No matter how surprising it sounds, but there are no indigenous people in the Galapagos Islands. They live here mainly Ecuadorian metises - descendants of Spanish colonists and the South American Indians who arrived here from the mainland in the second half of the last century.

And even earlier, English pirates were well felt here in the breaks between the robbers - the islands for a long time after the discovery remained unoccupied: they were too far they were located from the continent (the distance between the archipelago and Ecuador and Ecuador constitutes a hundred kilometers). An important role was also played by the fact that the Galapagos Islands do not have almost no sources of fresh water.

Yes, and now the population is small and does not exceed 30 thousand people who live only on five islands: Balter, Isabelle, San Cristobal and Santa Cruz, which is only 3.3% of the total territory of the archipelago, while the islands are only Partially - in the center or on the coast, near the marins.

Galapagos Islands from thirteen large islands, six - small and hundred seven rocks and worm areas (the total area of \u200b\u200bGalapagos is about 8 thousand km²). There is an archipelago in the Pacific, and is the province of the state Ecuador (located from it 972 km to the west). If you carefully look at the Galapagos Islands on the map (they are from 1 ° 40 's. Sh. Up to 1 ° 36' y. Sh., And from 89 ° 16 'up to 92 ° 01' z. D.), Then you can Related that in their form they resemble a pentagon.

The Galapagos Islands found at the beginning of the XVI century, when the ship of the Panaman Bishop of Thomas de Berborg accidentally deviated from the course. Recently, scientists find out that the South American Indians visited here much earlier, since they found the remains of dishes and other traces of human activity.

Galapagos and volcanic activity

Like almost all archipelagoes formed at a large distance from the continent, Galapagos islands have volcanic origin, because they were formed in the cross-fled region, which dissets the East Pacific Raising.

Along this crack (from the west to the East), volcanoes appeared, and after some time, about 5-10 million years ago, a volcanic plateau was formed on one of the plots, and on it - the Galapagos Islands having a complex configuration, winding , stony shores, and under water - a huge amount of coral reefs.

Some local volcanoes are still valid. For example, the most active of them, Sierra Negra, located on the island of Fernandin since 1813, everacted more than twenty times.

As people here do not live, his eruptions are dangerous only for the flora and fauna. Another active volcano, Wulf, which is located on Isabella Island, erupts less often and is the highest point of the archipelago: its height is 1707 m.

Climate Galapagossa

The climate of the archipelago primarily affects oceanic flows and winds. Despite the fact that the Galapagos Islands are located near the Equator, because of the wake-up of the cold Peruvian flow archipelago, the climate is much more cool here than in other areas of these latitudes: the average annual temperature is about 24 ° C (the hottest months is from December to June). Here, as in other equatorial areas, there are two seasons: rain (from December to April) and dry (from July to October).

Life of the archipelago

Such significant remoteness from civilization could not not affect the wildlife of the archipelago - it is so unique and interesting that it is no longer found in any other place of the world.

That is why in the 80s of the last century, the aqueous space around the islands was announced by the "marine environmental zone" (it should be noted that in its size it is inferior only Barrier Rifa.Located near the coast of Australia), and UNESCO declared a biosphere reserve by the National Park, which is located on the square of almost 700 hectares.

And not in vain, because about sixty species of birds live in the Galapagos Islands, half of which are endemics, in ocean depths there is not only a huge number of the most diverse species of fish, but also a lot sea Lviv, catikov, acne, rods, dolphins, huge flocks (about 300 individuals) float hammers sharks.

Despite its proximity to the equator, here you can see representatives of not only the tropical, but also the Antarctic world of wildlife - Moss is growing near Lian, the parrots fly over the heads of the Galapagos penguins, and the dolphins float next to the seals. Some animals have long become the symbols of the Galapagos Islands.

Penguins from Equator

Galapagos Penguins are the only type of penguin in the world, which feels quite comfortable in the area of \u200b\u200bthe equator. These birds live mainly on Islands Islands and Fernandina, but nest in caves and lava voids.

Since the Galapagos Islands for Penguins have a very hot and dry climate to survive, this amazing birds had to adapt. First of all, it was displayed:

• On their sizes - Galapagos Penguins are considered the most small penguins in the world: the growth of adult bird is 50 cm, and it weighs about 2.5 kg;
• No more than 2 thousand individuals live here here (and the population of them is reduced every year), and therefore these birds are considered the most small view of the family and are even listed in the Red Book;
• In the way of life - the day, when the air temperature reaches its maximum indicators, Galapagos Penguins are sitting in water (avoid it only during a molting, coming before the start of the breeding season), and go to the shore at night when it becomes cool.

Elephant turtles

The Galapagos Turtle lives in the territory of the unique reserve - the largest turtle on Earth, which is considered one of the most long-lived vertebrate animals of the world: in the wild, the Galapagos turtles are able to live more than a hundred years, and in captivity they live even longer.

For example, the oldest famous Turtle Turtle Henriette from the Australian Zoo, recently turned 175 years old (despite the fact that the exact date of the birth of this reptile is unknown, its approximate age was determined using DNA tests). IN this moment Galapagos Islands have twelve out of fifteen subspecies of these reptiles:

1. Smaller whose weight ranges from 30 kg in females to 50 kg in males, have long and thin legs, a long neck and a saddle-shaped shell, which allows in case of danger, to be embedded in vegetation and hide in it. Prefer to live on small islands, where lowlands are dominated and a dry climate;
2. Larger, weighing from 200 to 400 kg (the difference between males and females is not so significant as in small species), have a short neck, a dome-shaped shell, the length of which is from 120 to 180 cm. Live they prefer on large islands, in Alpine areas with a wet climate.

In the previous century, the population of these animals has decreased significantly. The main reason is of course, people, since the Galapagos Turtle is able to live for several months without food and water, the navigators took them with themselves as "alive canned foods." If in the XVI century, their population has numbered 250 thousand individuals, in 1970 - only 3 thousand.

Recently, due to the kids grown in captivity, the number of this type of skulls increased somewhat and approximately estimates is about 19 thousand copies.

G8OFQ will be re-active from Isabella Islands, Galapagos Islands from August 1 to October 31, 2017 Call sign HC8 / G8OFQ.
It will work on the ranges of 160 - 6m and also 2m and 70 cm bands through SSB satellites.
QSL through home call sign, Lotw, Clublog.
QTH Locator - EI49MB.
Address for QSL Direct:
Geoff Dobson, 9 Fitzpain Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 8RZ, United Kingdom.

According to the G8OFQ, the expedition on the reasons independent of it is postponed indefinitely.

Isabella Island - Galapagos Archipelago National Park

Isabella is the largest territory of the Galapagos archipelago of 100 km. Although the island and inhabit, but the population here is not a few and you can feel the real solitude or union with nature, which is represented by the most incredible inhabitants both land and underwater. By the way, if you look at this island from the height, you can clearly see the outlines of the sea skate.

And what about the turtles?

The famous giant galapagos turtles are regularly sailed to the island, but there are also those who live directly in this area and spend all their time in the mud crater volcanoes. By the way, they are five on Isabelle. Moreover, two of them are simply at the equator. In the water area you can watch the marine giants - Galapagos whales, which are often dumping from the water and please the observers of their friendliness. There is an opportunity to see and quite ordinary animals, but with unusual additions. For example, Iguanas are superbly floating and spend a lot of time in water, and the cormorants do not know how to fly. They slowly walk along the banks of the penguins, and in the settlements you can find sea lions, which are roaming on the island as homeless dogs everywhere. Underwater residents are also affected by their diversity. In coastal reef formations sharks swim, fish-surgeons, marble rivals, giant manta and, of course, sea skates.

Why Isabella?

The name is the island in honor of the Queen of Spain, and he gave his discoverer of this land - Christopher Columbus, who in search of India came across these shores. The story also indicates the date - 1836, when Captain Abel-Ober Dupeti-Tuar arrived here. It is believed that Isabella he opened the second time. For a long time the territory was a little-seated, but today there are some small and one large-scale city - Puerto Villamil. He was founded in 1897 Antonio Gil. Then the population barely numbered 1000 people, but in the 21st century it increased dramatically to almost 30 thousand. Settlement is not part of national Reservewho declared the rest of Isabella. Local residents live more modestly, there are no special luxury on the island, but the untouched exotic nature, which UNESCO recognized the biosphere environmentally friendly zone, and which is 60% of the entire flora and the fauna of the archipelago.

