Environmental conditions make the Galápagos a unique island ecosystem. The Galápagos Islands are located near the equator, yet they receive cool ocean currents. This makes for a strange mix of tropical and temperate climates. For most of their history,
the islands have been extremely isolated.
Are the Galapagos Islands geologically active?
Isabela was formed when six volcanoes joined above sea level. Geologically, the Galapagos Islands are
quite young
, probably no more than five million years old. Some of the westernmost islands, which are the most volcanically active, may only be hundreds of thousands of years old and are still being formed today.
What are the geographical conditions of the Galapagos Islands?
The Galápagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, about a thousand kilometers (600 miles) west of Ecuador, have a peculiar climate,
tropical and semi-arid
, with a hot, relatively rainy season from January to May and a cool, dry, cloudy, and misty season, from July to November.
Are the Galapagos Islands uninhabited?
Many are surprised to know the Galapagos are
indeed inhabited
. Even though the archipelago is a National Park, some of the biggest islands are not only home to the Galapagos flora and fauna, but to humans.
Are the Galapagos Islands a tourist destination?
There's no bad time to visit
the Galápagos Islands. No matter when you go, the adventure is sure to be unique and wonderful. June through December are the cooler and drier months. Even though this is the dry season, a garúa (or light, misty rain) is still possible, particularly in December.
What is the best month to go to Galapagos?
The best time to visit the Galápagos Islands is from
December to May
. Though the Galápagos is beautiful year-round, these months offer temperatures ranging from the low 70s to mid-80s, making pleasant conditions for hiking and wildlife-spotting.
Are the Galápagos Islands safe?
Is the Galapagos Safe To Visit?
The Galapagos is an extremely safe travel destination
. very little crime occurs in the islands and because tourism plays an important role in the economy of the islands and the Galapagos National Park, strict rules are in place when it comes to migrating to the islands.
Do humans live on Galapagos?
Where do people live in Galapagos and how is the population growing?
Only four of the archipelago's thirteen major islands have human populations
: Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela and Floreana.
What language do they speak in the Galapagos Islands?
The official language of the Galapagos Islands is
Spanish
.
Who owns Galapagos?
Galapagos Islands, Spanish Islas Galápagos, officially Archipiélago de Colón (“Columbus Archipelago”), island group of the eastern Pacific Ocean, administratively a province of
Ecuador
.
How long is the boat ride from Ecuador to Galapagos?
It takes
3 or more days by sea
to reach the Islands. The boat sailing to the Islands from mainland Ecuador usually lacks the comforts found on cruise ships and touring yachts, most likely it is a cargo boat.
Why Galapagos Islands attract tourists?
Many visitors to the Galapagos Islands are attracted to the archipelago by
its unique wildlife and stunning landscapes
. … Giant tortoises, iguanas and Galapagos penguins are very popular species to spot and the wealth of birdlife also make the Islands a hotspot for ornithologists.
What airlines fly to Galapagos Islands?
At the time of writing, there are three airlines flying to Galapagos,
TAME the Ecuadorean airline
(www.tame.com.ec), LAN the Chilean airline (www.latam.com) and Avianca the Colombian airline (www.avianca.com).
When should you not go to the Galapagos?
There's never a bad time to visit the Galápagos. The peak season lasts from
mid-June through early September
and from mid-December through mid-January.
How many days should I spend in Galapagos?
In sum, you virtually lose 1.5 days just traveling into and out of Galapagos! That's why we always recommend the bare
minimum of 5 days
to adequately experience the Galapagos and strongly recommend 7 days to get an even greater and more comprehensive sense of the Galapagos' diversity and otherworldly landscapes.
Why are Galapagos cruises so expensive?
The Ecuadorian Air Force flies most of the air freight to the Galapagos and they charge close
to $1 per kilo
. … Then too, the cost of land is higher in the Galapagos.
