Open left menu Galapagos Islands. Galapagos Islands on the world map: an extraordinary place on Earth

Are situated in Pacific Ocean at western shores Ecuador, which is in the northwest South America. The archipelago includes several dozen big islands of volcanic origin.

Galapagos Islands- object No. 1 in the list World Heritage UNESCO. Galapagos is the only place in the world where 98% of animal and plant worlds endemic.

The islands received the name Galapagos because of their shape, reminiscent of the aquatic turtles that live here.

Galapagos consists of 13 main volcanic islands, 6 small islands and 107 rocks and alluvial areas. It is believed that the first island was formed 5-10 million years ago as a result of tectonic activity. The youngest islands - Isabela and Fernandina - are still at the stage of formation; the last volcanic eruption was observed in 2005.

The archipelago covers an area of ​​only 8010 square meters. km, and only a little more than 25,000 people live there. The archipelago is part of Ecuador. This small archipelago is considered a wonder of the world because on these islands isolated from the mainland, animals of the prehistoric era managed to survive: the elephant turtle, the marine iguana, the only sea lizard on earth, Galapagos fur seals, the Galapagos penguin, a number of species of birds and other animals.

Many animals now living on the islands have gone through their own special path of development. These islands are a kind of paradise for a number of animals, including turtles. The islands have many endemic species, both animals and plants on land and in the coastal ocean. That is why this archipelago is a wonder of the world.

North Seymour Island

North Seymour Island is a very small island in the archipelago. This island is a favorite nesting site seabirds frigatebirds, gannets and gulls. Sea lions, iguanas and fur seals live here.

The rocky coastline has small beaches where Galapagos penguins live. Penguins sometimes gather in flocks and organize massive jumps into the water. This spectacle attracts many tourists. The island has the largest nesting site for frigate birds.

Yellow land iguanas

Galapagos penguins

Frigate birds

The male frigate bird inflates an air sac to attract the attention of the female. The larger the bag, the greater the chance of being noticed and for the female to fly to its nest.

Interestingly, the period of incubation of frigate chicks lasts about a year! In the absence of predators, such a long brooding period is necessary for natural population regulation.

Blue-footed booby

The name gannet comes from the Spanish bobo (meaning "silly" or "clown"), due to the fact that blue-footed boobies, like other seabirds, are clumsy on land. However, in the air, blue-footed boobies are strong and agile fliers, and can dive into the water from great heights in search of food.

Blue-footed boobies are large and rather comical-looking seabirds, instantly recognizable by their bright blue webbed feet.

During courtship, the male blue-footed booby dances and flaunts his blue paws in front of his partner, trying to impress. During the dance, he spreads his wings, lifts his tail up and stamps his feet on the ground. To consolidate the effect, he picks up twigs from the ground for a future nest. Most birds are monogamous, but bigamous unions also occur.

Isabella Island

Isabella is the most large island archipelago, and the third most populous - it is home to about 3,000 people.

The main advantage of the island is its long beautiful beach, along which small hotels are lined up. On all other islands, hotels are located far from coastline.

The atmosphere on the island is amazingly soulful. The locals are friendly and sociable.

There is only one asphalt road on the island, and many residents walk barefoot. The island is completely safe, no one fastens bicycles, no locks at home, you can safely leave your things on the shore and go swimming, for example.

The island was created for just sitting on the sand and looking into the distance, for lying in a hammock, drinking blackberry juice and doing nothing.

The most numerous inhabitants of the island are marine iguanas. This is the only species of iguana in the world that can swim.

Every morning, thousands of reptiles slowly crawl out of the water onto land and scatter throughout the island.

You can stumble upon them everywhere - on the beach, in the port, in restaurants, in coastal hotels. They settle down in the sun and bask.

Young individuals and females, as a rule, immediately run away when a person approaches, and large males do not react at all to the presence of people, unless you step on their tail. Iguanas communicate with each other by nodding and shaking their heads. For all their monstrous appearance, iguanas are completely harmless and feed exclusively on algae.

The sunsets on Isabella Island are incredibly beautiful - due to the Sierra Negra volcano, the slopes of which gather clouds around itself every evening.

The giant Galapagos tortoises (elephant tortoises), which gave the archipelago its name, can be seen on all inhabited islands.

They no longer live in the wild, since domestic animals brought by humans have exhausted all turtles by eating their eggs.

Therefore, now the symbol of the Galapagos can only be seen in special centers on breeding these amphibians.

Marine iguanas

Giant Galapagos tortoises (Elephant tortoises)

Hispaniola Island

The island is also known as Hood. The island was named Hispaniola in honor of Spain. The area of ​​the island is 60 km², maximum height 206 m above sea level. This is the oldest island of the archipelago, its age is estimated at 3.5 million years. This is also the most south island. The island's remoteness from the rest of the group contributes to the large number of endemics on the island and its adaptability to natural resources islands. Iguanas in Hispaniola appear only during mating season.

