Galapagos Islands - Ilhas Galápagos

At Galapagos Islands are a province of Ecuador, formed by a small archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. The islands are remote and isolated, 1000 km off the coast of South America. The Galapagos consists of 13 main islands and 6 smaller ones, distributed in three cantons. Together they measure 50,000 km².

Understand

History

The islands first appeared on two 16th-century maps, one drawn by Mercator (1569) and the other by Abraham Ortelius (1570). were called Turtle Islands (Insulae de los Galopegos).

In his four years of isolation on Juan Fernandez Island off the Chilean coast, Alexander Selkirk (the prototype of Robinson Crusoe) visited the Galapagos Islands around 1709 with Captain Woodes Rogers. it was a Irish named Patrick Watkins, abandoned there in 1807. He spent two years growing vegetables and trading them for rum with visitors. In 1809 he stole a boat and fled to Guayaquil.

The Galapagos Islands were officially annexed to the Ecuador in 1832 and was named "Archipiélago del Ecuador". However, it appears that its official name is the Colon Archipelago.

The island's most famous visitor was the young Charles Robert Darwin, who sailed on Captain Robert Fitz Roy's ship "H.M.S. Beagle" on 15 September 1835, staying until 20 October. Darwin only visited 4 islands, first San Cristóbal (Chatham Island), then Floreana (Charles Island), Isabela and Santiago, during the 35 days he stayed in these lands, he made large collections of plants and animals, as well as observations of life.

In 1978, the islands received the title of World Heritage.

Biodiversity

The Galapagos archipelago is recognized worldwide for its unique wildlife - much of which was Charles Darwin's inspiration to create the Evolution theory. The islands are therefore very popular with historians, both professionals and amateurs. Giant turtles, sea lions, sea iguanas and different species of birds can all be seen and touched. The landscape of the islands is relatively barren and volcanic, but still very beautiful. The highest mountain on the islands is Volcán Wolf on Isla Isabela, at 1707 m high.

Climate

The Galapagos has a highly variable climate, as does the mainland Ecuador. There are two seasons on the islands: the warm/wet season, from December to June, when the humidity is high and average temperatures are around 26°-30°C. There may be occasional rain, but generally the days are warm and sunny.

From June to November, you can expect cold winds, occasionally bringing with them drizzle and fog, called "garúa." Temperatures are around 20°-24°C during the day and lower at night.

Every month there are unique climatic variations and wildlife viewing opportunities. The high season for naturalist visits is from December to May, when the seas are calm and the weather is very hot. However, the summer months (June, July and August) are also very popular as the animals are more active. September to November is the low season when most boats leave the islands. For divers, the peak season is from July to November, when whale sharks abound in the waters around the Wolf & Darwin Islands.

Cantons and Islands

Canton of Isabela (Isla Isabela, Fernandina Island, Darwin Island, Wolf Island) The Canton of Isabela has some of the most spectacular tourist destinations in the archipelago, with magnificent beaches, crystal clear bays and coastal lagoons and, of course, the great biodiversity that characterizes the archipelago. The capital of this canton is Puerto Villamil.

Canton of St. Kitts (São Cristóvão Island, Española Island, Santa Fe Island, Floreana Island, Genovesa Island) Beautiful beaches and great diving sites, with magnificent corals. Well known for the famous Galapagos tortoises, whose main habitat is found in this canton. It also has amazing views and landscapes. The capital of this canton is also the capital of the entire archipelago: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Canton of Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz Island, Santiago Island, Marchena Island, Pinta Island, Baltra Island, Bartolome Island, Northern Seymour Island, Duncan Island, Rabida Island, Meridional Plaza Island) It has a wide variety of fauna and flora, and this canton is also very popular for the Galapagos tortoises. The capital of this canton, Puerto Ayora, is the largest city on the island and the one that is more tourist developed.

