GALAPAGOS ENCHANTED ISLANDS

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 as 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 house 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 to the fascinating and mysterious Galapagos can confirm his observations and studies.

The islands are located 600 miles from the Ecuadorian coast. In 1936 they were declared a National Park to preserve the flora and fauna of the 13 large islands, 6 minor ones and more than 40 islets.

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 climate, altitude and texture of the land on the islands, have made their distinct vegetation and animal life appear.

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.

There are different options to visit Galápagos. The most common is with a cruise ship. These tours are of at least four days. A cruise makes it possible to travel around the Archipelago and visit many of the islands. There is a wide range of cruise offers, from small boats of about 18 passengers to big luxurious cruise boats of more than 100 passengers. Metropolitan Touring owns some of the best ships on the islands, with excellent guides and informative conferences on board. For information about their cruises, call 298 8200 in Quito or visit their web-site: www.metropolitan-touring.com.

Another option is to stay at a hotel at Puerto Ayora, the main port of entrance to the Archipelago, which is 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, 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, bikng, horse-back riding, etc. The town also has an exhilarating night life, and plenty of tourist services. The lodging options vary from the very inexpensive ($5 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 owned and run by Metropolitan Touring (see ad on next page). 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 boat or light aircraft (offered every day) and stay there for a few days. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galápagos province, has the second biggest number of inhabitants in the Archipelago. This island also offers tourist services. The main attraction of this town is the 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.

A great option is to stay for a few days at the enchanted island of Isabela, almost undiscovered by tourism. The town of 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 Isabela is mostly reduced to that of visits of private yachts and a small number of fortunate tourists who have heard about the wonders of this island. Accommodations vary from inexpensive hostels to the charming "Casa de Marita", the best hotel in town, right in front of a beautiful beach of white sand and crystal clear water (Phone: 052 529 238). Very close to town are several impressive sites: a path alongside a reef that is home to several white tip sharks, where 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.

Galápagos is one of the most spectacular National Parks of the world! Don't miss the opportunity to visit it, weather it be in a cruise ship or staying at the different inhabited islands.

Note: The entrance fee to the park is $100. The biggest problem affecting the biodiversity of the Archipelago are the introduced species,an enormous threat to the native and endemic species of the islands. Thus, quarantine is required at the entrance to the Park.

For more information about the Galapagos, you can visit the following web sites:
National Park: http://www.galapagospark.org/
Charles Darwin Foundation: http://www.darwinfoundation.org/

GALAPAGOS MARINE RESERVE

The interior waters of the Galapagos 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.

It holds approximately 51,351 square miles, including 19,355 square miles of the interior waters of the Archipelago. There are many areas with small submarine volcanoes, which are important feeding zones for marine birds and mammals. The submarine area of Galapagos (from 0 to 590 feet deep) is of 2,587 square miles.

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!

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