The Galapagos albatross (Phoebastria irrorata), a rare bird species, lives here. The island's steep cliffs provide a perfect landing spot for these large birds, which feed off the coasts of Ecuador and Peru.

There are two visitor sites on Hispaniola. Gardner Bay has nice beach and a place for swimming and diving. The Punta Suarez area offers wildlife viewing with a wide variety of local fauna.

sea ​​lions

Galapagos albatross

Floreana Island or Santa Maria

The island got its name in honor of the first president of Ecuador, Juan José Flores, during whose reign the Galapagos Islands came under the jurisdiction of Ecuador. The island is also called Santa Maria, after one of Christopher Columbus's caravels. The area of ​​the island is 173 km², the highest point is 640 m above sea level. This island was one of the first to be inhabited and has quite rich story. From December to May, flamingos and green sea turtles nest on the island. The Hawaiian typhoon (Pterodroma phaeopygia), a seabird, also nests here. most spending her life far from the shore. The Devil's Crown area contains an underwater volcanic cone and coral formations.

Santa Maria is the southernmost island, characterized by a warmer and drier climate. Everyone comes here for beautiful beach with white sand.

Flamingo

Green sea turtles

Hawaiian typhoon

Santa Cruz Island or Indefatigable

This is the most populated island of the archipelago. Its area is 986 km², the highest point is 864 m. The name of the island in Spanish means “Holy Cross”. The island has the largest locality archipelago city of Puerto Ayora. It is also home to the National Park Headquarters and the Charles Darwin Research Station. The station has a center for breeding turtles before their subsequent release into the wild. The island's peaks are home to rich vegetation and famous lava tunnels. The island also has a large population of turtles. Black Turtle Bay, surrounded by mangroves, is where sea turtles, stingrays and small sharks often mate. The island has a flamingo lagoon called Cerro Dragon.

Santa Cruz is a real find for lovers aquatic species sports Diving, snorkeling, yachting - here every lover of water sports will find something to their liking.

Lava tunnel

Rabida or Jervis Island

Named after the monastery where Christopher Columbus left his son before his voyage to the shores of America. The island has an area of ​​4.9 km² and is considered the geological center of the archipelago. Famous for its sandy red beaches.

The island is located at an altitude of 367 meters above sea level. Its other name is Jervis, but Ecuadorians call the island Rabida. A characteristic feature is the red sandy beaches, which are very popular among tourists. The unusual color is given by the combination of volcanic soil with iron oxides contained in large quantities.

Bakut trees grow on Rabida Island. A small salt water lagoon near the shore is home to the white-cheeked pintail. Brown pelicans nest in the lagoons. If you visit West Coast, then you can observe a large colony of sea lions.

Until recently, flamingos lived there, but due to lack of food they were transferred to other islands. There are nine species of finches on the island.

Brown Pelicans

Galapagos finches

During trip around the world Charles Darwin described 13 species of finches living in the Galapagos Islands. It was the observation of these birds that gave Darwin the idea of ​​the origin of species through variability and natural selection. It is clear that initially only one species of finches lived here, which was then modified by a dozen different ways. Not on any continent or on any continental island is there such a sharp predominance of finches in the avifauna.

All Galapagos finches descend from a common ancestor that accidentally came here from South America.

White-cheeked pintail

Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are a small archipelago of islands in the eastern Pacific Ocean belonging to Ecuador. The islands are quite remote and isolated, lying 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) west of the South American continent. The Galapagos archipelago consists of 13 main islands and 6 small islets, which together cover about 50,000 square kilometers (19,500 sq mi) of ocean.

The archipelago is renowned throughout the world for its uniqueness and intrepid wildlife. The islands are very popular among naturalists, both professional and amateur. Giant turtles, sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas and various species of birds can be seen. The islands' landscape is volcanic and relatively uninhabited, but beautiful nonetheless. The most high mountain among the Volcán Wolf islands on Isabela Island is 1,707 meters (5,600 ft) high.
The Galapagos Islands were claimed by independent Ecuador in 1832, three years before Darwin's visit. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the islands were sparsely populated and used as a penal colony. It was closed in 1959 when the Galapagos Islands were declared a national park.

Climate:
The Galapagos Islands have a highly variable climate, just like mainland Ecuador. There are two seasons on the islands: hot and rainy season from December to June, when humidity is high and average temperature reaches 26°-30°C (80°F). There may be occasional showers during this time, however, the days are mostly warm and sunny.

