Category: Galapagos Information

The History of Humans Exploring the Galapagos Islands. Located about 600 miles from the coastline of Ecuador, situated on the western coast of South America, the Galápagos Islands have been known to be a mysterious group of islands in the world. The diverse varieties of Flora and Fauna that are found here, are found nowhere else in the world. These are the things that make the islands the rarest place in the world. Have you ever tried to find out how were these remotely located islands discovered first? How had the entire human race ever realized that these islands possessed the most amazing natural beauty? The discovery of the islands is dated way back in the 10th century. Exploring the Galapagos Islands. This is the time when the Incan Culture first explore these islands. But, since there is no documentation regarding the expedition, there is no proof that states that the Incan Culture people were the first ones to be here. In the year 1535, on the 10th day of March, Fray Tomas de Berlanga landed on one of these islands. He is said to have landed accidentally while he was traveling from Panama to Peru. It was only in 1570 that a Abraham Ortelius, a map maker, first marked the Galápagos Islands on the map. He named the islands as “Isolas de Galápagos”, meaning the “Island of Tortoises”, as described by the sailors who passed through the islands. It was then that the Galápagos Islands were known to have existed and got a name based on the giant Galapagos Tortoises found here. It was only in the 17th Century that British invaders started using these islands as a hideout. British buccaneers who pirated the Spanish ships moving from the coast of South America made use of these islands as

The Galapagos Islands near Ecuador have been known for their wonderful ecosystem with the varied varieties of flora and fauna found here. There are a number of endemic species of animals that are found nowhere else in the world. A source of inspiration to the famous scientist Charles Darwin is a home to the rarest form of marine iguanas, Galapagos Penguins, Darwin’s Finches and the most famous Galapagos Tortoise. It is with the presence of these rare species and the beautiful surrounding nature that forces people to take up a trip to this beautiful group of islands. The famous Galapagos tortoises found here are huge and can weigh up to about 400kg. The length of these huge creatures on an average is about 1.8 meters. This weight and length make them one among the 13th heaviest reptiles. The tortoises are said to live for about 100 years each. This makes them the longest lived vertebrate on earth. The Galapagos Tortoises are spread across some 7 islands of the archipelago. They have been living here for years and were first discovered centuries ago. But, the largest among them, all were the Pinta tortoises that were found on the Pinta Island. With the change in the environment and the introduction of new species in this area, the tortoises were later found to be extinct. It was early in 1900’s that the Pinta tortoises were thought to be extinct. But, in the year 1971, a Hungarian scientist came across the only living tortoise that belonged to this species. He was called Lonesome George. The discovery of Lonesome George ignited new hope among scientists. They tried everything possible to bring back the species that were extinct. George was later moved into the Charles Darwin Research Center on the Santa Cruz Islands. It was here that the scientists

The Galapagos Islands. Are within the Nazca plate, one of the many tectonic plates that form the earth, the same underwater volcanoes that form the same ridges that form the highest peaks where they break the ocean surface and became in the several islands that make up this archipelago. This natural diversity makes the submarine level in a resource-rich in species and habitats that are exposed to ocean currents that circulate here. These unique resources have given the Islands an unprecedented relevance. Its marine biodiversity and water sustains life in both the ocean and on land. The attractions that we see in national parks visits come directly from the sea. The sea birds, for example, lay their eggs and rest on land, but feed at sea. The same activity is applied in sea lions, marine iguanas, and even plants in coastal areas that depend on healthy marine environment. It was important to include the marine ecosystem management level within their protected areas in Ecuador. In 1986 he pled to this resource as a protected area, and became a Marine Reserve in 1998 was declared by UNESCO as Natural Heritage of Humanity. The Galapagos islands is considered reserve as one of the biggest in the world with an area of 138,000 km2 of the Pacific Ocean and 40 miles calculated peripheral geographic points of the islands. Today is the second largest marine reserve after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the largest in America. Having a place like this on our planet is a rare privilege. This natural resource includes about 3000 species, with 18% of own species. For the explorers of the islands attractions on land are a fascination to see since they had seen a documentary or an article. The images on these options represent our famous Galapagos Islands, but

Packing List for Your Next Trip to Galapagos Islands. The first thing that strikes the travelers' mind when packing for an adventure or a tour is the luggage restrictions! Which is most disappointing thing that a traveler might feel and in a place like Galapagos, where you would want to stay for a long time and spend some good time. The restrictions are set by the airlines authority, which includes one standard carry on of 8 Kg and one check-in-piece of 20 kg. If at all you exceed all this conditions, you will have to pay an excess of US $2 per kg. Some of the other restrictions those you must follow at Galapagos Islands is having your luggage screened at SIC-GAL (a security check) and also you will not be permitted to carry a plant, an animal or agricultural products. So it is always suggested that you must only carry the essential things and travel light. The heavy luggage can make your Galapagos Trip difficult carrying all over.  So let's see that what are the things to be carried for your trip to Galapagos:  The Most Essentials: Travel Documents- When you are foreigner, you must carry your original passport which is the most important document among all the documents. You must also carry all your travel and service documents with you. Day Pack- Usually you carry this everywhere you move on and this sometimes includes the basic necessities. Backpack- You have to carry for your belongings such as the clothes and toiletries. It is always recommended to carry the bags with the wheels. Comfortable Pair of shoes-Always prefer shoes in which you are comfortable walking whole day so that it will not become a burden at the end of the day. Sun Protection- Hats or Caps are also one of the important