The most amazing places that cannot be forgotten!

The main thing is that he wants to see every tourist who came to the island - volcanoes. The largest of them is Sierra Negra. The last eruption was in 2005. Tourists climb here both through the pedestrian trail and horses. You can see many lava rivers and lakes and even a waterfall from Lava. Frozen, it is often collected and used for cooking, heating and even construction. Small fragments are transformed into beautiful jewelry. At the end of the way along the lifting to the volcano, it is possible to see its crater, which has parameters 7.2 x 9.3 km and a depth of up to 100 m. This is the second largest education in the world. Another famous volcano Islands - Wolf, reaching a height of 1707 m. A walk to its top usually takes up to 5 hours. It is not so active as Sierra-Negro, but for the history of its existence, several eruptions were recorded. Among other unique formations:

1. Wall of tears. This is a special place uniting natural and historical charms. The fact is that the island used to be a colony of criminals, who were forced to build a huge wall from Lava blocks in punishment. The height of the structure is 7 m, and the length is 100 m.

2. Cum of La Pearl. This is a bay behind a stone reef with perfectly transparent water. But the main feature of this place is that only here you can swim in the company of sea lions. These creatures are not completely afraid of the presence of people and can float in close proximity to them. Here leads a wooden bridge on the sides of which Iguani is constantly sleeping.

3. Santo Thomas. Here are giant coffee plantations, where about 1000 people work.

4. Turtle breeding center. In this place they help to appear in the light of a giant reptile, and some of them have been more than 100 years old. Unfortunately, there are species that did not work out from complete disappearance. Of particular fame acquired a single George - a turtle of a special type, which scientists up to the last led the best females to get offspring. But he rejected all the brides and as a result went into the world, other and not extinguishing his genus. Today, the aviary is reminiscent of him, in which other Tortyl will not take. There is a small memorial plate on which the story of George is described.

Isabella is an ideal place for those who appreciate nature in the original form in which it was originally created. The islanders are very careful and with trepidation belong to their little homeland, so they managed to preserve the special spirit of virginity and integrity, although with the "light" in the form of numerous volcanoes.

- A unique place where the most kind and extraordinary animals in the world live. And you can meet with them, stepping on the archipelago, for a few minutes, if not seconds.

Where are the Galapagos Islands

- The famous archipelago, inspired by Charles Darwin on the creation of the theory of natural selection. There are islands in a quiet window off the coast South America. On the Islands of the Archipelago with the fields of frozen lava flows, cactus forests covered with lush emerald vegetation, highlands, transparent turquoise bays and serene tropical beaches with clean white sand, live the most unique and amazing on the beauty of creating.

Those who do not know, let's say that this mysterious archipelago is located 1000 kilometers from the coast of the continental part of Ecuador. They are right on the equator line. The archipelago consists of a group of volcanic islands who have chosen, just say, not the most peaceful place to live. This is one of the most active sections of the earth's crust, at the junction of three constantly drifting tectonic plates. This young education is only 5 million years old, and - judging by recent manifestations volcanic activity - It has not yet acquired its final look. There are visible dilapidated crater, fields of frozen flows of lava and places of volcanic ash.

Galapagos Islands - Short description

The archipelago includes thirteen islands of more than 10 square kilometers, six small and more than a hundred tiny uninhabited islands. Despite the size, each island has its own unique atmosphere, landscape and a unique animal world. Many local inhabitants are endemics not only for the entire Galapagos archipelago as a whole, but also for each island separately. So what more Islands Visit, the more unique aboriginal animals can be seen.

It is not necessary to miss here: for example, one day can be observed for the digested tracks of time with elephant turtles that are slowly moving in a foggy haze of local highly. And the next - already fun to swim under water with restless sea lions in the crystal clear waters of the archipelago. Or sunbathe on black lava rocks next to the sea iguanami, similar to the descendants of prehistoric dinosaurs. Another option is to be attached not far from Galapagos Albatrosov to enjoy their wedding dances, famous for its entertainment for the whole world. During the dancing, the albatrosse is freezed with straightened wings and a fans with a tail. Then they pull the neck, cast back the head and begin to rhythmically pectinate the paws.

Beauty of the Galapagos Islands

It is almost impossible to exaggerate the wonders that make in themselves.

Here every corner - including numerous shallow water, beaches and trails - supremely friendly and inquisitive animals, so unique that even from afar, they cannot be found anywhere else all over the world. Only here you can see such unique wonders Nature, like, for example, tropical penguins, or Olushi with bright blue paws, which they seemed to be specifically painted. Here you can meet dyatlovy treewear - some of the few pi bugs using real labor tools - cactus needles, as well as males of magnificent frigates, in a marriage, like a balloon ringing their red throat bags to attract females.

The uniqueness of the archipelago also lies in the fact that in many respects it remained almost unchanged from the distant 1835, when Charles Darwin came on his land. But, unfortunately, changes are not far off. The incessant demand of Asian countries on the Guns (living in the local waters of "sea cucumbers") and the sharks of the fins led to the widespread spread of illegal poacher's fishery, empty and ruining the local life of water. The rapid growth of the flow of immigrants in combination with the seven-world economic growth rates caused an incredible influx of people who settled on the Islands of the Archipelago (today the number of permanent local population exceeds 30 thousand people who live on four different islands). But the worst thing is that they also brought a dangerous "baggage" in the form of alien mammals, insects, plants and diseases. They pose a serious threat to an incredibly fragile ecosystem of the archipelago.

But, among the most striking changes in the archipelago in recent years, an annually increasing number of tourist arriving around tourists can be attributed. Since 1991, when the archipelago has visited no more than 40 thousand tourists, the number of hunters for local attractions increased exactly 4 times and today is 160 thousand.

This led to the fact that from time to time the most popular tourist trails here are becoming so lively that they are literally not to push back from tourists as on the sidewalks of the central streets of large cities. But everything is not so bad. Despite the changes that have occurred, in the archipelago, the quiet secluded corners still have been preserved, where you can relax, and a local living nature, despite everything, remains as friendly and surprisingly located to people, as in the time of Darwin.

Galapagos: Animal World of Islands

The most interesting from the "hot tens" of animals, for which most tourists are sent to, this is: Galapagos Penguin, Galapagos Fluttering Cormorant, Galapagos, Galapagos Albatross, Magnificent Frigate, Darwinov, or Earth, Reuses (any of all 13 species), ivory, Or Giant Galapagos, Turtle, Sea Iguana, Galapagos Sea Lion and Marine Cat. All the rest of living critic is welcome as a pleasant bonus. All the listed animals, with the exception of the Bluebeat Olush and magnificent frigates, found almost everywhere relate to unique endemic species that cannot be seen anywhere else on Earth.

Forced to live in hot tropics, Galapagos Penguins are mainly assembled on the islands of the Western archipelago's tip, where the temperature of the water is maintained at a rather low level due to the cold currents prevailing in this area. Galapagos penguins can be seen in various places on the territory of the archipelago, but only two islands are the only districts of their reproduction - Isabel and Fernandine. In addition, these two islands are also the only nesting area of \u200b\u200bthe Galapagos non-flying cormorants. As it is clear from the name, these cormorants cannot fly, but they use their short underdeveloped wings to hold their equilibrium while jumping from the rock on the cliff. The rarest Galapagos Albatrosse nests only on the island of Espanyola, which is part of the archipelago, and more in the world (with the exception of several couples that arrange nests on the small island of Isla de la Plata, the name of which translated from Spanish means "Silver Island") located near the continental part of Ecuador). Watch these amazing birds on the island can be in the interval from April to December.