From June to November, you can expect cool winds that sometimes bring fog and rain. Temperatures average 20°-24°C (70°F) during the day, with lower temperatures at night.
Every month there are unique changes in climate. The peak season for nature tourists is usually from December to May, when the sea is calm and the weather is warm. However, summer months June, July and August are also very popular, animals are most active during this period. September to November is generally low season, when most boats leave the island and enter the dry docks. For divers in the Galapagos Islands, the peak season is from July to November, when you can find whale sharks.

Islands:

• Baltra (airport and military base)
• Bartolome
• Darwin & Wolf
• Espanola
• Fernandina
• Floreana
• Genovesa
• Isabela is the most big Island
• Marchena
• North Seymour
• Pinta
• Pinzon
• Rabida
• San Cristobal
• Santa Cruz - main island and popular center
• Santa Fe
• Santiago
• South Plaza

Cities:

• Puerto Ayora
• Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
• Puerto Villamil
• Puerto VelascoIbarra

What to see:
On each island the number of visitors is limited and there are no a large number of official landing sites and visiting areas. The guide's directions must be followed to protect the wildlife, so don't stray from the intended path. Some of the animals are practically tame and can sit right on the path.
Cruises:
Cruises are the only way to see most of the outlying islands. All cruise ships must have a naturalist guide certificate. Cruise ships have standard routes, they are required to pay different fees for each port. Cruises are available on the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 8th and 15th. Below is a list of typical attractions.

• A classic view of the Galapagos Islands opens up on a hill at Bartolome.
• Giant tortoise breeding program at the Charles Darwin Research Center in Santa Cruz.
• Unique nature and Galapagos penguins can be seen on the island of Isabela or Floreana.
• Swimming with sea lions and sea turtles.

Leisure:
Snorkeling and diving are very popular in the Galapagos Islands because... The sea life is very rich and colorful.
Scuba diving equipment should be available from the tour operator, but you can bring your own equipment too. You can also use a waterproof camera. On the older islands (mainly in the west) it is often cool. Wetsuits can be rented, as can scuba diving equipment.

There are 2 ways to swim in the Galapagos Islands:
1. Daily dive with a local tour operator from Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal providing certified courses
2. Galapagos safari on Darwin and Wolf islands.
Darwin and Wolf Islands were considered the best places in the world for diving for several years. However, the Galapagos Islands are not a place for beginners or beginners. Currents, waves, cold water, and sometimes poor visibility and depth create difficulties. Here you can see huge schools of hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks and whale sharks in the season from July to November. There are also other sea animals - giant manta rays, stingrays, huge schools and nests of tuna, sea turtles, sea lions and much more.

Hiking:
Hiking in the Galapagos Islands is part of organized cruises, or highland tours. Although it is common to see a variety of animals during the trips, more attention will be paid to the differences in landscapes and vegetation, as well as the formation of the islands. Hiking is limited throughout the National Park, but several attractions, such as the Wall of Tears on the island of Isabela and Cerro Tijeras on the island of San Cristobal, can be visited independently.
A ride on the bicycle:
Riding a bicycle gives quick access to places remote from the port. Bicycle rentals are available on the islands of Isabela, San Cristobal and Santa Cruz. Bicycles can be rented for about $15 per day. Surfing:
The Galapagos Islands provide good waves and many local residents make this type of entertainment everyday. Boards can be rented for a day or a month at city ports. Below are the beaches where you can go surfing.

• Punta Carola San Cristobal
• La Loberia San Cristobal
• Tongo Reef San Cristobal
• Tortuga Bay Santa Cruz
• Playa Ratonera Santa Cruz
• Isabela, has a more continuous coastline which provides exposed surfing.

Kayaking:
Kayaking allows you to move through the water without using a boat. Kayaks can be rented in Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island and in the port of San Cristobal, focusing on the nearest beaches. Sea turtles and fish can often be seen while kayaking. Horseback riding:
Horseback riding can be arranged to see the highlands of high altitude. The cost of the tour is approximately $50.
Map of the Galapagos Islands:

Named after the species of aquatic turtle that lives here, the Galapagos Islands are located in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, almost 1,000 km west of mainland Ecuador. The archipelago of volcanic origin (by the way, very recent by geological standards) consists of 13 large islands and 6 smaller islands, and let Wikipedia count the smallest details. We are interested in its main tourist islands, all of them with Caribbean-Spanish names that excite the traveler’s imagination: Isabela, Santa Cruz, Fernandina, San Salvador, Santa Maria and Hispaniola.

Isabela

Isabela (Albemarle) is the largest island of the archipelago. It is decorated with many picturesque lagoons, inhabited by flamingos, pelicans, frigate birds, hawks, cormorants and penguins, and the coastal waters abound with sharks, killer whales and other marine life.

Attractions: Urbina Bay - large colorful iguanas, penguins and the largest colony of giant turtles live there, the town of Punta Morena impresses with the diversity of flora in the mangroves, Wolf Volcano - the highest point of the Galapagos Islands, Sierra Negra Volcano - one of the largest craters in world (diameter 10 km.)

