All of Ecuador is worth exploring, but the Galapagos Islands are a must-see. Officially known as the Archipelago of Coln, the Galapagos sit in the Pacific Ocean, 972 kilometers off the Ecuadorian coast.
The islands that make up the Archipelago were forged by hundreds of thousands of years of successive volcanic eruptions that continue today. As Charles Darwin discovered, the Galapagos, having literally risen from the sea, are in a position of near absolute isolation that made them the perfect evolutionary laboratory. In fact, because of its isolation, the Archipelago has more endemic species than any other place on earth.
In the two-hour flight across the one-thousand kilometers of Pacific Ocean from the Ecuadorian mainland to the Galpagos archipelago, visitors can expect to be transported to an environment reminiscent of prehistoric times. Elegant folds and fans of solidified lava, imposing towers of solid rock, and vast expanses of white, red, and green sand provide a Spartan, hauntingly beautiful landscape. Slate-black marine iguanas crawl up the rocky substrate from their marine playplace, announcing their presence with a primordial release of salt from their nostrils. Land tortoises (galpagos, in Spanish) slowly lumber their massive physique from slimy bog to grassy clearing.
The Galpagos Islands, made famous for inspiring biologist Charles Darwin's theory of adaptation through natural selection, provide tourists the opportunity to observe - without the aid of binoculars - the unique and often unusual characteristics and behavior of island bird, reptile, mammal, and fish species not found anywhere else in the world. Nearly one in four species is endemic, or found only in the Galpagos. And because most of the animals in the Galpagos have no natural predators, both land and sea animals remain ecologically nave, virtually fearless and unaffected by visitors.
On land you will find yourself sidestepping over lounging sea lions, darting lava lizards, and scuttling Sally Lightfoot crabs. Bird enthusiasts have the unexpected opportunity to observe both penguins and flamingoes as well as blue-footed, red-footed, and masked boobies flying, nesting, and fishing.
Due to the collision of three ocean currents at the Galpagos, there is an unbelievable abundance of sea life. As a result, visitors can observe dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, tropical reef fish, and the occasional fin or sperm whale as well as swim goggles to whiskers with sea lion pups.
Even though the Galpagos Islands receive over 60,000 visitors each year, protective measures managing visitation and use of the islands and surrounding marine ecosystem have sustained their ecological integrity. Approximately 97% of the archipelago's land area is protected as National Park, and over 130,000 km2 of oceanic area has been established as a Marine Resources Reserve. For visitors, this means that visitation to the islands' National Park territory is limited to about fifty sites, available only during daylight hours and subject to park rules and guidelines. It also means that the sites visited - among the most spectacular within the archipelago - retain their majestic appearance and wildlife abundance. A model for nature tourism, the Galpagos promises a sensationally stimulating and educationally rewarding experience.
A visit to the Galapagos Islands is a fantasy come true. Who could resist the sight of a volcanic moonscapes, giant tortoises large enough to ride, sunbathing iguanas, sea lions, whales, and hundreds of other unique species that don't mind if you stare.
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