The most legendary bird inhabitants of the archipelago are earthen reels, or, as they are also called, Darwinov. As a result of its five-week stay at the "enchanted" islands of the Darwin Archipelago, suggested that at least a dozen species of rather unprecedented little paths occurring here from a single species inhabited on the continent. This assumption was based on the most important discovery in the science of that time. The basis for guesses was various forms of beak, which possessed birds, as well as their clear specialization on a specific type of food. By connecting all this together, Darwin came to the conclusion that they developed his differences in the struggle for survival to take their own niche. Therefore, one of them hunt for small insects, while others received the abundance of seeds and remained as a result of evolution.

Others, no less amazing inhabitants of the Galapagos Islands were famous for the whole world - ancient almost as a world of elephant, or giant Galapagos, turtles.

Considering the huge size of the turtles reaching 1.5 meters in length, as well as the overall impression that is created at the sight of these aspects of the annoying moss of animals with a wrinkled head hiding in the shell, and good-natured toothless ruffles, they are more like the immigrants from the prehistoric era.
It is believed that once on the islands of the archipelago, 15 different subspecies of elephant turtles lived, which differ significantly from each other in size, the form of the shell and the distribution area. However, 4 of them were extinct almost immediately after arriving at the islands of the first people (in general, the total number of their populations, which had previously established 250 thousand, today decreased to approximately 15 thousand individuals).

All giant galapagos turtles are long-livers and mostly live at least to a century of anniversary. This may mean that some who preserved to this day the turtle lived on the islands in the time of Darwin. The best places to observe the giant Galapagoski turtles, according to the generally accepted opinion, are considered the highland regions of Santa Cruz Island, the surroundings of Volcano Alfo and Isabel Island, where their largest population lives. In addition, in small quantities, they are also found on the Islands of San Cristobal, Santiago, Espanyola and Pinson.

And the list of animals that have become real symbols of Galapagos, unsurpassed sea iguanas are the only lizard in the world, carrying out most of the time in the sea. In total, in the water area of \u200b\u200bthe Galapagos Islands, according to estimates, up to 300,000 naval iguan lives, therefore, considering such a wide prevalence, there are more difficult to see them there rather than the opposite. Lazily basking in the sun after tedious dive, they take a fixed pose and "high" through the nostrils of the surplus of salt, which is so rich sea \u200b\u200bwater. So where this white foam on the faces come from.

The surrounding archipelago of the sea is incredibly rich in the brightest maritime love, so underwater swimming here promises many stunning meetings and unforgettable impressions. And this the best way Get to knowing it closer with incredibly perky sea lions that occur here almost everywhere.

Sea seals are traditionally more difficult, but on the territory of the archipelago there is still a couple of places where the meeting with them is practically guaranteed (the best of them, where these amazing creatures can be considered from a fairly close distance, of course, seals of the grotto on Santiago island) are considered.

In addition, in the archipelago water area you can also swim under water with penguins, non-flying cormorants, marine iguanami, green turtles and more than 300 species of colorful fish.

As for exclusively marine inhabitants, under water here you can observe a practically unlimited manifold: from ordinary spotted orchairs to yellow-minded fish and sharks, of which the most common certainty is a reef shark, but if you are lucky, here you can also meet dark reef rhythic sharks , Galapagos gray sharks, sharks and even elusive whale sharks.

Nevertheless, depending on who specifically, there is a desire to see, it is important not only to choose the right place, but also time, since the possibilities of observation and communicating with local animals are significantly different depending on the particular season and even the month. For example, to watch the green sea turtles put their eggs, it is possible in January. Get unforgettable impressions of swimming with "reactive" penguins in the water area of \u200b\u200bBartolome - from May to the end of September.

Humpback whales begin to tighten into the water area closer to June. From July to the end of September, it is considered the best for observing marine birds, as it comes from the peak of their annual activity. The height of the season of appearance on the light of newborns of marine lions occurs approximately in August, while they are becoming more active about November and during snorkeling ask tourists of the real heat, in general, they do not give a minute of peace. And finally, in December, cubs are hatched from eggs giant galapagos Turtles.

Galapagos Islands - Excursions, Tours

In total, there are more than 60 seats allowed for visiting and holding tourist excursions in the archipelago.

Santa Cruz (tireless)

Most rounds of Galapagos Islands take their origin on the island of Santa Cruz formed on the place of the huge extluous volcano. The island itself is located close to the archipelago's main airport on the Baltra Island, and its capital is Puerto Aior - the largest settlement in Galapaghos with the largest inhabitants.

Not far from the administrative center, the famous Research Station named after Charles Darwin, where you can deal with valuable information about the history of the island and the work on the protection ambientconducted under the direction of the International Foundation Charles Darwin. In addition, the station is implemented for feeding and preserving giant turtles, within which young representatives of this fragile appearance are derived.

But first of all, the island is known for becoming the last refuge for the most famous and ancient bachelor in the world - "Lonely George," - the inhabitant, which turned into a real legend of the archipelago, the last of the representatives of the subspecies of Abingdon Elephant Turtles, who lived on Pinta Island. In addition, inspecting the island, you can see Galapagos shepherds, not less than nine species of earthwinds, Galapagos crossbars, fiery mogids, as well as many other, no less amazing birds.

The fascinating path to the highlands of the Island of Santa Cruz, running through countless agricultural land, leads directly into the shrouded foggy forest, full of a wide variety of feathered. In addition, if you listen to a pretty, you can hear how the giant galapagos turtles are made through the thick thickets, the galapagos turtles are pierced. Pressing to help a little luck, you can even personally see one of them. You can still see the dyatlovy tree reels, fascinating representatives of the Familia family - some of the few who use the tools of labor. In fact, these seamless reels have long adapted to use the cactus needle as a tool for producing insects and larvae from wood cavities.

The impressions of snorkeling on the island of Santa Cruz also have every chance of becoming completely unforgettable. Cape Estrada and Las Bahas Beach Beach and Las Baich Beach, Although Las Grienetas Bay and Laguna Lady Grietyas are also considered to be the best places for scuba diving in the island.

Island Santa Fe (Barrington)

Located in the middle between the Islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, Santa Fe is characterized by the simplest relief compared to the rest of the neighbors in the archipelago. Thanks to the lagunas with transparent turquoise water and beaches with the smallest white sand, this island could well claim the title of an ideal model of a lost tropical paradise.

A few colonies of the Galapagos Nautical Lviv live on the island, as a result of which he is considered one of the best places for energetic dance in quiet transparent waters surrounding lagoon with these incredibly abrupt and funny animals. According to an unusual forest, consisting of 10-meter barbed pear cacti, a winding pathway passes, which often come across pale constructions of the Island of Santa Fe - endemic subspecies of the land iguan. In addition, this unique forest is considered an excellent place to observe Galapagos Knubuki, who, sitting in safety on prickly cactus, can let them go close enough. And from the sheer coastal cliffs, stunning panoramic views opens.

Florean Island (other names - Santa Maria, Charles Island) Florean is considered the oldest settlement on the archipelago, as long before the tourists here the centuries ago, pirates and kitobi loved to stop.

In the area of \u200b\u200bCape Korotran, located on the north coast of the island, there are two magnificent beach (on one of which sand is so small and clean that it can be accepted from afar), where in the period from January to May, the green sea turtles are laying off . And in a secluded limana between the beaches is hidden from a curious eye a whole colony of stunning red flamingos.

All this is the magnificence of the "Crown of the Devil" - located nearby the semi-duty volcanic cone, scuba diving in the area of \u200b\u200bwhich promises truly unforgettable impressions. Here there are all chances to get acquainted with Galapagos sea lions, green marine turtles, octopus and myriads of colorful sea fish. If you are lucky, here you can even see the hammer shark.

Also, it is also necessary to visit the post office, where for a long time there is a large wooden barrel, part-time performing the function of the improvised mailbox. Despite the fact that she was brought here by British voyages in 1793, it also uses to this day. Continuing a long tradition, tourists lower their letters into it if a person lives next to them, "a letter in the barrel is required and omitted in the mailbox on returning home.

Espanyola Island (Hood)

This distant island, located on the southeastern outskirts of the archipelago, has become the most widely known due to what is the only place nesting of rare galapagos albatrosov. In the period from April to December on the coastal cliffs of Cape Suarez, along with the Bulb Olles, approximately 12,000 pairs of albatrosov nest. On the island also nests the largest colony of the Bluewide Olush archipelago in the entire territory, and along the shore in large quantities there are marine and lava iguana. A special entertainment of the landscape gives jets of water, like geysers sprieled to a height of up to 20 meters from the designer located here.