Cities

• Puerto Villamil - Capital of the Canton of Isabela, is a small village on the island of the same name. Most of the inhabitants make their living from agriculture and fishing, but tourism is growing. It is a great place to socialize and relax on the beach or to go snorkelling.
• Puerto Baquerizo Moreno - Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the capital of the archipelago and the Canton of St. Kitts, as well as an important tourist center on the islands. It is a very beautiful city, with a magnificent natural harbor and a Nature Interpretation Center.
• Puerto Ayora - The largest city in the archipelago and capital of the Canton of Santa Cruz. It is the most tourist-developed city on the islands, with a large number of hotels, restaurants and shops. If you want to visit the archipelago, but sleep on the coast, this is the city to choose, one of the most beautiful on the islands.
• Puerto Velasco Ibarra - Located in the floreana island, is its only settlement. It's a small but interesting town, one of the few places in the world where you can see an iguana wandering the streets of a city.

Other destinations

Apart from cities, there are no more points of interest on the island. The biggest attraction of the Galapagos is its wildlife - and that is spread across the archipelago, there is no specific place to concentrate. In addition, you can visit the Charles Darwin Foundation Research Stations Charles Darwin Foundation Research Stations, scattered throughout the archipelago, most of them in cities.

To arrive

Visiting the Galapagos is not cheap, due to traveler restrictions and the archipelago's remote position.

By airplane

It is relatively easy to arrange a flight to the archipelago and there are daily flights from the airports of Quito and Guayaquil to Isla Baltra airport, about two hours by public transport from Purto Ayora, the main city of the Galapagos, on Santa Cruz Island. There are also daily flights to the São Cristóvão Island. The airport is a 20-minute walk from the center of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Flights from Guayaquil are slightly less expensive than those from Quito, however, there are more flights from Quito airport as there are usually two flights from Quito and only 1 from Guayaquil.

so much to Aerogal such as tame has flights to the Galapagos, the price is the same for both companies, around $405 from Quito and (much cheaper) around 360$ since Guayaquil. Ecuadorians pay half this price and there is a 15% discount on TAME flights and a 20% discount on Aerogal flights if you have an ISIC student card. The price is usually around $50 cheaper in low season (May and September).

It is not possible to buy a one-way ticket if you do not have proof that you have transport to leave. It is, however, easy to change the date of your return ticket or move your departure to another island.

Of boat

You can arrive by private yacht at any of the five Galapagos ports and can stay in the port for a maximum of 21 days. Boats that want to visit more than one place or take a cruise around the islands can do so, but only if you have a licensed yacht agency and a special permit from the national park.

There are freighters that travel to the islands every week, but these boats are not allowed to take travelers with them.

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Of boat

The best way to see the island's sights and wildlife is by boat. Most people book their boat in advance (as boats are normally full during high season). Booking a tour by boat with company before coming to the islands is usually more convenient, but much more expensive. Although it is possible to get a last minute deal, know that many cheap organized trips can spend too much time in Puerto Ayora, they may not have the best boats, and they may only visit the main islands.

When looking for an organized boat trip, consider:

• Number of passengers - The national park has restricts the number of boats that can navigate the archipelago. There are more regulations for other places on the islands, such as Genovesa Island, for example (the best for bird lovers), where only boats with less than 40 passengers are allowed to visit. Although the largest boat allowed on the islands carries 100 passengers, 100 people on a beach at the same time can, as you might expect, scare wildlife. All passengers are divided into groups with a maximum of 16 passengers per naturalist guide. Therefore, it is usually better to travel on a boat with fewer passengers (between 16 and 32 passengers is ideal).
• Itinerary - The national park establishes all navigation itineraries. Each itinerary is designed to showcase a mix of habitats and to expose the island's enormous diversity, combining different islands. Most boats visit two or three of the islands for a week.
• Availability - Most boats are booked several months in advance, so book early.