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz (Indefatigable) is the second largest and most populous island of the archipelago. This is where The largest city in the Galapagos - Puerto Ayora, which is a tourist center with a well-developed infrastructure (which of this region- rarity). Sights: scientific research station named after. Charles Darwin (its most important task is to control the reproduction of turtles, of which there are 11 species on the island), twin craters located at one of the highest points of the island (unusual vegetation grows in the space between the craters and many rare species of birds live). In addition, the island’s numerous bays are interesting, each of which is unique in its own way.

Fernandina

Fernandina (Narborough) is the third largest island, located in the westernmost part of the archipelago. Interesting places islands - La Cumbre volcano, Punta Espinosa (the world's largest colony of marine iguanas, as well as pelicans and flightless cormorants), Urbina Bay is famous for its beautiful coral reef, and Elizabeth Bay is home to penguins and pelicans.

Nature of the Galapagos Islands

San Salvador

San Salvador (Santiago, James) is a small island, the entire coastal zone of which is black rocks of volcanic origin. The capital of the archipelago, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and the airport are located on the island of San Cristobal (Chatham). All the vegetation zones of the Galapagos are represented here - from low-growing desert to luxurious pampa, in addition, this the only island in the archipelago, on which there is an inexhaustible source fresh water(lake in the crater of the El Junco volcano). The island is home to giant turtles, fur seals, gannets and frigate birds. And in the town of Punta Pitt there are beaches ideal for snorkeling, diving or just swimming.

Santa Maria

Santa Maria (Floreana, Charles) is an island located in the southern part of the archipelago. Its main attraction is the Devil's Crown crater extinct volcano, divided into three prongs and partially submerged in water. The surrounding area of ​​the crater is ideal for diving. In addition, in the coastal waters of the island there are sperm whales, killer whales and dolphins, and in the Gulf of Sharks, which washes the shores of the town of Punto Cormoran, there are both relatively harmless reef sharks and whale sharks. Turtles lay their eggs in the white sands of the local beach from December to May, and are also home to pink flamingos and a variety of aquatic and terrestrial birds.

Espanola

Hispaniola (Hood) is a medium-sized island in the south of the archipelago. This is the only place in the world where wavy albatrosses nest. The local beaches are favored by sea lions, seals, iguanas and mockingbirds.

How to get there

From Quito, you can get to the Galapagos Islands using Aerolineas Galapagos flights with a landing in Guayaquil. The flight duration from Quito to the Galapagos is 3 hours, from Guayaquil to the Galapagos - 1.5 hours.

Search for flights to Quito (the closest airport to the Galapagos Islands)

Weather in the Galapagos Islands

The weather in the Galapagos Islands is determined by the nature of ocean currents and winds. There are two main seasons: the rainy season (December-April) and the dry season (July-October). From December to June it is hottest; from July to November the temperature drops slightly. The average annual temperature is around +24 °C.

Life on the Galapagos Islands

National Parks of the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands National Park is the first and most big park Ecuador. The main inhabitants of this unique place- giant tortoises, gannets, cormorans, albatrosses and marine iguanas.

Currently, about 90% of the archipelago is protected, so tourists must adhere to strict visiting rules. Firstly, you should only walk on permitted trails (there are a total of 62 permitted sites and trails between them). Secondly, all visitors must be accompanied by a guide from the park service. It is also prohibited to carry out any actions that could harm wildlife, from loud sounds to lighting fires.

Paid (currently the cost is about 100 USD for adults and 50 USD for children). Payment is made only on the spot, directly upon arrival in the Galapagos, and only in cash. Prices on the page are as of August 2018.

Floreana is an island in the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The island is also known as Santa Maria or Charles Island. It is the sixth largest island of the Galapagos Archipelago. Its area is about 173 square kilometers.

Floreana Island was named after the first president of Ecuador, Juan José Flores, under whose rule the Galapagos Islands came under the jurisdiction of Ecuador. Before that, the island was called Santa Maria in honor of one of Christopher Columbus's caravels.

The main attraction of the island is the unusually beautiful pink flamingos that have chosen the lagoon at Cape Punta Cormorant. Here you can find a beach where large sea turtles lay their eggs.

At Cape Punta Cormorant, tourists will find black sandy shores, which, thanks to inclusions of the peridot mineral, shimmer with green crystals. These inclusions indicate strong volcanic eruptions.

Tintoreras Island

The island of Tintoreras is located next to the town of Puerto Villamil and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Turquoise crystal clear waters and beaches surrounded by mangrove forests are home to a variety of animals, fish and amphibians.

