The Galapagos consist of
13
major islands (ranging in area from 5.4 to 1,771 square miles [14 to 4,588 square km]), 6 smaller islands, and scores of islets and rocks lying athwart the Equator 600 miles (1,000 km) west of the mainland of Ecuador.
How many miles long is the Galapagos Islands?
It is approximately 129 kilometers
(80 miles) long
. Repeated volcanic eruptions helped to form the rugged mountain landscape of the Galápagos Islands. The Galápagos are best known for their diverse array of plant and animal species. Many species are endemic, which means they are not found anywhere else in the world.
How many islands do the Galapagos consist of?
The Galapagos archipelago is located about 1,000 km from continental Ecuador and is composed of
127 islands
, islets and rocks, of which 19 are large and 4are inhabited. 97% of the total emerged surface (7,665,100 ha) was declared National Park in 1959.
What is the oldest Galapagos Island?
The oldest islands are
Isla Española and South Plaza
, which are between 3 million and 4 million years old, according to Volcanic Galapagos. The islands of Darwin, Fernandina, Genovesa, Isabela, Marchena and Santiago are all approximately 700,000 years old.
How far is the Galapagos Islands from land?
The Galapagos Islands are located
600 miles away
from South America.
Why is Galapagos so special?
The Galapagos Islands are
uniquely located on both sides of the equator
in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The islands are situated at a point in the Pacific Ocean where three ocean currents collide, creating a unique area in the sea where warm and varying degrees of cold water meet.
Is Galapagos Islands safe?
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.
Is there human life on the Galapagos?
The Galapagos Population Today – Do people live on the Galapagos Islands. Currently,
four islands are inhabited
, with a total of around 30,000 inhabitants. The largest ethnic group is Ecuadorian Mestizos. In 1959, only 1,000 to 2,000 people lived on the islands, growing to 15,000 by the 1980s.
What is the most studied animal in the Galapagos?
- Galapagos Tortoises. The iconic tortoises are probably the most important species on the Galapagos Islands and the most famous. …
- Marine Iguana. …
- Galapagos Finches. …
- Galapagos Penguin. …
- Blue-Footed Booby. …
- Galapagos Sealions. …
- Magnificent Frigatebird. …
- Sally Lightfoot Crabs.
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
.
Is a trip to the Galapagos Worth It?
If you answer this question with yes, then the Galapagos are definitely a must-see destination. However, if you don’t dive or do snorkeling, then I would say that
the Galapagos are not worth the trip
, unless you’re an absolute fanatic about sea-lions, tortoises and iguanas (or volcano landscapes).
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.
What is the best month to go to the 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.
What is Galapagos famous for?
It is approximately 129 kilometers (80 miles) long. Repeated volcanic eruptions helped to form the rugged mountain landscape of the Galápagos Islands. The Galápagos are best known for
their diverse array of plant and animal species
. Many species are endemic, which means they are not found anywhere else in the world.
Why the Galapagos Islands attract tourists?
What attracts tourists to Galapagos and where do they come from? Many visitors to the Galapagos Islands are attracted to the archipelago by
its unique wildlife and stunning landscapes
. … An increasing number of tourists are learning to scuba dive in the pristine tropical waters of the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
How much does it cost to go to Galapagos?
A vacation to Galapagos Islands for one week usually costs around
$774 for one person
. So, a trip to Galapagos Islands for two people costs around $1,548 for one week. A trip for two weeks for two people costs $3,095 in Galapagos Islands.