Bay Gardner, located on the northeast coast of the island, is mostly remarkable magnificent beaches, as if swimming the smallest white sand, where the whole colony of the Galapagos Nautical Lviv lives, swimming with whom will probably deliver a lot of amazing impressions. The idyllic sandy shores of the island are the main area of \u200b\u200bthe masonry of the eggs of green sea turtles, and then in the direction of the inaccessible rock of the cortuga under water, you can meet whole constellation of bright marine fish. On the shore, squeezes, belonging to the endemic meaning of the island of Espanyola, and other unique inhabitants of the island are local Lava Iguana.

San Cristobal Island (Chatham)

In addition to the local administrative center, Puerto-Baroiso-Moreno, on the island of San Cristobal there are also several excellent places to observe the unique local fauna.

On the hill of Fregatberd Hill (which means "the hill of frigates"), you can observe magnificent and large frigates. In addition, the hill opens a magnificent view of the rebel the azure bay. Laguna El Gijunko, located in the mountainous part of the island, is noteworthy in that it is the only freshwater reservoir in the Galapagos Islands. Its surroundings are considered a great place to observe marsh birds and other local representatives of the Familia family. Truly unique place It is also Cape Pitt, located on the northeast coast of the island, where all three types of Olush live in the Galapagos Islands nest.

Sea lions, mockings - endemics of San Cristobal Island, several types of earthwinds, fiery mugs, as well as local lava iguana and their sea tribesmen.

Santiago Island (James or San Salvador Island)

Santiago Island is located at the place of crossing the crater of two volcanoes and, according to a generally accepted opinion, is considered to be the best place to observe the endemics of the archipelago - Galapagos marine seas (which, in addition to the island, are found only in a pair of other places in the archipelago). Guaranteed place for meetings with these animals is considered to be James Bay west coast Islands where in Puerto Egas whole colony marine Cotes He chose the place on the shore right behind the littoral.

The extended coastline of Puerto Egas covered with frozen lava flows, generously decorated with dilapidated, weathered rocks. Sea iguana is undressed here everywhere, and their land tribesmen in shallow water eatens seaweed, growing on the surface of the water. The coastal literlies on the island are extremely rich in various amazing gravestones, including spotted rock crabs, shells, sea sponges, four-headed sea dogs, which are endemics of the island, and many coastal birds (many completely unusual types of migratory birds have been repeatedly recorded).

Walking around the island, you can see the dyatlovy woody reels, several types of earthwinds, fiery mogids, Galapagos kanyukov and ruling, as well as many other, not less terrific birds. If you are very lucky, here you can even see the rarest mice - endemics of the island of Santiago, who for a long time were considered forever disappeared from the face of the Earth, as long as the view was not re-opened in 1997. The island is also perfect for observing other endemics - Galapagos snakes reaching the length of one meter. With frightening sizes, they are completely not poisonous.

This place is also excellent for scuba diving, including marine lions, and in case of luck - with almost elusive sea cats.

Bartolome Island

First of all, Bartolome is famous for the fact that it contains one of the most famous attractions of the Galapagos Islands - a dilapidated pointed rock of volcanic origin of the Pinot, in shape resembling an index finger.

The magnificent beach with white, crystal clear sand, stretching at the foot of the cliff, opens excellent opportunities for swimming with penguins, green sea turtles, sea lions and countless bright tropical fish.

In addition, there are many other, no less amazing animals on the island, including the Bluebell Olush, the Red Coast Phaetons, Lavova Herkels, which are less poeticly called Galapagos Green Quakes, Fire Mudchodov, Sea Iguan and incredibly bright spotted rock crabs. Having reached the far end of the beach and moving on the other side, in the marchs of the shore, you can also see the many who have not yet had time to grow up white reef rhyphic sharks, lively crowded in transparent turquoise water.

From the coast to the highest point of the island (which the locals also poetically referred to the "rock broken hearts"), located at an altitude of 114 meters, leads a huge staircase from a variety of wooden steps, surrounded by sides of hot lavam sands. To take the climbing on the high staircase is best in the morning, even before breakfast, when a refreshing coolness reigns over the island and a breathtaking panorama opens with two azure bays located at the foot.

Isabel Island (Albeemarl)

Self big Island The Galapagos archipelago, Isabel noteworthy the fact that on its territory there are six largest volcanoes, five of which to this day are valid. The highest point of the archipelago reaching 1707 meters is Wolf volcano, located in the northeast corner of the island, right on the equator line.

First of all, the island is considered an ideal place For observation of giant galapagos turtles. In total, about 10,000 of these ancient gigids live here is much larger than on other archipelago islands. Moreover, in the area of \u200b\u200beach of the five volcanoes - Sierra Negro (150 m), Sierra Asul (210 m), Darwin (305 m), Wolf (610 m) and Alfo (1520 m) - live various local subspecies of elephant turtles. The best place to observe the turtles is the highlands hubby haze in the Alfo volcano area. And although the path goes there is not enough, yet it is recommended to rise to seek these amazing creatures. Most often, the turtles can be caught in small dirty puddles in the caldera of the volcano.

Isabel is also one of the two islands of the archipelago (in addition to Fernandine), where the Galapagos penguins and non-flying cormorants are surrounding their chicks. On the west coast of the island, Elizabeth bay, which is also the owner of a major record, as the world's largest colony of Galapagos Penguins live on her shores.

The north is the urblu bay, where sea iguana and one of the largest and most striking representatives of their land tribesmen are found on the entire archipelago - Concomfort. This place is also ideal for monitoring Galapagos Penguins and Label Baklanans. In addition, it is necessary to visit the shores of the Bay of Tagus, located yet north, opposite the island of Fernandina. From here, you can climb Darwin Lake, from the shores of which the magnificent panorama of the green marine lagoon opens, as well as Darwin and Wolf volcanoes. In addition, this place also probably will like the lovers of watching birds, because in the vicinity there are quite often earthwinds, crossbars and Galapagos Knuki.

Rich with nutritious plankton Transparent turquoise waters near the west coast of Isabel Island in large quantities attract marine mammals. Most often here you can observe humpback whales and aphalin, but from time to time there are many other, no less remarkable species.

At the end of the Travel on the island, you can get no less awesome impressions of swimming with Maritime Iguanas in the area of \u200b\u200bCape Vicente-Roca, where they graze themselves through water on the endless fields of seaweed.

Fernandina Island (Narboro)

Due to their remoteness from the rest of the islands, Fernandina, located on western outskirts Archipelago, very rarely included in general tourist routesAlthough completely undeservedly. Despite the location on the far border of the archipelago, this island, rising to 1400 meters above sea level, with a stunning calder extending in a width of almost 6.5 kilometers, is no less entertaining and coloring than everyone else. In addition, this island is a place of concentration of amazing animals that have become real Galapagos symbols.

Fernandina (along with Isabelo) is one of single Islands On the archipelago, where the long-awaited offspring of Galapagos penguins and non-flying eggplanes appears. The best place in this regard is a rocky shore in the area of \u200b\u200bCape Espinosis, located on the northeast coast of the island. In addition, along the trail lying through the unusually spectacular fields flooded by the streams of frozen lava (covered in so deep cracks that short-term dexterity and maneuverability are required in the way), you can visit the whole colony of sea iguan, the number of which is dimensively measured by hundreds of individuals. This colony is mostly remarkable by the fact that it is considered the most numerous in the world.

Tower Island (Genoves)

Tower, one of the most flat islands of the archipelago, is quite removed from the center and is located almost on the northernmost outskirts of the archipelago. First of all, the island is famous for both a real ornithological paradise. The best place, on a magnificent background of which can observe thousands of seabirds, is considered to be the bay of Darwin, formed after the destruction and partial immersion under the water crater of the largest volcano on the island.