On the way to and from the island you can see white sharks, marine iguanas, crabs, blue boobies, penguins, reef sharks, sea turtles and sea lions. The island is also one of the few places in the world where marine iguanas successfully reproduce. You can see them warming themselves on the shore, spitting out the salt that got in with the algae and playing. The island is a great place to get up close and personal with rare animals and take interesting pictures.

Fernandina Island

Fernandina Island of the Galapagos archipelago is located in the waters of the Pacific Ocean and was named after the King of Spain, who supported the great discoverer Columbus in his expedition.

In the very center of the island there is an active volcano, La Cumbre, and therefore traveling around Fernandina poses some threat to tourists. There you can also see a depression formed as a result of the collapse of the volcano’s peak, at the bottom of which a volcanic lake shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow. Tourists are not allowed here, so you have to be content with walks along the coast, admiring the endless expanses of the Pacific Ocean.

Flora is not rich, the only thing that can survive in difficult natural conditions laurel cacti, of which there are a great many, and mangroves along the coast.

A pleasant surprise may be an encounter with cormorants, marine iguanas, and, of course, the famous Galapagos penguins. And on the ocean shore, sea lions bask in the rays of the hot sun, sometimes uttering their loud voices that can drown out the enchanting sound of the surf.

Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz is the second largest island of the Galapagos archipelago. It is home to the largest city of the archipelago, Puerto Ayora, and here you can find all the benefits of civilization. But the main attractions of the island, of course, are natural objects, of which there are many on the island, because almost its entire area is occupied by the Galapagos National Park.

Available on Santa Cruz amazing place: Located near Puerto Ayora, Tortuga Bay is a long white sand beach characterized by fairly strong waves. This is where surfers can practice their favorite sport, and swimmers can relax in peace at the end beach strip, where there are no surfers anymore. Here you can explore mangroves, watch mockingbirds, pelicans, marine iguanas or swim with sharks.

In the southwest of the island there is Las Ninfas Bay with calm waters, surrounded by rocks in tropical greenery, the nearby Bellavista Tunnel is famous for being home to sea turtles, various species of fish, rays and sharks. Generally worthy places detailed description There are many on St. Croix, but it's best to see them with your own eyes.

Hispaniola Island

The island of Hispaniola is also known as Hood. Hispaniola was named after Spain. The island's area is about 60 square kilometers and its maximum height is 206 meters above sea level.

The age of the island is estimated at 3 and a half million years. This is the oldest and southernmost island of the entire archipelago. WITH geographical point In terms of view, it represents the most classic example of a shield volcano, which was formed by a single caldera in the center of the island. Over time, the island shifted away from the hot spot, then the volcano died out, and erosion began.

The island's remoteness from the main group of islands has contributed to the development of a large number of endemic inhabitants that are adapted exclusively to local natural resources.

The Galapagos albatross, a rare bird species, lives here. The steep and inaccessible cliffs of the island are ideal for the flight of these large birds. Hooded mockingbirds, bronze fearless birds, are also endemic to the island.

In addition, visitors to the island can meet brightly colored marine iguanas, gulls, lizards, gannets and finches. And large, spacious bays attract large numbers of sea lions.

Chinese Hat Island

The island got its name - “Chinese Hat” for a reason. It is connected with its unusual shape, which looks very similar to the inverted traditional Panama hat, customary to wear in the provinces of China. But you can only see the “headdress” if you look from the northern side of the island.

Geologically, the “Chinese Hat” was formed relatively recently, as a result of the activity of numerous active volcanoes archipelago. It is located in the southeast of the island of Santiago.

On the island's beaches you can get a great tan, enjoy swimming and scuba diving. From the shore of the “Chinese Hat” the neighboring island is clearly visible. Santiago, with its beautiful volcanic landscape, and Galapagos penguins frolicking in the coastal waters.

Genovesa Island

Genovesa Island is the northeasternmost island of the Galapagos archipelago and covers an area of ​​only 14 square kilometers. The island has no permanent residents or tourist buildings, making it best place for observing wildlife.

Most of the inhabitants of the island are birds, including entire colonies of seagulls and phaetons. There are also different types of gannets, owls, frigate birds and others. In addition, on the island you can find sea lions, fur seals and iguanas. Diving activities are also available. Another attraction of the island is the road to the top of the mountain, which is called "Prince Philip's Steps".

Isabella Island

Isabella Island. was named after the Queen of Spain. It is the largest island of the Galapagos Islands. The discoverer of the island was Christopher Columbus.

The island's area is about 4,640 square kilometers, its length is 100 kilometers, and its shape resembles that of a sea horse. On this moment There are five young active volcanoes on the island, two of which are located on the Equator.

The island is very rich in its flora and fauna. It is amazing a nice place! Marine iguanas, penguins, crabs, pelicans, Galapagos tortoises, gannets and other inhabitants live here. From the island you can watch the Galapagos whales, of which there are 16 species.

