ENG Galapagos Island

The warm and wet season lasts from January to June.

The cold and dry season lasts from July to December and brings cooler water temperatures, so remember to bring your wetsuit.

The Galapagos’ archipelago is located on both sides of the equator to about 970 km (600 miles) west of continental Ecuador.

REQUIREMENTSFOR ENTRY TOGALAPAGOS

In order to enter to the Galapagos Islands all travellers need to present a valid passport. It’s also necessary to ask for the INGALA transit card at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil before entering the islands.

FLIGHTS

Most commercial flights arrive at Baltra Island, after an aerial tour of 2 hours from Quito or 1 ½ hours from Guayaquil.

Islands

The Enchanting Islands consist of 13 major islands, 6 smaller islands, 42 islets and several rocks, which cover a total area of 7850 Km2.

Galapagos is known for its numerous endemic species and the studies done by Charles Darwin that led him to establish his theory of evolution.

This extraordinary natural laboratory was declared World Heritage by the UNESCO.

"They are the most famous destination in the world for observing wildlife."Mark Carwardine, zoologist

Species

This area has special biological characteristics, mainly due to ocean currents from tropical and subtropical regions converging on the islands, bringing animals from around the Pacific and part of the Indo-Pacific, creating a rich biodiversity and producing also a genetic isolation curtain. The temperatures of these streams also contribute to the variety of marine ecosystems.

That is why here there is a 23% of endemism and is also a refuge for endangered species of reptiles and marine mammals such as turtles and whales that found in the archipelago their main breeding site.

Wildlife

Much of the charm of the islands is for their wonderful and unique species: iguanas, sea lions, turtles, penguins, boobies and much more.

GALAPAGOS MARINE IGUANA

The marine iguana is a kind of scaly reptile from the Iguanidae family. It is the only species of its genus and an endemic species from the Galapagos Islands, which inhabits rocky shores of the Ecuadorian archipelago.

While it is possible to see them in mangroves and beaches, is the only modern lizard that depends on the marine environment, feeding almost exclusively on marine algae.

GALAPAGOS SEA LION

The sea lion in the Galapagos Islands is a species of carnivorous mammal of the family otariids that lives only in the Galapagos Islands. The local population now has 50,000. The color of their fur may range from gray to dark brown depending on gender and age.

They are found on the beaches of soft sand and rocky shores of the Galapagos Islands where it is common to see them play each other, delighting tourists. Also on the island of Lobos can live a magical experience doing snorkeling with them.

It is a species that is in danger of extinction and protect up to us to continue to enjoy its charm.

GALAPAGOSGIANT TORTOISE

It is the largest living tortoise, native to seven islands of the Galapagos archipelago. Fully adult can weigh more than 300 kilograms and measure 1.2 meters long. They have a long life, with a life expectancy of 100-150 years.

Populations have declined dramatically due to hunting and the introduction of predators and grazers by humans since the seventeenth century. Today only ten subspecies of the original twelve still exist in nature.

However, conservation efforts since the establishment of the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation have been successful, and hundreds of juvenile turtles bred in captivity were released back to their homes on the islands. They have become a symbol of the Galapagos Islands’ wildlife.

GALAPAGOSPENGUIN

It is an endemic species of penguin in the Galapagos Islands. It is the only penguin that lives in Ecuador and can survive due to the low temperatures resulting from the Humboldt Current and great depth cool-waters from the Cromwell Current.

The Galapagos Penguins are mainly on Fernandina Island and the west coast of Isabela Island, but small populations are scattered on other islands of the Galapagos archipelago.

GALAPAGOSBLUE FOOTED BOOBY

The blue-footed boobies are the most commonly observed birds on the islands, making his famous dive and their mating dance which is seen by visitors on different islands. It has upper brown plumage while the belly and underside exhibit pure white plumage.

Juveniles are completely brown and get their coloration after a year. In large colonies they have almost continuously offspring. The boobies can be seen reproducing in most of the Galapagos Islands.

GALAPAGOS FLAMINGO

Flamingos or also called flamingoes are very original birds, because their neck is shaped like an "S" and their legs have an unusual height. But the main thing is the characteristic pink of the feathers, which when grouped offer one of the best views that a person can have not only in the Galapagos but in the entire planet.

They live mainly in Rabida, Floreana and Santiago, and even in Cerro Dragon, Turtle Bay and Garrapatero in the Santa Cruz Islands, nesting in mud mounds.

Besides their fascinating colors, they have elaborate courtship dances: male and female adults are grouped very close together and raise their long necks while they open their long flight feathers, with very coordinated movements.

GALAPAGOS FRAGATA

Spectacular sea birds can be seen in the Galapagos Islands, especially in North Seymour Islands, Floreana, Isabela, Genovesa and even San Cristobal Island on Lake El Junco.

Also known as "Man o 'War" (Man of war). On the islands there are two species: Common Fragata Fragata and Real. They are excellent for aerial maneuvers, often used to steal food from other frigates.

Another attraction occurs in the reproductive stage, where the male builds a nest and inflates its impressive red crop accounting for 40% of total bird. Females choose their partner for that combination of the nest and crop the most striking male. So the courtship and mating of the frigates is one of the most photographed events of the Enchanted Islands of nature.

Evolution and Relaxing

NATURE AND CULTURAL TOURISM

The Enchanting Islands are also the birthplace of the theory of the origin of the Species Origin by Charles Darwin, who visited the islands in 1835. Currently the islands contain one of the world's most active volcanic groups.

ADVENTURE TOURISM

In the Galapagos, sports like; cycling, kayaking, surfing, diving and snorkeling can be practiced. And all of these exciting activities in a safe environment and unique landscapes.

CRUISES

The best way to enjoy and discover the Enchanted Islands is to stay in cruise ships and sail to each island, so you can go even to the most distant. A naturalist guide always travels on the cruise ships.