Looking aside, from the sandy beach you can go on a path, at the edges all the shank of the salt bushes and mangroves, where they arrange their nests of Bluebean and Redu-Holy Olushi, magnificent frigates and red-cooled phaetons. Here you can meet unique representatives of the local feathered world, including Galapagos gorgers, strict, large cactus and large earthworms, as well as marsh owls (which are representatives of a unique endemic subspecies). On the shores of the island, as, however, and everywhere, you can observe the omnipresent sea lions, and at times even the difficult sea cats. During diving in the water area of \u200b\u200bthe island, even hammers sharks are occasionally.

The observation platform of the "Prince Philippe Station", located east of the bay of Darwin, is great for swimming in Pangáh (small motor boats), as well as observations of the indiscreaded number of various seabirds. On the cliffs along the edges of the winding pathway from the stony steps leading to the site, they screw their nests of the Blue and Bluebell Olushi, and on the trees nearby - frigates and a huge amount of red-legged Olush. At the end of the way, there is a field covered by the streams of frozen lava, the Galapagos kachrises are circling with huge flocks (and, in contrast to the rest of the relatives around the world, they can be observed not only after the onset of twilight, but during the day). In addition, there are quite large chances to meet representatives of the rare local subspecies of marsh owls.
Journey

Ballet or San Cristobal island can be reached by plane from Quito or Guayaquil airports located in the continental part of Ecuador. Some cruise tours depart from the shores of Baltic (Pier is a 5-minute drive from the local airport). In addition, cruise ships are departed from Puerto Aiuor, the main tourist center of the archipelago, located on the island of Santa Cruz (which can be reached by ferry in 10 minutes - by bus). On the scale of the archipelago, this is a rather large and modern settlement, where there is a bank with ATMs, taxi, cafes, a cinema and a wide range of accommodation options in numerous local hotels for the convenience of local residents and tourists.

The most convenient and economical way to study the Galapagos archipelago is a cruise on a ship or a boat with a settlement on board. When choosing such a route, each night is to sail to the next stop, and in the afternoon there are several landings (this is only a general scheme, options here are unlimited). For two weeks, such a cruise can be visited by most of the most curious places on the archipelago (including the most remote islands).

During most cruises, landing on the shore are held twice a day, which means that in 10 days of such a journey you can commit 20 extortations, 10 - 20 times to sneak in local waters and pay several times on the motor pangs, having visited ten different islands of the archipelago. In order to avoid crowders with other groups of tourists, as well as to catch the peak of animal activity, you need to try to disembark as soon as possible. During excursions in all places of stops, tourist groups must accompany a qualified zoologist.

Alternatively, you can stay on one of the islands of the archipelago and make daily excursions. Various accommodation options for tourists are presented in hotels on the Islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Florean and Isabel. Several travel agencies on the islands offer one-day excursions with visiting various places of the archipelago.

Tourist season

Whatever goes to the Galapagos Islands, the trip will probably be to extremely successful, regardless of the season, since each time of the year has its undoubted advantages and pleasant bonuses.

The hot and wet season with a small amount of precipitation (passing time tropical rains) continues from December to May (the most hot and wet months are traditionally Mart and April). At this time, the water of the surrounding archipelago seas is usually more calm and transparent (excellent visibility under water is observed at this time at a depth of 20 - 25 meters), so this time is considered to be the best for diving and scuba diving (water temperature during the season in the season The average is about 26 seconds).

The cooler, dry season with rather strong winds (from time to time intermitted with small frost and fog) continues from June to November. At this time, the water temperature in the sea is reduced to 19 s, and visibility can be considered satisfactory only at a depth of 10 - 15 meters). At this time, the highest waves are also observed in the archipelago area, which may make it difficult to disembark into individual islands.

There are in the Pacific from the Western banks of Ecuador, which is located in the north-west of South America. The archipelago includes several dozen small islands of volcanic origin.

Galapagos Islands - Object number 1 in the list World Heritage UNESCO. Galapagos is the only locality in the world, where 98% of the representatives of the animal and plant worlds are endemic.

The name of Galapagos Islands received due to their shape, resembling water turtles living here.

Galapagos consists of 13 major volcanic islands, 6 small islands and 107 rocks and woven territories. It is believed that the first island was formed 5-10 million years ago as a result of tectonic activity. The youngest Islands - Isabel and Fernandina - so far at the formation stage, the last volcanic eruption was observed in 2005.

The archipelago covers the area of \u200b\u200bonly 8010 square meters. km, and live there just over 25,000 people. The archipelago is part of Ecuador. This little archipelago is considered a miracle of the world because on these isolated from the mainland of the islands, they managed to survive animals of the prehistoric era: the elephant turtle, the sea iguana is the only sea lizard, Galapagos sea seals, Galapagos Penguin, a number of bird species and other animals.

Many animals living on the islands have passed their special way of development. These islands are peculiar paradise for a number of animals, including for turtles. There are many endemic species on the islands, both among animals and among plants on land and in the coastal part of the ocean. That is why this archipelago is a miracle of light.

North Seymour Island

North Seymour Island is a very small in the archipelago. This island is favorite a place in the nesting of seabirds of frigates, eyles and chaps. Sea lions live, iguana and sea seals.

On the rocky coast there are small beaches on which Galapagos Penguins live. Penguins are sometimes going to the flocks and arrange mass jumps into the water. This spectacle attracts many tourists. On the island there is the largest point of nesting birds of frigates.

Yellow land iguana

Galapagos Penguins

Birds frigate

The male bird frigate to attract the attention of females inflates the air bag. The more bag - the greater the chances of being noticed and that the female flew into his nest.

Interestingly, the period for the surgery of chicks in the frigates lasts about a year! In the absence of predators, such a long period of surveillance is necessary for natural population regulation.

Bloused Olusha

The very name of the Olushi occurred from the Spanish Bobo (which means "stupid" or "clown"), due to the fact that the Blueboy Olushi, like other naval birds, clumsy on land. Nevertheless, in the air, cinema flares are strong and dexterous pilots, and in search of food can dive into water from a high height.

Bluebeat's Bluebery is large and pretty comical in appearance of sea birds, instantly recognizable in brightly blocked paws.

During the cavity of the Bluewall, the halter haltering flashes flashes its blue paws before the partner, trying to impress. During the dance, he spreads his wings, lifts up the tail and keeps his legs on the ground. To consolidate the effect, it raises the branches from the ground for the future nest. Most birds are monoga, but there are also bigamous unions.

Isabella Island

Isabella - very large Island Archipelago, and the third population - about 3,000 people live on it.

The main advantage of the island is a long beautiful beach, along which small hotels were lined up in a row. All other islands hotels are removed from the coastline.

The atmosphere on the island is amazing soulful. Locals are friendly and sociable.

On the island of only one asphalt road, and many residents go barefoot. The island is completely safe, no one fastens bikes, does not close at home, you can safely leave things on the shore and go swimming, for example.

The island is created in order to just sit on the sand and look into the distance to lie in a hammock to drink blackberry juice and do nothing.

The most numerous inhabitants of the island are sea iguana. This is the world's only look Iguan, who can swim.

Each morning, thousands of reptiles are slowly crawling out of the water on land and spread around the island.

It is possible to stumble upon them everywhere - on the beach, in the port, in restaurants, in coastal hotels. They are arranged in the sun and warm.

Young individuals and females when the person approaches, as a rule, they immediately run away, and large males do not respond at all to the presence of people, if they do not attack them on the tail. They communicate the iguani among themselves - nodes and shoes heads. With all its monstrous appearance, Iguana is completely harmless and feed on exclusively by algae.

The sunsets on Isabella Island are insanely beautiful - because of the Sierra Negra volcano, whose slopes are harvested around their clouds every night.

Giant Galapagos Turtles (elephant turtles), which gave the name of the archipelago, can be viewed on all the inhabited islands.

In the wild, they no longer live, because the pets delivered by the person were waiting for all the turtles by entering their eggs.

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

Sea iguana

Giant Galapagos Turtles (Elephant Turtles)

Espanyola Island.

The island is also known under the name Hood. Espanyola island received in honor of Spain. The island area 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. It is also the southernmost island. The remotence of the island from the rest of the group contributes to a large number of endemics on the island and adaptability to natural resources Islands. Iguana on Espanyole appear only during the marriage season.