• Activity Level - Visits to the islands are only allowed during the twelve hours of sunlight, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Usually a boat makes two excursions a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, which offer a mix of hiking and water excursions. Walks through the interior of the islands are usually at a slow pace, to allow time to soak up the landscape, see the animals and take pictures. The landing boards can be slippery and some paths can be rocky, making them difficult to navigate for elderly people with balance problems, but in general the walks are easy to do. Water excursions can include snorkelling, kayaking, panga trips (a kind of local boat), as well as trips on glass bottom boats, depending on the type of trip you decide to take. Underwater marine life is even more diverse than on land, and snorkelling with sea lions is one of the highlights of the trip.
• Additional costs - Many of the organized trips do not include the entrance fee to the park ($100) or the cost of the flight that takes you to the island (approx. $420 from Quito) nor the Traffic Control Fee fee ($10). The so-called "economic" companies charge additional prices for drinks, use of diving equipment and kayaks.
• time spent on the islands - The duration of the trip includes the day you arrive at the islands and the day you depart from them. Flights normally arrive around midday or early afternoon and depart at least at the same time. On your first day on the island you will take an excursion and on the day you leave you may or may not take an excursion. All eight-day trips visit the city of Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station. Many itineraries combine this with a visit to wild turtles in the Santa Cruz Island. Shorter trips that pick up passengers in São Cristóvão Island take advantage of the proximity of Baltra airport and Puerto Ayora to drop off passengers in Santa Cruz or vice versa.
• type of boat - The quality of the boats varies a lot. Cheaper trips use boats that may not travel very quickly between islands, may be uncomfortable, and may be run down.

Most islands are off-limits without a guide, but it is possible to travel by boat between the settlements on the islands of Saint Cristopher, Holy Cross and Isabella; trips to the floreana island. These trips cost $30 one way, but some people got a trip for $25 when they asked for a return ticket (no predefined date). Each of the islands offers the possibility to join a guided tour of the island or to travel alone, but within the city limits.

From Santa Cruz it is possible to book a day trip to the uninhabited islands in the north, such as the Northern Seymour Island, a South Plaza Island, a Santa Fe Island and the Bartholome Island. It is usually necessary to book in advance, however you can get a space due to cancellations the day before.

Economic

• . Galasam has three boats, the Millennium, and the Estrella de Mar I and II, with itineraries of 4 to 8 days on the islands. Prices from $150 per day. 

Medium

• . Recognized by National Geographic Adventure as the "World's Best Adventure Travel Company", Adventure Life offers hiking, multi-sport trips that include kayaking, biking, horseback riding and snorkelling. This company offers 7 and 10 day boat trips. 

• . The company, whose specialty is a 13-day trip that includes 8 days traveling across several islands, one day in Puerto Ayora, and two days in Quito. The trip has many more activities than the normal trip to the Galapagos. Prices from $3250 (2010; slight increase in 2011). The price of the trip includes a flight to/from the islands and five nights at a hotel in Quito and the Galapagos.. 

• (formerly called Angermeyer's Enchanted Expeditions). Enchanted Expeditions is in its fourth decade of organizing travel in the Galapagos and the mainland. Enchanted Expeditions uses the yachts Beluga and Cachalote I. 

• , ☎ 00 593 42 340 315. Operates the yacht Daphne, with a capacity for 16 passengers. 

• . Use the Galapagos Legend, one of the largest boats on the islands, with a capacity for 100 people. You cannot visit many islands due to the number of passengers, but it is a less expensive way to visit the most popular places in the archipelago. 

• . Together with the Galapagos Legend, it is the only 100-person boat that sails on the islands. Although you cannot visit many islands due to the number of passengers, it is a less expensive way to visit the most popular places in the archipelago. 

• . With over 20 years of experience, Galapagos Online offers a variety of options including Multi-Sport Adventures, Multi-Island Travel, Private Home Rentals, and more. 

