One of the most unique, interesting and beautiful places on earth is a group of islands off the coast of South America. Called the Galapagos Islands, they are home to the largest collection of unique species on the whole planet. No where else will you find such flora and fauna unique only to this location. Galapagos tours give you the chance to experience this fascinating and unmatched part of our beautiful planet Earth.
Let's start with the basics. The Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador, though most people think of them as being their own country. However, they do belong politically to Ecuador and are located a little over 600 miles from the Ecuadorian coast.
Each island is actually a volcano that has risen out of the ocean. In fact, the Galapagos Islands are thought to be one of the most volcanically active places on the planet. This no doubt has played a part in the unique development of the area. The oldest island shows it has been above water for 4 million years. However, the area is still volcanically active and smaller islands continue to rise slowly.
Though the Galapagos Islands first showed up on a map in 1570, they weren't actually mapped individually until much later. Early on, they were a common hiding out place for pirates and other outlaws. English pirates in particular utilized the Islands as a place to stash stolen Spanish trade galleons.
In the late 1700s, the Islands were used for a whaling outpost. Explorers were killing tortoises for food as well as sending them on ships for food on the voyage. Hunters also killed thousands of seals in order to skin them for their fur. Today, the effect of these massacres is still evident in the decreased number of species and animals.
Charles Darwin brought the Galapagos Islands fame in the 1800s when he was greatly inspired by the unique animal and plant life present. Islands in general present interesting and unique examples of life on earth, but the Galapagos Islands are possibly the densest collection of unique species that are found no where else on earth.
In the 20th century, the Ecuadorian government realized these amazing islands needed protection from humans. Today it is a National Park. However, it is also home to 15,000 people whereas it was discovered uninhabited. Conservancy continues to be an ongoing struggle as the natural animals and plants suffer from sharing space with humans.
You won't be disappointed by Galapagos tours. They let you get up close and truly immersed in the magic of the Islands. When you go, however, make sure you find eco friendly tour companies so the Islands are healthy for years to come.
Let's start with the basics. The Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador, though most people think of them as being their own country. However, they do belong politically to Ecuador and are located a little over 600 miles from the Ecuadorian coast.
Each island is actually a volcano that has risen out of the ocean. In fact, the Galapagos Islands are thought to be one of the most volcanically active places on the planet. This no doubt has played a part in the unique development of the area. The oldest island shows it has been above water for 4 million years. However, the area is still volcanically active and smaller islands continue to rise slowly.
Though the Galapagos Islands first showed up on a map in 1570, they weren't actually mapped individually until much later. Early on, they were a common hiding out place for pirates and other outlaws. English pirates in particular utilized the Islands as a place to stash stolen Spanish trade galleons.
In the late 1700s, the Islands were used for a whaling outpost. Explorers were killing tortoises for food as well as sending them on ships for food on the voyage. Hunters also killed thousands of seals in order to skin them for their fur. Today, the effect of these massacres is still evident in the decreased number of species and animals.
Charles Darwin brought the Galapagos Islands fame in the 1800s when he was greatly inspired by the unique animal and plant life present. Islands in general present interesting and unique examples of life on earth, but the Galapagos Islands are possibly the densest collection of unique species that are found no where else on earth.
In the 20th century, the Ecuadorian government realized these amazing islands needed protection from humans. Today it is a National Park. However, it is also home to 15,000 people whereas it was discovered uninhabited. Conservancy continues to be an ongoing struggle as the natural animals and plants suffer from sharing space with humans.
You won't be disappointed by Galapagos tours. They let you get up close and truly immersed in the magic of the Islands. When you go, however, make sure you find eco friendly tour companies so the Islands are healthy for years to come.
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