The local population of the island is only about 2,200 people. This area is the country's most important nature reserve because more than 60 percent of its flora and fauna species are concentrated here.

North Seymour Island

North Seymour is one of the islands of the Galapagos archipelago, it is not at all large and is favorite place nesting seabirds: frigatebirds, gannets and gulls. Of course, the islands are also home to traditional Galapagos sea lions, iguanas and fur seals, which are not disturbed even by strong waves beating against the picturesque rocky shores.

The cliffs, by the way, often give way to white sandy beaches filled with flocks of Galapagos penguins, huddling together and making massive jumps into the water in search of food. Such unusual swims annually attract crowds of tourists who film the amazing spectacle, but, of course, from a respectful distance, so as not to interfere with the fragile natural ecosystem.

The island is surrounded by a 2 km long road passing through a place considered biggest point nesting frigate birds. By the way, local birds are practically not afraid of people. However, tourists there walk exclusively along special paths, accompanied by guides, but sometimes the birds themselves come out onto these paths and stop at arm’s length.

San Cristobal Island

San Cristobal is the easternmost of the Galapagos Islands. The center of the island is the city of the same name, where one of the two main airports in the region is located, so many tourists begin their journey from here.

The island has all the conditions for tourism - developed infrastructure with many hotels, restaurants, shops and access to transport. There are also many attractions on the island, the main ones being various beaches And tourist centers. The island is home to various animals and birds - sea lions, elephant turtles, various types of gannets, iguanas, and seagulls live here. Dolphins, sharks, stingrays, lobsters and others live in the waters surrounding the island. Tourists will also be pleased with the variety of fruits that grow on the island - oranges, bananas, pineapples, lemons and other plants.

Galapagos Islands

The Pacific Galapagos Islands, belonging to the Republic of Ecuador, are also called the Turtle Islands, because in Spanish “turtles” are “galapagos”. It is not surprising that this particular animal has become a symbol of the archipelago, because a large number of giant sea turtles live here. But, of course, turtles are not the only pride of the islands. It is home to many plants and animals that cannot be found anywhere else, such as the marine iguana, endemic species of seals or the Galapagos fur seal.

So rich natural heritage There is no way to leave them unprotected, because most rare animals today are close to extinction. Galapagos National Park includes almost all the islands of the archipelago. The islands are diverse: some are covered with dense tropical vegetation, while others have a deserted “moon” landscape.

The Galapagos Islands are amazing and lovers wildlife They enjoy visiting these places to observe rare creatures and enjoy the wonderful views.

Bartolome Island

Bartolome Island is a small island of volcanic origin, with an area of ​​only 1.2 square kilometers. Despite the small size of the island, here you can see some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. Visitors can also see various animals and relax on the beautiful beaches.

The island consists of two parts, on one of which tourists can climb Pinnacle Peak, which is the most famous and popular place on the island and view the landscapes of the island from the top. In another part of the island, tourists can go scuba diving alongside sea lions, penguins and other underwater creatures. You can also observe rare green turtles that nest on the island.

Santa Fe Island

Santa Fe Island is located in the middle of the Galapagos archipelago and has an area of ​​24 square kilometers. Tourists are attracted by one of the most beautiful bays on the islands and the diversity of flora and fauna.

The island's bay is its main attraction, protected from winds and storms and attractive with its clear turquoise waters. Tourists can also see various animals living on the island and in its waters - sea lions, turtles, stingrays, iguanas and many others. Walks away from the coastline will also be interesting, where you will have the opportunity to look at various types of cacti and other exotic plants.

Plaza Sur Island

The island of Plaza Sur is part of the Galapagos Islands and belongs to Ecuador. It's even named after former president Ecuador - Leonidas Plaza. In fact, this island is one of the nature reserves and is open to tourists.

The Galapagos Islands (Islas Galápagos) or the Colon Archipelago (Archipiélago de Colón) are located in the Pacific Ocean. They are of volcanic origin and consist of 19 islands. Their total area is 8010 km 2, and their population is about 25 thousand people. The Galapagos Islands are a province of the same name in the South American country of Ecuador, separated from the mainland by 972 kilometers of ocean.

Colon's climate is divided into dry and wet seasons. From June to November the weather is cool and windy. The remaining months, considered the high season, are relatively hot and rainy. Despite its proximity to the equator, the Galapagos climate is comfortable due to the cool coastal ocean current.

Located far from civilization, the archipelago stands out for its picturesque landscapes, amazing diversity of wildlife, and excellent conditions for recreation. Warm water and excellent sandy beaches can be combined with walks along the protected islands, which are a natural zoo and botanical garden. The Galapagos Islands are very attractive for lovers of nature, animals, birds, diving and surfing. A significant part of the fauna is endemic.

