This Archipelago is a living museum of evolutionary changes. Free and fearless animals, different from any others found elsewhere, make visitors wonder about their very existence on our planet. The UNESCO declared Galapagos a World Natural Heritage Site in 1978 and subsequently a World Biosphere Reserve in 1985. Among the animals found are the different species of giant ‘Galapagos’ tortoises that gave the islands their name due to the similarity of their carapaces to a British riding saddle called ‘galapago’ in Spanish. A variety of birds are found: blue footed, red footed and masked boobies, flamingos, frigate birds, albatrosses, unique small penguins and non-flying cormorants, and 14 different species of finches. These various species of finches served as proof for Darwin’s theory of evolution from natural selection. Marine mammals such as sea lions, dolphins and whales are also found; as well as multitudinous colorful fishes. The most distinctive plants are mangroves and endemic cacti. The Galapagos houses an incredibly high rate of endemic species.

In 1835, Charles Darwin sailed on the British ship H.M.S. Beagle and visited the islands. His writings on the theory of the origin of species, which shook up to the scientific world, were inspired by the living proof that he found in this unique volcanic Archipelago. All those who choose to make this unforgettable trip can confirm his observations and studies.
In 1936, the Galapagos were declared a National Park to preserve the flora and fauna of the 13 large islands, 6 minor ones and more than 40 islets.

Origin: The islands appeared from lava eruptions that came from the bottom of the ocean and that rise as much as 2.600 feet above sea level. Lava from more than 2.000 craters has continuously altered the terrain of the region. Some of the younger islands still have active volcanoes. Variables such as isolation, climate, altitude and texture of the land on the islands, have made their distinct vegetation and animal life appear.

Weather:
December to May the weather is sunny and warm. During the months of June to November, it’s colder and drier.

Climate: An erroneous belief about Galápagos is that the weather is always tropical. During the months of June to November, the weather is significantly colder and the vegetation is drastically different: much drier.

Location: 600 miles West of the Ecuadorian coast

Entrance fee:$100 / Introduced species are an enormous threat to the native and endemic species of the islands. Thus, quarantine is required at the entrance to the Park.

GALAPAGOS MARINE RESERVE
The interior waters of the islands, plus those within 40 nautical miles measured from the baseline of the Archipelago, were declared the Galapagos Marine Reserve on 1994. This is the only protected coastal marine area in the East Pacific, and the second largest Marine Reserve in the World. There are many areas with small submarine volcanoes, which are important feeding zones for marine birds and mammals. Don’t miss the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions, penguins, a variety of colorful fish and even inoffensive sharks! Diving courses and tours are also offered for those who are willing to take a deeper adventure!

CRUISE SHIPS
A cruise is definitely the best way to visit many of the islands in a short period of time. Tours are of at least four days. There is a wide range of cruise offers, from small boats for about 12 passengers to big luxurious cruise ships for more than 100 passengers. Please contact ExploringEcuador.Com member tour operators and travel agent in our service directory for more information.

LAND OPTIONS
Another way to visit the Galapagos is to stay in a hotel at one of the inhabited islands. You can travel from one island to the other by light aircraft or boat. The following towns offer facilities for tourists:

Puerto Ayora-Santa Cruz Island:
This is the main port of entrance to the Archipelago, home to the majority of human inhabitants of Galapagos (approximately 15.000 people). Close to the town are: the beautiful "Tortuga Bay" beach, the giant tortoise breeding center, lava caves, tunnels, and the headquarters of the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Park. In Puerto Ayora and its surroundings it’s possible to do snorkeling, scuba diving, bird watching, sea kayaking, trekking, biking, horse-back riding, etc. The town also has an exhilarating night life, and plenty of tourism services. The lodging options vary from the very inexpensive ($8 a night) to very good accommodations, and even a luxurious Millennium Resort called "Royal Palm" in the highlands of the island. One of the best options is the Finch Bay Hotel.

From Puerto Ayora it’s possible to hire daily boat tours to visit other islands. One can also travel to the other inhabited islands by light air craft (offered every day).

How to get there:
If you hire a cruise, or stay at the main hotels on the island, they will make all your travel arrangements. If you are traveling on your own, , book your flight from Quito or Guayaquil with Tame or Aerogal. The airlines provide a bus to the Itabaca canal (10 minute ride). From there ferries take you across the canal to Santa Cruz Island for 80 cents. To continue to the town of Puerto Ayora you either take a bus ($1,80) or a taxi ($15) for a 45 minute drive. Along the way you will travel from the arid coastal area through different ecological zones as you ascend to the highlands and then come back to sea level.
The name Santa Cruz means Holy Cross. The first Spanish visitors gave this island a Christian name. This is the main port of entrance to the Archipelago and home to the majority of human inhabitants (aprox. 10,000). Puerto Ayora is the capital of the Island, with exciting places to visit, travel agencies that provide visits to the other Islands, visit to the highlands and the beaches, other special tours,etc. At Puerto Ayora you will also find excellent handicrafts, jewelry shops, art galleries, casual clothing, restaurants, bike rentals, kayaking, diving and snorkeling services (see our services guide) just taking a walk down the Charles Darwin Avenue.

