The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are unique amongst other islands round the world. The Galapagos are an archipelago of some 13 volcanic islands and associated islets and rocks. The oldest of the islands are about 4 million years old and the youngest are still in the process of being formed. Indeed, the Galapagos Islands are considered to be one of the most active volcanic areas in the world.

The Galapagos archipelago is politically part of Ecuador. The islands are distributed to the north and south of the equator. The equator crosses the northern part of the largest island Isabella.

The islands gained international recognition when Charles Darwin (the unknown biologist from the HMS Beagle) arrived to the Galapagos Islands in 1835 and published his famous theory on “natural selection”

In 1934 the Ecuadorian government with the Charles Darwin Research Station had the vision to assure the maintenance of the many wildlife sanctuaries in the islands; declaring it at last a National Park in 1959. From this valuable decision nearly 89% of the islands are protected and carefully managed. As a result the Park Service allows the entrance to only 50 locations, besides the cities, in such a way, that the tourist attractions are the most visited, while the rest of the sanctuary stays unaffected.

The Islands importance was confirmed when UNESCO declared The Galapagos Islands Humanity Natural Heritage in 1979 and, six years later a Biosphere Reserve in 1985, which has resulted in an even greater interest at the international level.

More information:

Galapagos Animals

Galapagos Weather

Galapagos Islands Map & Information