If you are considering a trip to the “Enchanted Islands” but, like many travelers, did not have enough information on what to see, what to do, where and when to go, You must need extra information. Some travelers that actually come to the islands are searching for main relaxation and the species, but Galapagos has many more to offer.
How to get to Galapagos
When visiting a new place, you must to know details of its location or how to get here. The Galapagos Islands are located on the country of Ecuador, at the South American continent. To get to Galapagos, you must arrive at Quito Airport or Guayaquil Airport. The next step is to take a flight to the Islands. Some travelers go on a boat from the Guayaquil port directly to the islands but take more time and the price is almost the same.
Once on the islands, travelers must purchase the Transit Control Card at the counter of the Government Council (CGREG). Which cost approximately 20 USD in cash only. The next step is to pay the entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park. For adults cost 100 USD, and for children 50 USD. Finally, you must proceed with a baggage inspection by the biosecurity and quarantine regulatory agency. More Information.
History of the Archipelago
The islands were formed 5 million years ago as a result of the activity of the tectonic plates at the bottom of the ocean. Today, volcanic activity continues to expand the archipelago. This group of islands is one of the most active in the world.
In 1535 the islands were discovered accidentally when the boat carrying Tomas de Berlanga deviated from his destiny in Peru. He was called to mediate a conflict between Francisco Pizarro and his subordinates after the conquest of the Inca Empire.
The islands were described as “Insulae de los Gallopegos” (islands of turtles) in the first maps made by Mercator and Ortelius in the 16th century. Later the islands were shelters for pirates until 1816.
The “Enchanted Islands”
The Islands were also known as “Enchanted Islands” due to their dense fog and many rumors of sailors who said that the islands were only mirages or a myth because they were difficult to see.
On February 1832, Ecuador annex the archipelago to its territory. Over the years many expeditions arrive at the islands, mostly from England. Three years later, Charles Darwin arrives at the islands and spends two weeks doing the research that led him to formulate the Theory of Evolution.
In 1979, UNESCO declared the islands a World Heritage Site, and six years later as a Biosphere Reserve.
What to do?
The Islands offer activities to relax and adventure. The activities can be on the water or on land. I recommend you to wear comfortable shoes for walking, swimsuit for swimming and a hat or cap to protect yourself from sunburn. The water activities such as swimming, diving or snorkeling surrounded by marine species are especially spectacular on the archipelago. On the mainland, are many trails for excursions, mostly short walks, but in some places is trekking.
Places to know
There are many spectacular places located all over the Galapagos National Park. But the main, if you are looking for getting in touch with nature, are Darwin and Elizabeth Bays; The islands of Seymour and Bartolomé, Charles Darwin Station, Espinoza Point, Dragon Hill or Carrion Point. These places offer most of the majesty and diversity of species such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions, blue-footed boobies or penguins.
Also, many places are great for providing breathtaking panoramas and activities, like Chinese Hat or Devil’s Crown. Sullivan Bay, Black Turtle Cove, Moreno Point or Espumilla Beach are also great places that offer landscapes full of volcanic lava or amazing colored beaches.
Species to discover
The islands have dozens of endemic species, which means that they only inhabit this place on Earth. Many of them are not afraid of humans and travelers can watch them a few meters away. Some of the most fantastic species are giant tortoises, marine turtles, marine and land iguanas, lava lizards, sea lions, flightless cormorants, penguins, frigate birds, finches, blue-footed boobies or hammerhead sharks.
If you are planning to visit the Galapagos Islands you may consider do it by cruise to visit or do the activities that you want.
If you are looking for an amazing cruise experience, please visit the following link to know more about GALAGENTS S.A. and their cruise offer.
