The Exotic Galapagos Islands
by: Eduardo Landazuri
The Galapagos Islands were named after the giant
Galapagos tortoises. The archipelago emerged six
million years ago as a result of volcanic activity in the
bottom of the Pacific Ocean. These enchanted place on
earth is composed of 19 islands and more than 40 islets,
with white sand beaches, dark and solid rocks, unique
landscapes, deep crystal clear waters, you can enjoy
yourself swimming with playful sea lions around you,
watching friendly sharks cruise six feet under you. All
these wonderful nature makes you feel as if you are part
of it all.
It has a world record of especial titles and management
categories: the islands are Ecuador's first National Park;
UNESCO World natural heritage Site, both the terrestrial
Park and the Reserve, (the second largest and possibly
the most unique in the world); Biosphere Reserve and a
Whale Sanctuary.
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS LOCATION
This alluring complex ecosystem is located 1,000
kilometers (600 miles) off the coast of Ecuador,
northwest of South America in the Pacific Ocean.
WILDLIFE OBSERVATION
Some of the most unusual and fascinating species in the
world, both terrestrial and marine, are found in the
Galapagos Islands. Here most of the surface (96%) is
a National Park, surrounded by a protected Marine
Reserve, both UNESCO World Heritages Sites.
On Santa Cruz island, the Giant tortoises can be seen at
the Charles Darwin Research Station (including famous
Lonesome George, the only remaining tortoise from
'Pinta' island) and also in the wild, in the highlands of
this Galapagos island. There are 15 sub-species of
giant tortoises. Some prefer the upland zones of the
large islands because of humidity, grassy pastures and
small ponds to drink and stagger about. Others prefer
islands with low elevations, dry terrain, and with lots of
prickly vegetation like cactus. The largest populations
are found in Alcedo Volcano on Isabela Island, and in
the highlands of Santa Cruz Island.
BIRD WATCHING
A total of 140 species of birds have been registered in
Galapagos. About half of the resident birds cannot be
seen , anywhere else in the world. You can observe
shore and lagoon birds such as ducks, stilts, herons,
warblers, pelicans and frigates all easily approachable,
just like all the Galapagos animals.
Eight species of Darwin's Finches are found on Santa
Cruz island; most of which can be observed all around
the island. Charles Darwin's concepts were founded by
modern evolutionists by studying the different beaks of
these finches.
GALAPAGOS SNORKELING AND DIVING
The Galapagos islands are considered a world premier
destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The
protected waters of its Marine Reserve have been well
preserved, nearly untouched by external sources. Here
the crossroads of marine currents has resulted in a
unique marine ecosystem.
GALAPAGOS WEATHER
Although the islands are tropical, there are two markedly
different seasons : the warm, humid and sunny season
from December to May and the dry, windy and
not-so-sunny season from June to November.
Transitional months are January, April and May. The
Warm Season offers hardly any wind (so the sea is
usually very calm) and the visibility tends to be better. In
the Dry Season there is more wind, sometimes the sea
tends to be choppy and the visibility lower.
THE MEANING OF GALAPAGOS
Amongst the first groups that came to Galapagos, we
had many of Spanish origin. In traditional Castilian
language, the word 'Galapago' was used to describe the
frontal piece of the riding saddle, and upon seeing the
many tortoises the islands had in earlier years, but more
important, the shape of their carapace (shell), they
named this archipelago 'Islands of the Galapagos'. And
this is the official story of the name of these islands.
Visit the most complete Site ever made about the
Galapagos Islands and Ecuador. You will find
outstanding and solid information regarding these
Enchanted Islands and the country to which they belong
(Ecuador).
http://www.galapagos-islands-tourguide.com/article
About The Author
I am a business administrator and run my own
Consulting company, I live in Quito and have been in the
Galapagos Islands for more than 10 times already, I
have also studied a lot about them.