Galapagos Albatross (PhoeBastria Irrorata) lives here - a rare species of birds. The steep cliffs of the island are perfectly suitable for the takeoff of these large birds, which eat off the coast of Ecuador and Peru.

On Espanyola there are two visitors sites. Gardner Bay has nice beach and place for swimming and diving. In the area of \u200b\u200bPunta Suarez, you can watch wildlife With a large variety of local fauna.

Sea lions

Galapagos Albatros

Florean or Santa Maria Island

The island received its name in honor of the first President of Ecuador Juan José Flores, during the reign of which the Galapagos Islands entered the jurisdiction of Ecuador. The island is also called Santa Maria, in honor of one of Karavel, Christopher Columbus. Island Area 173 km², high-point 640 m above sea level. This island was settled in one of the first and his rather rich history. From December to May, Flamingo and green sea turtles nest on the island. Here the Hawaiian Typhoonnik will also nest (Pterodroma Phaeopygia) - a private bird, most of his life, spent away from the shore. In the "Crown of the Devil", there is an underwater volcanic cone and coral formations.

Santa Maria is the southernmost island, characterized by a warmer and dry climate. All go here for beautiful beach White sand.

Flamingo.

Green sea turtles

Hawaiian Typhoonnik

Santa Cruz Island or Indefathagal

This is the most populated archipelago island. Its area is 986 km², the most high Point 864 m. The name of the island in Spanish means "Holy Cross". On the island there is the largest settlement of the archipelago of the city of Puerto Aiuor. Here are also the head of the National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station. At the station there is a center of breeding turtles before the release of them on the will. A rich vegetation grows on the tops of the island and there are famous tunnels consisting of lava. On the island also a large population of turtles. In the Black Turtle Bay, surrounded by mangram, sea turtles, rods and small sharks are often mate. On the island there is a lagoon with flamingos having a name "Serro Dragon".

Santa Cruz is a real find for lovers water species Sports. Diving, scuba diving, yachting - here every amateur of water sports will find a lesson in the soul.

Lava Tunnel

Rabida or Jerwis Island

Named in honor of the monastery, where Christopher Columbus left his son before his journey to the shores of America. The island area is 4.9 km² and it is considered the geological center of the archipelago. Famous sandy red beaches.

The island is located at an altitude of 367 meters above sea level. Another name is Jervis (Jervis), but the Ecuadorians call the island of the slaughter. Characteristic feature - red sandy beaches, enjoying the great love of tourists. The unusual color gives the combination of volcanic soil with iron oats contained in it in large quantities.

Bakut trees grow on Rabid Island. In a small lagoon with salty water near the coast, a bobbing tilok. In the lagoons nest brown pelicans. If you visit the west coast, you can observe a numerous colony of sea lions.

Until recently, flamingos lived there, but due to lack of food they were transferred to other islands. On the island there are nine types of reels.

Brown pelicans

Galapagos Vyyrki

During around the world travel Charles Darwin described 13 species of reels that live in the Galapagos Islands. It was the observation of these birds that Darwin came across the idea of \u200b\u200borigin of species at the expense of variability and natural selection. It is clear that only one type of reels, which was then changed by a dozen different ways, was initially here. None of the mainland and on any continental island there is no such sharp predominance of reels in Ornithofaun.

All Galapagos Reuses come from a general ancestor, accidentally falling here from South America.

Blessed scytime

Highlights

Sleeping iguana Galapagos Islands - Paradise Archipelago in the Pacific Ocean

The total area of \u200b\u200bthe islands - 8010 km², the population of the Colon Archipelago (this is the second name of Galapagos) is a little more than 25 thousand people. Fame region brought primarily the wealth of a local biosphere landscape. Nature itself took care to turn the territory of the Galapagos Islands, located away from civilization, to a real oasis, comparable to paradise on Earth. Despite the proximity of the equator, it does not observe the exhausting heat, and all due to the surrounding cold flow. The average annual temperature on the galapaghos varies within 23-24 degrees, although it is hotter. About such conditions in which it is easy and comfortable to relax, you can only dream!

And the possibilities for recreation in the Galapagos Islands are opened by a variety of. In the morning and in the afternoon, tourists prefer to sunbathe under the affectionate rays of the local sun. With the onset of the evening, there is marching them in cafes, restaurants and other entertainment institutions. During the rest, guests Galapagosov get acquainted with natural attractions, which are very much here: these are bays, beautiful bays, majestic rocks, capes, formidable volcanoes and, of course, rich vegetable and animal world. The latter is especially impressive: for several days and even a couple of weeks - depending on the duration of the holidays - each tourist involuntarily becomes both Botany, and a zoologist, and an ornithologist. Travelers with interest are studying the local nature and animals, are watching their growth and development in a natural environment.

Sea cat sails through a flock of fish at the island of Santa Cruz

Excursion to the history of the archipelago

Map of Galapagos Islands

If there were no tectonic activity in the Pacific Day, which had about 8 million years ago, then no islands would most likely come here. Nevertheless, they were formed, and after some time were populated with ancient people. However, direct evidence was preserved for this, scientists are judged by only indirect data.

The priest of the Spanish origin Thomas de Bergang became the first European, which was held on their blessed land. This happened in March 1535, and completely accidentally. He went by sea from Panama to Peru, but accidentally deviated from the course and "wandered" on this, it would seem like a forgotten archipelago. The invalid discoverer and his satellites saw the giant turtles here, whose name in Spanish in the plural sounded as "Galapagos" (in translation - "elephant turtles"). So the detected islands appeared the name, and they were listed on the then Map of the world.

Image of giant galapagos or elephant turtles (Galapagos) Charles Darwin - English Naturalist and Traveler, founder of evolutionary teaching

The Spaniards successfully colonized the Galapagos Islands, but for a long time they did not consider them as suitable for a full residence. Almost the entire period of foreign dominion, pirates were hidden here, which made the ships on the ships nearby nearby. On February 12, 1832, the archipelago changed sovereign: it was annexed by Ecuador. Three years later, an expedition landed here, which contained the future author of the theory of the evolution of Charles Darwin. Together with Robert Fitzroy and other young naturalists, he deeply explored the islands.

In 1936, the government declared Galapagos by the National Park and took them under their protection. During the Second World War, American Airborne Base was located on Biltract Island, patrolling the ocean for the detection of enemy submarines and carried out the protection of the Panama Canal. After 1945, the United States passed the property of the object by the Government of Ecuador, who posted there its own military base there.

Port of Puerto Ayor on the island of Santa Cruz, 1945 Tour Heyerdal - Norwegian archaeologist, traveler and writer

In 1953, the famous archaeologist and writer Tour Heyerdal, who was searching for the heritage of the Incans, arrived at the Galapagos Islands, and after a decade, traces of activity of this Indian people were still discovered. On February 18, 1973, the leadership of the Republic announced the creation of the province of the same name at the Galapagos Islands with the capital in Puerto-Buryo-Moreno, while Puerto Ayor is the most densely populated city of the region. In 1978, UNESCO introduced a colon archipelago to the World Heritage List, and in 1985 he was declared worldwide biosphere Reserve. In 1986, the status of the marine environmental zone was assigned the environmental water area. Its area is 70 thousand square meters. km, and in this indicator, it is inferior only to the Australian Big Barrier Rifu.

Galapagossky national Park was founded in 1959

The Ecuadorian state pays great attention to the preservation of the natural attractions of the Galapagos Islands. The area of \u200b\u200bthe created National Park covers 97.5% of the territory. Educated in 1959 in Brussels (Belgium) The Darwin International Foundation for its part also guarantees the preservation of the unique system of Galapagos and in every way supports scientific research performed here. To this end, in 1964, at one of the islands - Santa Cruz, a special research station was created. First of all, researchers have struggled for the "purity" of local flora and fauna. They conducted a lot of work on the removal of the so-called "non-vertical" (brought) animals and plants, at the same time amazing the protection of indigenous species.

Panorama of Galapagosov

Animal world of Galapagos Islands

I get acquainted with the fauna of the Galapagos Islands, they are unwittingly wondering how so many animal species could gather in one place, and the most diverse. To present in one article of all, of course, it is impossible, so we will talk about the most famous factories that have become real pets.