• . Mallku Expeditions is an Ecuadorian travel agency and tour operator offering hundreds of programs throughout Ecuador. It was founded in 2001 with the mission to lead the tourism industry, offering the world the highest quality leisure experiences with personalized service. Our team of Ecuadorian professionals has over 16 years of experience in the sector, and is committed to the maintenance and protection of ecological reserves, parks and cultural treasures. We design sustainable development projects and specialized products according to the requests of our demanding customers; such as: comfort, adventure, sport, or culture. We are pleased to inform you that this year we inaugurated our Hotel in Galapagos, for all those customers who are looking for privacy, a family atmosphere and the best prices. We also own the Daphne Yacht, a 16-guest capacity vessel on the Galapagos Islands. We invite you to travel through Ecuador and Peru on our website: www.mallkuexpeditions.com. 

• . Offers a unique trip to the islands, with camping on the islands for two nights. The trip also includes snorkelling, hiking, kayaking and diving. 

• . Offers trips to several islands, and several itineraries. They also take diving trips. 

• . It offers regular and luxury trips to the various islands of the archipelago. A local, bilingual business that strives to promote eco-tourism on the islands and the preservation of wildlife. 4, 5 and 8 day trips are available. 

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• . An American company that specializes in luxury travel. Trips always include a naturalist, in addition to the park guide, and are aimed at photographers and nature lovers. All trips are non-smoking, and most trips are 11 days. Prices from $5200, not including park admission or plane price. 

• . Nina and Athala are the only two luxury catamarans in the archipelago. The boats are the biggest of all the small yachts in the Galapagos. Cabin size is similar to that of cabins on large ships (17-19 m).²). Nina has a private balcony in all staterooms. 

• . The Galapagos Odyssey is a luxury yacht built entirely in Guayaquil, a pride for the artisans "Guayaquileños". Galapagos Odyssey offers 3, 4 and 7 night trips, visiting a variety of national parks in the company of a naturalist guide. From $2200 per 3-night trip. 

• . An American company that specializes in 11-15 days across the islands. This company is aimed at photographers and provides trips on luxury yachts with long itineraries. Prices from $5200, not including park entrance or flight to/from the islands. 

• . An Ecuadorian company, offering 3, 4 and 7 night voyages aboard the luxury M/C Anahi catamaran, all including a park guide, cruise director and 11 crew members to serve 16 people on a visit to some of the sites lesser known of the archipelago. 

• (International Nature & Cultural Adventures). INCA is an American company with unique itineraries on luxury 16-passenger yachts. All itineraries include a seven-night trip to the islands, including the most distant and a stay at the Royal Palm Resort in Santa Cruz. They can organize a private trip. From $3995, not including park entrance or plane price.. 

• . Metropolitan Touring was one of the first companies of its kind to emerge on the islands. Trips in large boats (50 passengers) with itineraries of 4, 5 and 8 days. 

• . An Ecuadorian company with offices in the Galápagos, Quito and Florida. SWT has the best high quality yachts and cruises. Owners are experienced naturalists. From $3165 including a 7 night trip, accommodation for three days in Quito, dinner a la carte, guided tour of Quito. Does not include the price of admission to the park or the flight to the Galapagos.. 

Speak

As in the rest of the country, the main language is the Spanish.

Buy

All over the archipelago you can find t-shirts, postcards, key rings, maps, books, posters, jewelry, sarongs - a variety of souvenirs for every tourist. T-shirts are arguably the most popular souvenir, and can be found in stores in any city. If you buy them at the Charles Darwin Foundation or at one of their research stations, part of that money goes to research. (Then T-shirts can cost $2 more).

In Puerto Ayora there is an amazing community of artists, poets, composers and designers, all inspired by the nature of the islands. Spend some time there, and meet the people who write the books and create the souvenirs you're going to buy.

In Puerto Ayora, you must go to Angelique Art Gallery[1], created and designed by Sarah Darling. Here she sells beautiful and unique pieces: handkerchiefs, ceramics, mirrors, paintings - all reminiscent of the islands. See the website for more information and photographs of his work.

There are also unique jewels that can only be found in Puerto Ayora, for a price that is sometimes a little high. However, some of the pieces are magnificent and worth buying.