History of the discovery of the islands

The Galapagos Islands appeared on the world map in the 16th century. The first European to arrive on the archipelago in 1535 was the Spanish priest and traveler Thomas de Berlanga. Heading from Panama to Peru, he and his companions lost their course. On the islands they were met by giant tortoises, which the Spaniards called galapagos (“elephant tortoises”).

For the next three centuries, the Colon archipelago actually served as the residence of pirates. In 1832 it was annexed by Ecuador. Three years later, a scientific expedition led by Charles Darwin arrived on the islands. The protected islands with rich fauna, located far from civilization, were great place for research by the future author of the theory of the origin of species.

Since 1936, the archipelago received the status national park Ecuador. In 1978 Colon was included in the UNESCO list, and in 1985 it became biosphere reserve of global significance.

List of all Galapagos Islands

Most famous islands, arranged in descending order of area:

Isabella Island

On the island of Isabela (named after the Castilian queen) is the highest volcano on Colon, Wolf - 1707 m. The diameter of the crater of another volcano, Sierra Negra, is the second largest in the world. After Volcan Chico erupted in 2005, the lava spilled out and gave the local landscape an otherworldly appearance. Not far from the Alcedo volcano there is Urbina Bay with black sandy beach. Isabela also has its own “Wailing Wall” (El muro de las Lagrimas). In the middle of the 20th century. it was built in very difficult conditions by prisoners of the correctional colony located here.

There are practically no hiking trails on this island. The small settlement of the island is home to only 2,500 inhabitants, who mainly engage in fishing. Tourism here is based only on visiting the yachts of high-ranking officials and cozy picturesque corners islands. These include a reef, next to which white sharks live, and a turtle breeding center.

Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz Island is the most populated and developed in terms of tourism. Here is the main Galapagos port, Puerto Ayora. On the road to it, on both sides there are the Los Gemelos (“Twins”) craters. Between them you can see unusual vegetation and rare species birds. The flora is represented by a giant prickly pear cactus and mangroves.

Near the port is Tortuga Bay Beach, a center for giant turtles and national park. On the island, tourists can go diving, swimming, and bird watching from a yacht. You can also explore the island on horseback or bicycle. For lovers of unexpected leisure activities, kayaking is provided.

You can stay in hotels. Moreover, the pricing policy here is varied, ranging from the cheapest economy class rooms to expensive presidential suites. From the port of Ayora you can rent a boat and start exploring the rest of the islands of the archipelago.

Darwin's largest research center is located on Santa Cruz Island. His work is aimed at preserving the nature of Galapagos. The center employs not only eminent scientists, but also students, teachers, in general, all those who are not indifferent to the environmental situation on the islands and in the world. Now one of the most important issues regarding the import of pets into the archipelago is being resolved here.

San Salvador Island

On the island of San Salvador there is another famous beach- Puerto Egas. It was formed from volcanic tuff. It is believed that black sand has healing properties for diseases of the musculoskeletal system. On San Salvador there is the only permanent source of fresh water in Colon - a lake in the crater of the El Junco volcano.

Fernandina Island

The island of Fernandina has the most active volcano Colona - La Cumbre. It "shoots" every few years. Urbina Bay is home to one of the rare coral reefs in the archipelago.

San Cristobal Island

The island of San Cristóbal represents all the diversity of the Galapagos flora - from desert to pampova (subtropical steppes). The capital of the archipelago, the city of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, is also located here. It is the second most populated area of ​​the Galapagos Islands. Here you need to visit the Museum of Interpretation, created in alliance with the Spaniards. It will tell you about the islands, their magmatic origin and natural features. There is also a small park with sea lions near the center.

Santa Maria Island

The island of Santa Maria is named after one of Columbus's caravels. Its original name was La Gallega ("The Galician"). Like Columbus's other ships, she was named after the port prostitutes the sailors liked on their way to America. Columbus had great difficulty in persuading the captain of La Gallega to change its name. The maritime belief was justified: the new name brought misfortune to the ship. Santa Maria ran aground.

Hispaniola Island

Southern volcanic island Galapagos is uninhabited.

Bartolome Island

Bartolome Island (Santiago) On one of the black shores of the island you can watch iguanas, herons, seagulls and other animals. After many walks the best way You can relax by swimming with dolphins and penguins. And having risen to the very high point islands, you will have a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape.

Fauna of the islands

The research center established on Santa Cruz, together with the International Darwin Foundation, is doing a lot of work to preserve the unique fauna and flora of the Galapagos Islands. Their main goal is to protect indigenous animals and plants from those introduced from other places, first by pirates and Spaniards, and then by South Americans.