Interesting places to visit:

Charles Darwin Station:
A visit to the Charles Darwin Station is a must for any visitor. Discover the conservation efforts and see the giant tortoises (Elephantopus Geochelone), You will learn about their breeding, conservation and the history of extermination during the centuries the Islands have been visited.
We recommend during the summer (from January to April) to take your visit early in the morning. Opens Monday thru Sunday from 06h00 to18h00.
In the station distances are short and you can walk. On the route you will find Opuntia Cactus (Opuntia Echios Gigantean) endemicof the Galápagos, and be sure to look out for the tame finches and observe the variety of beaks that led Charles Darwin to his theory of evolution.
On your visit (aproximately two hours) be sure to stop at the following pavilions:

1) Van Straelen Visitors Center: a didactic exhibition on origin, fragility, conservation, geology, climate and other aspects related to the Galapagos Islands. Watch the interesting video from Monday thru Friday at 8am, 10am, 2pm and 4pm.
2) Casona Exhibition Center: graphic exhibits of all species of giant tortoises, their different shells and the two extinct subspecies that inhabited in Fernandina, Floreana and Santa Fe Islands.
3) Centro de Crianza (Breeding Center): on the right of the Casona Exhibition is the center that houses small tortoises from every island until they are mature enough to survive with hardened shells . Once they reach maturity they are placed on their Island of origin.
4) Corrales de Tortugas (Tortoises Corrals): at the corrals you can observe and compare the different shapes of the shells according to the species of the tortoises. It is interesting to note that “Diego” (Geochelone Elephantopus hoodensis. Is. Española) that was brought from the San Diego Zoo, has a flat and tall at the neck shell. Diego was successfully reunited with females from Española Island and this species has been saved from extinction. Unfortunately, the main point of interest, “Lonesome George” is the last survivor of the Pinta Island tortoise specie. Not one female has been found for George. Lonesome George is the last of his species. He lives with two closely genetic related females from the Wolf Volcano (Is. Isabela), but has not been able to reproduce successfully.
5) Corral de Iguanas Terrestres: at the Land Iguanas Corral a few protected specimen can be found. Introduced animals such as dogs and cats endanger the iguanas. Two of these iguana species are endemic to the Galapagos Islands, the Conolophus subcristatus found at six of the Islands, and the Conolophus Pellidus found at the Santa Fe Island.
Charles Darwin Foundation has a dedicated international staff that works together on research and long-term conservation programs. Visit their website at:
www.darwinfoundation.org

Tortuga Bay
Tortuga Bay is a beautiful beach of fine white sand. From your hotel, for $1, take a taxi to where the path to this unique beach begins. A 2.5 km cobblestone path was built in order to reach the paradisiacal beach of Tortuga Bay by foot. A mysterious forest of the tall Opuntia Cactus and volcanic rock surrounds the path, the view is overwhelming. Throughout your walk you will observe finches, yellow warblers, mockingbirds, lava lizards. Feel transported to the time when the adventurers and pirates of the XVIII and XIX century visited these enchanted islands.

Once your reach Tortuga Bay, you walk into what seems an infinite and desolate beach of white sand. Every now and then you encounter marine iguanas on their way in or out of the water.
There are other interesting sites to visit such as the lava tunnels, the twin craters, tortoises in their natural environment (all in the highlands), the grottos (crevasses with refreshing swimming water), or the Garrapatero beach. Be sure to ask you hotel about facilities to visit these sites.

Night Life:
Puerto Ayora is a quiet, safe, tourist friendly town. On Charles Darwin Avenue one can find almost everything; restaurants, bars, ceviches (typical food), fresh fish, drinks,s etc.
Night life offers much to enjoy, and safely. You will find a wholesome and fun ambience shared by people from all around the world who either live at or are visiting Puerto Ayora.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno-San Cristobal Island:
This town is the capital of the Galápagos province, and has the second biggest number of inhabitants in the Archipelago. This port holds an Interpretation Center built by the Spanish Government Cooperation. This center is modern and didactic and instructs about the volcanic origin and natural history of the islands. Sea lions are always found at the main park of the town, close to a small beach.

Puerto Velasco Ibarra-Floreana Island:
This enigmatic island is the least inhabited of the archipelago, inspite of the fact that it was the first one to be colonized, basically by national and foreign settlers during the first decades of this century. Many legends have been written about its people. “Floreana” by Margarett Wittmer is a most interesting novel that describes the situations of these settlers! The main attractions are: the historical Post Office Bay and Asilo de la Paz, Punta Cormoran, Corona del Diablo, Enderby and Gardner Bay.

Puerto Villamil-Isabela Island:
This enchanted town is almost undiscovered by tourism. Puerto Villamil has a population of about 2.500 people, mostly fishermen. Only one of the big cruise ships visits this island. The tourist development of Puerto Villamil is mostly reduced to that of visits of private yachts and a small number of fortunate tourists who have heard about its wonders.

Very close to town are several impressive sites: a path alongside a reef that is home to several white tip sharks- you can easily observe them from land; "Concha y Perla" bay, a perfect setting for snorkeling; a giant tortoise breeding center; and the impressive volcanoes Sierra Negra and Volcán Chico. Sierra Negra has the second biggest crater in the world, with a diameter of 12 kilometers. Volcán Chico has an amazing "lunatic" landscape with fascinating lava formations. It’s possible to horseback ride or trek around Sierra Negra´s crater until reaching Volcán Chico. It’s also possible to camp up there with a permit of the National Park. Isabela also has a flamingo lake and several beautiful trails along the way to the "Wall of Tears". This wall is proof of the genuine human history of the islands. Before Galápagos was declared a National Park, this island used to be a penal colony (around 1946). The prisoners were kept busy carrying and placing the sharp lava rocks to form this impressive wall.
Accommodations vary from inexpensive hostels to the charming "Casa de Marita", the best hotel in town.

Photos courtesy of: Gustavo Vallejo & VIP Publicidad

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