With the

Fish and seafood are one of the main points of cuisine on the islands. Most restaurants offer a huge variety of local dishes, as well as some Western-style dishes, but if you want to eat the best, follow the locals and eat where they eat.

Entrance, many restaurants feature a variety of exotic fruits. Many regions have their own specialities, but adventurous eaters might consider eating tronquito (ox penis soup) or broth de pata - a broth with boiled cow's hooves.

Enjoy the cheap and tasty almuerzos, or lunch (snacks if it's dinner). Not only do they consist of traditional dishes, the price is just a few dollars for a complete meal, including soup, a main course of meat and dessert. Vegetarians find a variety of dishes in larger cities; however, outside the tourist area, you have to order a special meal, like "pollo sin pollo", chicken without chicken - sounds ridiculous, but at least you don't eat meat.

drink and go out

The centers of nightlife on the islands are, as one would expect, the cities, especially Puerto Ayora, the largest and most developed.

sleep

There are several hotels and other types of accommodation in the cities of Puerto Ayora, Puerto Villamil and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, however, if you want to see the islands' wildlife, you need to combine your stay on the islands with daily boat trips to other islands.

Motels and hotels are available in the Isles of Saint Cristopher, Holy Cross, Isabella and floreana for $25-$500, and hotels along the coast are usually sold out, especially in Santa Cruz. During high season (Christmas & Easter weeks) and during special events ALL hotels on the islands are often full, so book well in advance. However, if you are traveling during other times of the year, you can find rooms available right away.

Learn

Learn about the archipelago's flora and fauna, including the sea lions and turtles that gave it its name ("galapago" is the Spanish word for saddle, referring to the shells of these animals) at Charles Darwin Foundation Research Station[2], in Puerto Ayora. Follow the street along the sea (Charles Darwin) in the east direction to reach the station.

Safety

In general, crime is not an issue in the Galapagos. There are some offenses in towns, and occasionally fishermen can fake attacks and make demonstrations affecting tourists, but other than that there's nothing to worry about. Sometimes missing items "show up" in crew cabins, so be careful. As the doors of most rooms cannot be locked, it is advisable to keep your belongings in closed bags and if possible hidden in your cabins.

Animal life on the islands is docile with the exception of the huge sea lions. These animals vigorously protect their harems, and can make dangerous and potentially fatal bites. Do not snorkel near sea lion colonies. If a sea lion approaches you, swim away from the nearest colony. But only adults are dangerous; swimming with sea lions is one of the most interesting parts of a trip.

In addition to sea lions, there may be some danger from sharks. In general, sharks do not attack unprovoked, although attacks can occur in dark waters, as sharks mistake humans for other animals. However, if you use your common sense, your trip to the Galapagos will always be a positive one.

Health

The most common illnesses on the islands are sunburn, nausea, heat stroke and dehydration. Be careful!

1. Wear sunscreen - Remember you are in Ecuador, and the sun is much stronger here. Apply factor 30 sunscreen and often! If you burn, and are dehydrated and blistered, seek medical help immediately.
2. Nausea - These are one of the main illnesses in the Galapagos. Take an anti-sickness medicine half an hour before boarding a boat or plane. Peppermint and ginger also help to relieve nausea.
3. Water - Just because you are thirsty, you are close to dehydration. Drink at least 1.5 liters of water/day while on the islands. And your body, after losing so much fluid, is going to need salt. Bring crackers of water and salt to replenish your salts. Get medical attention right away if you feel dizzy, very hot, or have cramps. Listen to your body and its needs.
4. Diarrhea is very common when traveling to a new country. Wash all the fruit you eat, be careful with salads and where you eat. People living on the islands are used to the region's foods; you do not. If you have diarrhea, and it lasts for more than three days, get medical help. Use common sense.
5. Malaria and dengue are tropical diseases, which have not yet been registered in the Galapagos, but you need to be careful. The symptoms of malaria and dengue are similar to those of a flu: fever, pain, dizziness, chills, etc. The best way to avoid them is to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Wear long-sleeved sweaters and pants and insect repellent. You can find antimalarial pills at pharmacies across the country.
6. Hepatitis A is contracted from unsanitary food and water. You know you have it because of its coloring - it turns yellow like an egg yolk. With a few weeks of rest, lots of fluids, and good food, it looks like new. Don't despair! Hepatitis B and C are much more serious, contracted through blood fluids, and can lead to prolonged illness. Get medical help right away if you think you have any of these illnesses. Very rare in the Galapagos.

