The Galapagos archipelago, located 950 miles from mainland Ecuador, is comprised of 13 large islands, 6 smaller and 40 islets of volcanic origin. It has 14 major islands, -4 of which are inhabited San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isabella, Florin the temperature ranges between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius. This extraordinary natural laboratory is a fusion of unique species of flora and fauna unique natural values in the world. UNESCO declared the Galapagos a Natural Heritage of Humanity and later was designated a Biosphere Reserve. Scientific studies of Charles Darwin and Theodora Wolf gave him more fame to the region.
Giant tortoises, marine iguanas and land next to the lava lizards, reptiles are the most popular family. Reptiles of the Galapagos, half of bird species, 32% of the plants, 25% of the fish, as well as a number of invertebrates are endemic and are found exclusively in this natural sanctuary.
Birds, represented by more than 13 different species of finches, penguins, cormorants, boobies, hawks, sparrows, albatrosses and flamingos, among others, are examples of birds of different origin has been in the archipelago. Sea lions and dolphins are among the many attractions of Galapagos. Charles Darwin Research Station is located on Santa Cruz.
What to bring?
Sun hat, sunglasses, sandals (for use in the boat and wetlands), sneakers (for dry and stony), bathing suit, umbrella (for sun protection on walks), sunscreen, waterproof, snorkel and mask (can be rented in Quito or Puerto Agora), beach towels and bath, windbreaker, film, batteries, underwater camera and motion sickness pills
Beaches – Tortuga Bay, located in Puerto Agora (Santa Cruz), is one of the most visited places in the archipelago. These two endless beaches, separated by a point of mangroves and ivory sands. On Florin is, however, Playa Negara lava. On James Island there are also beaches for swimming and Playa San Cristobal is located Ochoa.
Sports – In some areas of the Galapagos Marine Reserve you can snorkel and depth and have contact with the awesome spectacle of the archipelago sea: coral reefs, whales, whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, rays, manta rays, sword fish, turtles…
On the shelf moving strong currents and lumps of lava that athletes should consider while watching the beautiful people in the water. Other marine habitats are rocky bottoms, vertical walls of rock and mangroves.
One of the most interesting hikes on existing lava formations is what can be done on Santiago Island. In Santa Cruz there are trails that cross the island vegetation, full of cactus, scrub and mangroves. On islands that captivated Darwin, are identified 54 terrestrial visitor sites that tourists can travel with the help of guides.
Pretty!