The wonderful and unique wildlife and landscapes of the
islands has always impressed me. That's why I decided
to build a Site promoting the Galapagos so people
around the world will know more precise information
about this wonderful spot on Earth.
http://www.galapagos-islands-tourguide.com
info@galapagos-islands-tourguide.com
by: Eduardo Landazuri
The Galapagos Islands were named after the giant
Galapagos tortoises. The archipelago emerged six
million years ago as a result of volcanic activity in the
bottom of the Pacific Ocean. These enchanted place on
earth is composed of 19 islands and more than 40 islets,
with white sand beaches, dark and solid rocks, unique
landscapes, deep crystal clear waters, you can enjoy
yourself swimming with playful sea lions around you,
watching friendly sharks cruise six feet under you. All
these wonderful nature makes you feel as if you are part
of it all.
It has a world record of especial titles and management
categories: the islands are Ecuador's first National Park;
UNESCO World natural heritage Site, both the terrestrial
Park and the Reserve, (the second largest and possibly
the most unique in the world); Biosphere Reserve and a
Whale Sanctuary.
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS LOCATION
This alluring complex ecosystem is located 1,000
kilometers (600 miles) off the coast of Ecuador,
northwest of South America in the Pacific Ocean.
WILDLIFE OBSERVATION
Some of the most unusual and fascinating species in the
world, both terrestrial and marine, are found in the
Galapagos Islands. Here most of the surface (96%) is
a National Park, surrounded by a protected Marine
Reserve, both UNESCO World Heritages Sites.
On Santa Cruz island, the Giant tortoises can be seen at
the Charles Darwin Research Station (including famous
Lonesome George, the only remaining tortoise from
'Pinta' island) and also in the wild, in the highlands of
this Galapagos island. There are 15 sub-species of
giant tortoises. Some prefer the upland zones of the
large islands because of humidity, grassy pastures and
small ponds to drink and stagger about. Others prefer
islands with low elevations, dry terrain, and with lots of
prickly vegetation like cactus. The largest populations
are found in Alcedo Volcano on Isabela Island, and in
the highlands of Santa Cruz Island.
BIRD WATCHING
A total of 140 species of birds have been registered in
Galapagos. About half of the resident birds cannot be
seen , anywhere else in the world. You can observe
shore and lagoon birds such as ducks, stilts, herons,
warblers, pelicans and frigates all easily approachable,
just like all the Galapagos animals.
Eight species of Darwin's Finches are found on Santa
Cruz island; most of which can be observed all around
the island. Charles Darwin's concepts were founded by
modern evolutionists by studying the different beaks of
these finches.
GALAPAGOS SNORKELING AND DIVING
The Galapagos islands are considered a world premier
destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The
protected waters of its Marine Reserve have been well
preserved, nearly untouched by external sources. Here
the crossroads of marine currents has resulted in a
unique marine ecosystem.
GALAPAGOS WEATHER
Although the islands are tropical, there are two markedly
different seasons : the warm, humid and sunny season
from December to May and the dry, windy and
not-so-sunny season from June to November.
Transitional months are January, April and May. The
Warm Season offers hardly any wind (so the sea is
usually very calm) and the visibility tends to be better. In
the Dry Season there is more wind, sometimes the sea
tends to be choppy and the visibility lower.
THE MEANING OF GALAPAGOS
Amongst the first groups that came to Galapagos, we
had many of Spanish origin. In traditional Castilian
language, the word 'Galapago' was used to describe the
frontal piece of the riding saddle, and upon seeing the
many tortoises the islands had in earlier years, but more
important, the shape of their carapace (shell), they
named this archipelago 'Islands of the Galapagos'. And
this is the official story of the name of these islands.
Visit the most complete Site ever made about the
Galapagos Islands and Ecuador. You will find
outstanding and solid information regarding these
Enchanted Islands and the country to which they belong
(Ecuador).
http://www.galapagos-islands-tourguide.com/article
About The Author
I am a business administrator and run my own
Consulting company, I live in Quito and have been in the
Galapagos Islands for more than 10 times already, I
have also studied a lot about them.
The wonderful and unique wildlife and landscapes of the
islands has always impressed me. That's why I decided
to build a Site promoting the Galapagos so people
around the world will know more precise information
about this wonderful spot on Earth.
http://www.galapagos-islands-tourguide.com
info@galapagos-islands-tourguide.com
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
FAMILY TRAVEL FUN.COM
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |