|
 The
Galapagos Islands are located some 600 miles (about 1,000 kilometers)
West off the
coast of Ecuador’s mainland.
The archipelago's climate is sub-tropical and its flora and fauna
are so biologically diverse that this group of islands is considered
to be one of the planet’s natural paradises. The flora and fauna
you’ll find here are truly unique. We find unending beaches of
marble white sand, such as those of Tortuga Bay, tunnels of lava,
spectacular diving areas, and a marine reserve, not to mention the  prehistoric
animals and colorful birds you’ll get a chance to observe.
The Galapagos islands consist of thirteen main islands that make up
the archipelago and there are two airports with flights to Quito and
Guayaquil.
This paradise for nature lovers and cruise
fanatics alike is an amazing destination only few travelers have been
able to reach due to high restrictions from the government to keep
the wildlife and the islands as pristine as possible. The best way
to discover the Galapagos islands is by boat and there is surely a
vessel available for your needs and expectations.
Latin Tours Online represent a
large number of vessels in the archipelago (check back often) and trips can be combined
with land programs on mainland Ecuador or why not, extend your trip
to Peru for a visit the Amazon or Cuzco and Machu Picchu.
On the Galapagos Islands we can appreciate and explore the pristine
state of the complex, constantly evolving ecosystem that has made
the Galapagos so famous. On the island of Floreana, for example, you
can visit Post Office Bay, The Black Beach, Flamingos Lagoon,
Cormorant Point, or The Pirates’ Caves. There are also areas to
scuba dive, such as La Corona del Diablo. On Genovesa, the frigate
birds, furry seals, marine iguanas, tropical birds, red-footed
boobies, and masked boobies all stand out. On Fernandina, there are
sea lions, iguanas, pelicans, penguins, and cormorants. On Espanola,
you can appreciate the dance of the Blue-footed Booby or the
courting of the Albatross. In other words, there is so much to see
on the islands that you need to visit it yourself.
The
Galapagos Islands were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1978
and were internationally recognized as a Biosphere Reserve under the
UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program in 1984. In 1986, the Galapagos
Marine Resources Reserve was established including all waters within
15 nautical miles of a baseline joining the outermost points of the
Galapagos Islands. This was upgraded to a Biological Reserve of
Marine Resources in December 1996.
The Galapagos National
Park was established on 14 May 1936, at that time the boundary
of the national park was fixed to include all Galapagos Islands,
except those which had already been colonized as of 20 July 1959.
After final establishment of the boundaries in 1968, 96% of the land
area of the archipelago was included in the park. The Galapagos
National Park contributes to the development of the insular region
in accordance with the characteristics and capacity of the unique
Galapagos ecosystems.
The Galapagos National Park contributes to the development of the
insular region in accordance with the characteristics and capacity
of the unique Galapagos ecosystems. In many occasions, policies and
procedures have been defined and ratified in order to support a
selective and special development in accordance with the specific
conditions of the islands. |
