach where you will have the opportunity to take a refreshing bath and can snorkel.
The observation of bird and marine life can be realized on all of the islands that make up the Archipelago of Galapagos.
On the Archipelago of Galapagos a series of very interesting islands can be found to enjoy its beaches surrounded by its nature, flora, and fauna.
Tortuga Bay, is one of the most beautiful and visited bays; it is formed by fish bones and white coral. It is composed of two interminable beaches, separated by a mangrove and ivory sand. You can enjoy a walk between the cactus forest and holy wood with finches and mockingbirds. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches of the world.
Barahona Beach, is one of the most important beaches for the reproduction of the tortoises of Galapagos.
Beach of Love: Is a beach of fragmented sea shells, from here you can take path that takes you to Cerro Tijeretas. You can also snorkel with sea turtles, seals and diverse species of fish.
Darwin’s Bay Beach: One of the most interesting beaches of Ecuador for nature lovers. The Black Beach of lava on the island of Floreana. On the island of Santiago there are also beaches ideal for swimming.
Ochoa Beach: Is beautiful beach of white sand and tranquil waters safe to swim and a great place for snorkeling. It is also the habitat of blue footed boobies, gulls, frigate birds and pelicans; in the sea you can observe manta rays, turtle, sea lions, and tropical fish.
Playa de los Marinos- Its name comes from a large colony of sea wolves or lobos marinos as they are known locally. They have made this their home. What makes this island special is the cohabitation of man and nature. To better admire these marine animals you should take a walk on the path marked by the white posts and porous lava rocks.
Mann Beach has white sand formed by the fragmentation of sea shells. The clarity of its water makes it easy to snorkel.
Cruise.
To truly see and enjoy the Galapagos Islands, we recommend for you to take the combined terrestrial and navigable tours but you can also opt to take a cruise. To take a boat tour will allow you to know the most far away islands. You will always be accompanied by a professional naturalist tour guide who will teach you the geology, flora, and fauna along with the unique history of each island. In addition the tours are also a great way of meeting people with similar interests. Navigating through the Galapagos Islands always leaves you with experience adventures and learning!
Volcano Chico: Volcano Chico is located on the north eastern part of the volcano Sierra Negra where you can observe the active fumaroles of the volcano.
Volcano Sierra Negra:An active volcano located north of Port Villamil, has the second largest crater of the world.
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Galapagos
Islands
Culture
Galápagos