If you make a kind of rating of the most popular of them, the first lines in it will take the already mentioned giant ivory turtle, which has gone to the archipelago, Galapagos Penguin, Galapagogaya Olusha, magnificent frigate, Galapagos Flawless Cormorant, Earth, or Darwin Reuses, Sea Cat, Galapagos Sea Lion . These animals belonging to endemic species are found on the islands almost every step. They are unique without exaggeration, because nowhere else is impossible on Earth.

Dolphins at Isabella Island Penguins in the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos penguins behave, in which the genes of Antarctic fellows clearly speak, as they are constantly looking for themselves the cooler. These are the islands in the western part of Galapagos, where the temperature of the water due to the predominance of cold ocean flows is slightly lower. However, Penguins have been well adapted and can meet here in different places, but for some reason, only on the islands of Fernandina and Isabella and at any other are multiplied. These territories, besides, are the only ones where non-flying cormorants nest. They are called so no longer: due to the weak development of the wings, these birds are not able to fly, but without losing equilibrium, they are well jumping from the rocks on the rock.

Galapagos Albatros Naboka Olususha

Galapagos Albatrosy also chose a place for nesting, namely Espanyol Island: this rarest look can only be observed here and more anywhere in the world. If your vacation is for the interval from April to December, and you will visit this part of the archipelago, you can watch exotic birds live. Earth reels, on the contrary, are very common, but they are rightly called the most legendary. Charles Darwin, when he worked on the Galapagos Islands, carefully examined representatives of all species of these little birds, suggested that they have a common progenitor. To such a discovery, very important at that time, the father of evolutionary theory pushed the various form of their beak. The scientist concluded that such differences were formed due to the struggle for survival.

Pair of birds - big frigates

The elephant turtles living here are so ancient that they are often referred to as the peers of the universe. The dimensions of these reptiles are huge, reaching the length of one and a half meters. Good-natured toothless ruffled and that's the case hiding in the shell hiding in the shell with a shrore skin impressed very deep old age - as if these animals moved here from the prehistoric era. Certificates have been preserved that a very long time ago at the Galapagos Islands there were 15 more subspecies, in many ways differing from each other: and the size, and the form of the shell, and the distribution area. Accident or not, but four of them extorted almost simultaneously with the arrival of the first people on the archipelago. If earlier the total number of gigantic turtles was 250 thousand individuals, today they remained about 15 thousand. These animals are long-livers, living on average up to one hundred years. It can be assumed that many of them "met" Darwin himself. Want to see them very close? Then you need to Isabella Island (Albemarl), where they are based on their own and settled. Or, as an option, you can visit the vicinity of Alceedo volcano and the highland regions of Santa Cruz Island.

Sea iguana Varan

Another symbol of the Colon Archipelago - Sea Iguana. To see them, no need to go to some specific islands. These lizards in the local waters are found almost everywhere. It is estimated that approximately 300 thousand individuals are found here. They spend the lion's time in water, then go ashore and gladly warm in the sun. Their favorite occupation ... blow the nore. Not like people, of course, but in other ways, except through the nostrils, they have no excess sea salt from the body, so do not be surprised by white foam on their muzzles.

Lovers of scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands are guaranteed their unforgettable meetings and impressions. Dive with aqualing or even without it - a wonderful way to get acquainted with the marine quotes, also occurring in the local waters everywhere. On the Galapaghos there are places where dating with them cannot be avoided. In this regard, the grotto is especially noteworthy on the island of Santiago, where you can approach these amazing creatures.

Sign up with you in underwater swimming, except Iguan, green turtles and unique colorful fish can also (in the local waters of the latter over 300 species live). Especially amazing the imagination of the meeting with reefs, darker reefs and gray galapagos sharks and even, if very lucky, mysterious whale sharks.

It is no less interesting to observe the everyday behavior of the inhabitants of the local fauna. Want to see how green sea turtles lay eggs? Come in January. Is there a desire to swim with penguins? Welcome to Bartolome Island, just not before May and no later than September. Do you dream to look at the inconsistency of newborns of nautical lion? Do not miss August. Well, in December you can look at the young Giant Galapagos Turtles: they get out of the eggs just during this period.

Video: Underwater world of Galapagos Islands

Environmental Safety

The rookery of the sea cats on about. Espanyola, Galapagos Islands

The government of Ecuador and international environmental organizations traditionally call for tourists carefully refer to unique bioresours of the Galapagos Islands. Under special protection there are animals such as an ivory turtle, a green turtle, wilderness, sea lion, a Galapagos conagill, as well as birds: Galapagos Cormorant, a woody reel, Galapagos Kanyuk. However, environmental threats have a place to be, and they are connected for the most part With historically established circumstances.

Pink Flamingo on Galapaghos

So, unsafe are animals and plants, randomly or deliberately delivered to the archipelago at different times. This is especially true of cattle. Quickly multiplying, he oppresses the local fauna, literally devastating her habitat. In the Galapagos Islands, very few "their" predators, so local animals are often defenseless in front of the "aliens" and often become their victims. For example, the Vuspers love to hunt cats. Avocado, Guaiyava, Blackberry, Jinnaya Tree, Durabye, Chur, Pyramidal, Cleanavine, ivory, ivory, and different kinds Citrus. Widely spreading, these plants literally "pushed out" representatives of the local flora, in particular, on Islands Isabella, San Cristobal, Florean and Santa Cruz.

Sea moving into the sky Sea lion surrounded by crabs

"Emigrants" among local animals appeared, for example, with a light hand of pirates: the testimony about it was still a tour Heyerdal. In one of the annulled vintage documents, he says that the vice-king of Peru, having learned that the sea robbers use goats here in food, ordered to raise the last evil dogs. One of the fathers of the independence of Ecuador and the founder of his fleet José de Villamil personally gave the order to grow in the Galapaghos of goats, donkeys and other pets, so that the future of the islands to be fed. The appearance of poultry here and its rapid reproduction generated a new headache for scientists who rightly believe that their diseases can be transmitted to wild relatives with the risk of whole epidemics.

Rocks about. Isabel

Galapagos archipelago also inhabit pigs and horses, cats and dogs, mice and rats, donkeys, cockroaches, ants. Home predators often ruin the sockets of wild birds and attack them themselves, catch iguan and turtles. The nests of the latter are often destroyed and pigs, which, besides, constantly rotate the land in search of roots and insects, inflicting the unique vegetation of tremendous harm. It is a pig, as it is believed to have crowded iguan from the island of Santiago, and in fact relatively recently, during the time of Darwin they still lived there. The real Beach of the Galapagos Islands of steel and black rats. They attack small turtles as soon as they leave their nests, and as a result, for example, on the island of Pinson, these reptiles stopped multiply. Rodents destroyed their local counterparts - rat-endemics.

Galapagos Penguins

The invaluable riches of the water water area of \u200b\u200bthe columan archipelago threatens illegal fisheries. The special concern of Ecuadorian and international organizations causes fishing of local sharks and unauthorized harvesting of sea cucumbers. The reason for concern was the significant increase in the local population, with the development of the tourist industry. The views of the world community to the problems of the Galapagos Islands also attracted a widespread resonance of the Jessica tanker accident, as a result of which a significant amount of oil was resulted in territorial waters.

Islands and attractions

One of Los Gemelos crater on about. Santa Cruz

The most populated from the thirteen major islands of the archipelago is Santa Cruz. He is the second largest after Isabella. Here it is main Port. Galapagosov - the city of Puerto Ayora. The main road is maintained to it, on both sides of which are two crater, called "Twins" (Los Gemelos). According to one of the versions, they appeared due to several volcanic eruptions, on the other - these huge voids are formed by the frozen lava. And near S. settlement The beautiful Bay Cortuga Beach spread. Fingering here in the sun, you can go to acquaintance with lavva caves and a unique center for breeding elephant turtles.