respect

The park has strict rules. Outside cities all visitors must be accompanied by guides, and visitors are only allowed on land from sunrise to sunset. All itineraries that pass through the islands must be registered with the park administration before boarding, and animals must never be disturbed; in most cases the Galapagos wildlife ignores his presence, but if he notices your presence, he is very close to him. It must always be at least two meters from the animals; if it's calm, the animals come to its edge to "investigate" it.

One of the biggest hazards to wildlife on the islands is the introduction of species. The park is trying to eliminate goats, rats, dogs, cats, and floral species introduced to many of the islands, but it's an uphill battle; after evolving thousands of years without predators, the Galápagos wildlife is not adapted to deal with these new species. When traveling to the islands, do not bring any plants or animals with you, and make sure you always clean your shoes when traveling between islands so as not to accidentally transfer seeds.

Illegal fishing is another threat to the park. While park officials may deny it, illegal fishing for sharks and sea cucumbers is a huge threat to the island's wildlife. The number of fishermen has grown rapidly in recent years, and the number of fish has dropped dramatically. Due to tensions between fishermen, tourism and science, the level of enforcement of fishing laws varies widely, but even when police are put in place to limit fishing, this is difficult due to the lack of resources to patrol the entire park.

Another threat to the park is the increase in population. Although laws have recently been enforced that prohibit mainland people from living and working on the islands, the rules are poorly enforced, causing immigration to run amok.

Rules

The park rules are:

1. To visit the national park, you must always be accompanied by a certified Galápagos National Park guide.
2. The Galapagos has a unique and fragile environment. Take only photos and video. To take professional photographs, authorization from the National Park is required.
3. Always follow the paths established by the park, for your safety and for the preservation of fauna and flora.
4. To avoid affecting the wildlife's natural behavior, avoid being within six feet of the animals.
5. Camping is only allowed in specific places. If you want to camp, you first need to get a permit from the Galápagos National Park.
6. Help preserve the islands by cooperating with the authorities in inspection, monitoring and control tasks. Report any abnormalities to the National Park administration.
7. Do not introduce new organisms on the islands, they can have a negative impact on the ecosystem.
8. Don't buy souvenirs made from black coral, shells, sea lion teeth, tortoise shells or endemic woods.
9. The animals of the archipelago are able to feed. Never feed them. Feeding them can be bad for your health.
10. The archipelago's landscapes are beautiful and unique. Don't spoil them by writing on trees or rocks.
11. Do not throw litter on the ground on the islands. Dispose of waste in a way that is appropriate and safe for animals.
12. Smoking or bonfires in the national park area is prohibited and can cause devastating fires.
13. Fishing is strictly prohibited, except on boats authorized by the national park administration.
14. Jet skiing, water skiing, using submarines or air tourism is prohibited.

Stay in touch

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• Easter Island - Far below the Galapagos is Easter Island, part of the Chile, one of the most isolated on the planet. It is famous for its mysterious statues moai, which earned him a nomination for the 7 New Wonders of the World.
• Cocos Island - Cocos Island is a national park, which covers an island north of the Galapagos. About 483 km from the mainland, famous for the forest and the idyllic beaches.
• Ecuador Continental - The continental section of the country has so much to offer with the insular section - from the huge historic center of Quito to the vastness of the Amazon Forest.

This article is usable . It contains a reasonable summary of the region, its attractions, and how to get there, as well as links to top destinations. A braver person could use it to travel, but please dig deep and help it grow!