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Description
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The
Galapagos Archipelago is situated about 1000 kilometers west of the
Ecuadorian coast and lies directly on the equator. The archipelago
encompasses 13 islands of volcanic origin that are spread out
over an area of about 50 thousand square kilometers. The volcanic
Galapagos platform originated probably not more than 15 million
years ago and the oldest island not more than 2.4 million years ago.
Volcanic eruptions still occur in the islands.
Galapagos has
become one of the most desirable places for ecotourism in the planet,
due to its incredible fauna and flora, that became famous after
Charles Darwin´s visit in 1835. About 1/4 of the fish, half of the
plants and almost all reptiles of Galapagos can't be found anywhere
else on Earth. Somehow, the species that crossed the gap between the
continent and the islands found in Galapagos the perfect place to
evolute and became unique. Nowadays most of the islands can be
visited only with a specialized guide, and the number of visitors is
controlled.
Bartolomé
Island
In
Bartolome Island, it seems like we are
walking on the moon. This young island is inhospitable to most
plants and animals. After a dry landing, climb 30 minutes up a steep
slope to the summit of a once active volcano. Pause along the way to
marvel at lava bombs, spatter cones and cinder cones. From the top,
gaze out across a panoramic view including the famous "Pinnacle
Rock", an eroded tuff cone. Down below, crystal clear water
invites you to snorkel with schools of tropical fish. Penguins often
swim in this area. On the other side of the Island encounter sea
turtles and white-tipped sharks.
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Tower
(Genovesa) Island
Tower Island is one of the most
spectacular islands in Galapagos. After a wet landing on Darwin Bay’s
coral beach, wind your way past tide pools where swallow-tailed and
lava gulls gather. Enter a forest of mangroves where colonies of
great frigate birds nest. The males inflate their red-throated
pouches to attract females that fly overhead. Take a "panga"
or dinghy ride along the jagged shoreline. See the beautiful
red-billed tropic bird. At Prince Philip’s Steps, find storm
petrels and the elusive short-eared owl, and watch the famous
red-footed boobies nesting in palo santo trees.
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Santiago
(James) Island
Puerto Egas - This is a wonderful
location to look for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught
in the tide pools. At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as
they feed on exposed green algae. Watch for great blue herons, lava
herons, oystercatchers and yellow-crowned night herons. See the many
deep pools of clear water where we encounter
fur sea lions that were once on the verge of extinction.
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Fernandina
(Narborough) Island
Punta Espinosa - Located in the
western part of the archipelago, Fernandina is the youngest and most
pristine island found in Galapagos. Hundreds of marine iguanas, the
largest colony in Galapagos, bask in the sun along the rugged
shoreline. Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully
guarding their territory. Flightless Cormorants build their nest on
the point and Galapagos Hawk fly overhead. Evidence of recent lava
flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast.
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Isabela
(Albemarle) Island
Tagus Cove - Six volcanoes flowed
together and formed Isabela, the largest island in Galapagos. On a
nature walk, discover a salt-water lagoon and a
spectacular view of lava fields, volcanic formations and the ocean.
Note graffiti dating back to the 1800's is written on the rocky
cliffs. Explore Tagus Cove in pangas or sea kayaks and find
Galapagos penguins and other seabirds.
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Santa
Cruz Island
From
June to January you can find giant tortoises on a private farm in
the highlands. Los Gemelos "The
Twins", are a pair of large pit craters where we find the bright
red male vermilion flycatcher. Other feature is "the
tunnels", the largest lava tubes found in Galapagos.
You
can also visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Scientists from all over
the globe work at the station and conduct biological research from
anatomy to zoology. Get your picture taken with the giant tortoises.
Observe year-old tortoises and learn about the captive-breeding
program.
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Hood
(Española) Island
Walk
along seemingly endless
stretches of sandy beach where you’ll find colonies of sea lions.
Swim and snorkel with the sea lions and enjoy the colorful diversity
of sea life near Gardner Islet.
At
Punta Suarez, we witness the highest rate of "endemism"
in the Galapagos. Sea lions noisily greet us as we land on their
beach. Curious mockingbirds peck at our shoelaces. From April to
November waved albatross perform their wild mating rituals only at
Española. Colonies of blue-footed boobies engage in "sky-pointing"
while masked boobies busily care for their young. Stunning
swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds take shelter under
the cliffs.
Other species endemic to Galapagos
and found on Española include Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Doves
and Galapagos Hawks. Observe a unique species of marine iguana
identified with traces of red and green colorings. Colorful
lightfoot crabs crawl along the shoreline near to the famous "blow
hole".
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Activities
Cruises,
Nature trips, scuba diving
Packages
including Galapagos
For packages and tours in Bolivia or for many other destination please
contact us.
Accommodation
Hotels
in the inhabitated islands and live-aboard cruises.
Weather
    
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