The Galapagos Islands are some very adventurous islands, located almost 1,000 km west of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. The islands hide an incomprehensible and fascinating wildlife that can be hard to imagine existing on this earth.
The islands consist of 16 larger and 10 smaller islands scattered across the equator. In total, the area of the islands corresponds to 7990 km2, and there are only 25,100 inhabitants. The islands are between 0.7 and 4 million years old and consist almost entirely of volcanoes. Take Tourist Travel to the Galapagos Islands and have an experience of a lifetime.
Darwin and the islands
The islands were discovered way back in 1535. At that time there was no trace of prehistoric habitation. Subsequently, the islands were for several years a base for whalers and pirates until 1835, when Charles Darwin came to the Galapagos Islands.
On the islands, Charles Darwin discovered the amazing wildlife, and this has played an incredibly important role in his theory of the origin of species. Among other things, he experienced how to get really close to the animals, without fear of man.
The Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site of unique global value. Therefore, it is also only on 5 of the islands that there is habitation today.
Wonderful wildlife
Unique is exactly what one might call the Galapagos Islands. They have a very special wildlife that can only be experienced here. 95% of the reptile species as well as 49% of the terrestrial bird species can only be found in the Galapagos Islands.
Some of the amazing animals you can experience are giant turtles, sea lions, iguanas, penguins and even flamingos. Something even wilder about this is that many of the animals are not particularly afraid of humans, and you therefore get a unique opportunity to get really close to the animals.
It is not only on the surface where you can be surprised by the wonderful islands. Do you enjoy snorkeling or diving, you can experience a fascinating wildlife underwater. Here you can experience both dolphins and various sharks.
Volcanic islands
Since the islands are volcanic islands, there is not much plant growth. Nature consists mostly of cacti and scrub forests. Still, it is something very special to experience, and in fact, 51% of the flowering plants in the Galapagos Islands are found only here.
In addition, several of the volcanoes on the islands are still active. Therefore, you may even be lucky enough to experience the absolutely fascinating sight of an active volcano. The islands are very different, which you will experience with a trip to the Galapagos Islands.
The ecosystem itself on the islands is very fragile. In fact, it is so fragile that you sometimes have to wash the sand off your feet from one of the islands before landing on a new island. This is to prevent the ecosystem and the very special life from being damaged. Join Tourist Travel on an adventure you will never forget.
In short and in general about the Galapagos:
- Belongs to:Ecuador
- Location:at Equator approx. 1,000 km off the coast of South America
- Land area:8,000 km2 (approx. 1/5 of Denmark)
- Population:20-30,000 (have small farms on the 3 main islands – many acquire through tourism)
- Highest point:Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island, 1707 m
- Climate:It is very dry all year round, and by the coast it is basically desert climate. In the highlands it can rain all year round,
and here it is much far more lush than on the coasts.
There are two periods:
June-December: Cold weather and water, the water between 18-24 degrees and the air a little warmer. Can feel cold, but most of the time comfortable. It can blow more and some benefit greatly from seasickness pills along the way. But there is usually not really bad weather, as we know from Denmark with low pressure, etc.
Best time to visit the Galapagos:
This is a difficult question and it is probably best answered by saying that it is always exciting and beautiful to visit the Galapagos. If you want to swim / snorkel a lot, the warm time with the warm water (approx. 26-28 degrees) may be best, but you can just use a wetsuit otherwise.
If you want to see albatrosses breed, it MUST be in the “cold” time.
But otherwise here is life all year round.
It can get very hot in February / March.
Baltra Island
Baltra is an important logistical hub for most tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands . Here is the Ø group’s main airport, and a number of cruises start from the coast just 5-10 minutes away. Some cruises also start from the islands administrative center and main port, Puerto Ayora, located on the neighboring island of Santa Cruz. From the airport there is a free bus 5-10 min. To the Itabaca Canal, from where people and luggage are sailed 2 min. By flat-bottomed ferry to Santa Cruz. Here you meet a driver associated with the yacht you board in Puerto Ayora or transfer to a hotel in the city. It’s about. 1 hour drive by fine country road.