Seemingly harmless cattle are devastating the local habitat, and cute cats have become very fond of Darwin's finches and local birds. Pigs constantly dig the ground and destroy nests of turtles, iguanas, and unique vegetation. Black rats are the enemies of small turtles. On the islands of Isabela, San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz and Floreana, the indigenous flora has practically disappeared, giving way to avocados, citrus fruits, blackberries, and guavas.

Galapagos or elephant tortoise

Among the local fauna, the most famous are elephant turtles, which give the islands their name. They reach a length of 1.8 m and weigh up to 400 kg. Their lifespan is more than a century, and in captivity - even 170 years. The turtles look befitting this advanced age. They feed on local shrubs and grasses, some of which are poisonous to other animals.

The turtles living on Colon differ in the size and shape of their shell, as well as in their relative dimensions depending on their sex. On large, humid islands, reptiles are larger and have dome-shaped shells. And turtles living on small arid islands have a saddle-shaped shell. Males are twice as large (up to 54 kg) as females.

Before the appearance of people on the archipelago, one and a half dozen subspecies with a total number of 250 thousand lived here. By 1970, their population had dropped to a figure of 3 thousand that threatened their continued existence. This was caused by human encroachment into natural habitats and the spread of pigs, goats and rats. The ability of turtles to go for months without food or drink gave rise to the barbaric use of them by sailors as “live canned food.”

By the end of the 20th century. people caught on. To reverse the negative trend, several thousand cubs raised in captivity were released onto the islands. Now the number of elephant turtles has reached 20 thousand, mainly settled on the island of Isabela, especially in the vicinity of the Alcedo volcano, and in the mountainous part of Isla Santa Cruz. However, the species continues to be classified as vulnerable.

Other fauna

The second symbol of the archipelago is the sea iguana lizards, found everywhere. The number of individuals reaches 300 thousand. They spend almost all their time in the water, and when they crawl out to bask in the sun, they begin... blowing their noses. This way they eliminate excess sea salt. The largest colony of marine iguanas on the planet can be observed on the Punta Espinoza peninsula in Fernandina. And terrestrial yellow iguanas resembling miniature dinosaurs can be seen in Urbina Bay on Isabela Island.

Galapagos penguins gravitate to the relatively colder islands of Isabela and Fernandina. Flightless (due to undeveloped wings) cormorants nest here, jumping between the rocks. Lake Lago Balthazar on Isabela is interesting because many red flamingos live on its shores. Unique Galapagos albatrosses can be observed on the island of Española.

The best place to observe large birds - the magnificent frigatebirds - is Fragata Bird Hill on the island of San Cristóbal. And on Cape Cabo Pitt all 3 species of gannets living on Colon nest.

Most fur seals live on the island of San Salvador. There are many other animals and birds here - chameleons, marine iguanas, sea lions, dolphins, turtle doves, buzzards.

Scuba diving enthusiasts will have even more encounters with animals in Colon. Many experienced divers call these islands the best place to observe the beauty of the underwater world. Here you can observe more than 300 species of beautiful colorful fish. Most of the fur seals are in the grotto on the island of San Salvador. The Corona del Diablo (“Devil’s Crown”) rocks near the island of Santa María are also popular among divers. Here you can swim close to sharks and rays, however, given the frequent underwater currents here.

Cost of a holiday in the Galapagos Islands

Russian citizens do not need a visa to visit (for up to 90 days) Colon.

How to get to the Galapagos Islands?You can only fly here. There are no direct flights from the Russian Federation to Ecuador. You must first get to one of the European capitals or to the USA (Miami), and then fly to Guayaquil. The cost of an air ticket selected on aviasales is on average 65,000 RUR.

At the local airport, tourists are charged a fee of 10 USD. From there, AeroGal, LAN and Tame airlines fly to Colon. The estimated cost of a flight lasting about two hours is 200 USD - 250 USD.

Landing takes place at one of two airports - Aeropuerto de San Cristobal or Aeropuerto Seymour, located on the islands of the same name. A one-time payment is required immediately upon arrival. resort fee 100 USD.

A common way to visit is by cruise, always starting from Santa Cruz Island. The cost greatly depends on the room class on the ship, as well as the number of days - 4.5 or 8. The price range is from 600 USD to 5000 USD.

When traveling around the islands on your own, you can take advantage of the boats that ply between the islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal. They depart twice a day. Ticket price - 25 USD - 30 USD. From the same points they organize day trips between them and to other islands. Most wide choose offers - on Santa Cruz. Here is the most high prices- up to 180 USD.

Hotel services are relatively developed in Santa Cruz, especially in the city of Puerto Ayora. Offers range from modest single rooms for 15 USD per day to apartments costing 130 USD. A wealthy company can even rent a mansion with a swimming pool and its own pier for 350 USD.

The territory of the Colon Archipelago is a protected national park. Independent travel on the islands are not welcome. As a rule, tourists are accompanied by a guide who leads them along paved paths and observation platforms.