Kicker Rock 2 km from about. San Cristobal

Santa Cruz Island is a real find for fans of water sports. Diving, scuba diving in a mask, yachting - here tourists extremes will definitely find a lesson in the shower. Renting a yacht, you can go on other islands of the Galapagos archipelago. Others even rent a small plane, flying to the remote town and staying on a day or two, and even a week. Let's say, to the northwest, where there is a Dragon Hill, who received its name from Iguan, which then transported to another place to save the Dog Zasili. Fifteen years ago, a few individuals returned here, and over the past years, the population of these animals was fully recovered, and this place was made available for tourists.

Stone arch Darwin Charles Darwin Research Center

The main attraction of Santa Cruz is considered to be the Research Center named after Charles Darwin, awarded in 2002 by the International Cosmos Prize. It has an international status, and is based in order to maintain the biosphere of the archipelago, which is called the "laboratory of evolution", and its protection. Not only scientists work, but also teachers of universities, student youth and volunteers volunteers from around the world. In the center whose branches are available on the Islands of San Cristobal and Isabella, a special program for feeding elephant turtles has been developed, maintaining the natural range of their habitat. Contain these giggles directly in the territory scientific Stationwhere their reproduction is carefully monitored. As soon as they become adults, they are released on the will.

Welching wall on Isabella Island

On the island of Santiago, in his northwestern part, there is a famous Black Beach Puerto Egas, which received such a sand color due to volcanic activity, namely the settlement of the tuff. In this place, marine lions, chameleons, lizards and other animals feel freely. Vanities of the antiquity will probably like the ruins of the workshops that existed in the past sodium companies. Here you can do underwater swimming or stroll through the beach surrounding rock formations and tunnels.

Rock Pinakla on about. Bartolome

There are in the Galapagos Islands and its wall crying. She is on Isabella Island. In short, the story is as follows: In 1946-1959, there was a correctional colony. The prisoners were forced to cut cheap blocks from the volcanic rock, to transfer them to a rather big distance and erect the wall of them. The work was truly a cautious, and even under the scorching sun. It is not surprising that not all of the deadlines who have served here suffered such torments and died. All the scale of work can be represented by looking at this wall: it stretches for more than 100 meters in length, 8 meters in height. After some time, the prison was closed and counted from the ground, and the gigantic and sad construction decided to leave as a certificate of inhuman attitude towards prisoners.

Pelican on Galapaghos Volcano Wolfe

On Isabelle you can observe the most high volcano Galapagos Islands - Wolfe, whose height is 1707 meters above sea level. Crater of another volcano, Sierra Negra, is the second in the world in terms of diameter (10 km). Another local volcano, Chico, showed his terrible temper in 2005. After his eruption, lava rivers and tunnels remained. Passing along them, it is difficult to get rid of the impression that you are somewhere on the moon: it is so much like a familiar landscape for us. From the top of Chico, wonderful views on the northern tip of Albeemarl will open.

Little turtle walks in black sand in urban bay

In the western part of the island, not far from Alceedo volcano, there is a Urbina bay, which in 1954 formed strong tides. The beach is interesting to its black sand, as well as literally multicolored vegetation. Coastline Covered clams, dried corals. Lovers of scuba diving are waiting for "competitions" with marine lions and turtles. Connoisseurs of passive rest will not be bored too: they will be able to consider the inhabitants of the sea depths right from the shore. No less fascinatingly watching the red Galapagos Flamingo, chosen salt Lake Balthazar. The main thing is not to scare them, because they do not like others and can just leave.

Genoves Island

Cape Suarez is considered the best place on Espanyol Island. Here you can watch the colored iguanami, impoverished, completely without fear of people heating in the sun. And also by birds, for example, wavy albatrosses whose colony is considered the largest in the world. In the northeastern part there is Gardner Bay, the delightful white beaches of which do not leave anyone indifferent. On the long coast, sea turtles crawl, sea lions and here create whole colonies, curious squeezes run here. In this place you can swim with scuba or mask, and even chairs with marine lions.

Albatrosse at Cape Suarez

The most active volcano of Galapagos is located on the island of Fernandina - La Combre, whose height is 1476 meters. It wakes up very often, once a few years, and such frequency of eruptions leads to crater collaps. One of the most powerful took place in the summer of 2005, when the pairs and ashes "shot" on more than 7 kilometer height. The greatest damage brought the eruption of 2009: the natural landscape in this part of the Galapagos Islands was on the verge of extinction, but fortunately, the ecosystem was quickly restored.

Beach with red sand on about. Rabida

The main attractions of the Little Island of Rabid, located the south of the island of San Salvador - the beaches with dark red sand, which tourists love very much. Such an extraordinary color of the beaches gives volcanic soil in combination with iron oxide contained in it. It is on Rabid that unique bobuta trees grow. On the island there are red flamingos and pelicans, on the west coast there is a large colony of sea lions. Rabid Island is also considered the geological center of the entire Galapagos archipelago.

Florean Island, Galapagos

If you are fond of diving, then you will certainly be on the rocks of the "Crown of Devil", which are near the island of Florean. More precisely, it is not even a rock, but a stone semicircle formed by a flooded volcano, protruding on the surface of the water. Here, as on request, the most unusual marine inhabitants gathered, and everyone can feel like a real captain Nemo. Divers make dives and outside the crater, swimming next to sharks, skates and other marine predators. However, it is not necessary to fear first of all, and strong underwater flows that are not uncommon here.

Bartolome Island, the youngest of Galapagos Islands

National cuisine

Sevich - traditional Ecuador dish

The most popular treat in the Galapagos Islands is Sevic. It will have to do, first of all, fans of seafood. This is preparing: the fish and other seas gifts are marked in Lyme juice, after which they are seasoned with sharp chili pepper. Vegetables are served as a side dish to a popular fish dish.

On the Galapagos Islands you can order Rolls directly to the room

Fans of the first dishes will probably like the header meat soups. Spicy piquancy gives them that the broths are boosted from a variety of parts of the car. For one of such soups, it is called Caldo de Path, used ... calf hooves that are pre-roasted.

Pumpkin Pop Corn Soup

You have nothing against guinea pigs? No, they will not make you a company during meals, but ... will perform as the main ingredient for one delicious dishes. It is very simple: the guinea pig is frying too. This meal is so delicious that it may except that convinced vegetarians. For them, the nature of the Galapagos Islands itself prepared a huge selection of exotic vegetables and fruits, the taste of which cannot be conveyed by words - they certainly need to try. Especially like tourists striped cucumber, called Pipino. He has a very pronounced and savory taste.

Bar in Puerto Iior

An excellent addition to local culinary delights will serve a glass of excellent beer, which is produced here for a long time and very high quality. A lot of delicious snacks in the galapaghos came up to a foam drink, which can be used in local bars and restaurants. In general, the cuisine of the Galapagos Islands lie classic Latin American recipes. Usually, sharp spices are mixed in various proportions, not to mention the use of components, which, at first glance, seem incompatible, but their dishes are obtained - your fingers are losing!

Tourists on the note

Over motor boats Galapagos frigates fly

To visit Ecuador and, accordingly, the Galapagos Islands of the visa for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan will not need if the stay does not exceed 90 days.

Mosaic with the image of the Galapagos Turtle

The best conditions for traveling tourists are established in Puerto Aiuor. Santa Cruz Island as a whole can boast a variety of hotels. Single rooms with a modest environment will cost 15 dollars, for Suite Apartments will have to pay from $ 100 to $ 130 per night. The connoisseurs of luxury recreation allow themselves to remove the whole private mansion, in which there is a swimming pool and even a pier. Such pleasure per day from 350 dollars and above will cost.

Brown Pelican came to the Santa Cruz Bar

The only tourist street Puerto Ayora stretches along the coast and bears a name ... Guess who. Well, of course, Charles Darwin. It is here that hotels, entertainment institutions and souvenir benches are concentrated. It is pleasant to surprise travelers, the presence of many shops selling gold and other decorations, and artistic salons. The goods are offered here excellent, however, according to concessory prices. From souvenirs the most running - these are shirts with images of representatives of local fauna and cute caps with the inscription "Galapagos".

Graffiti at the end of Darwin Street Hotel Casa Blanca on San Cristobal Island

When visiting the Galapagos Islands - it, by the way, is paid ($ 100 cash immediately arrived) - you should not forget that the territory is a protected national park, and the only country. This means that each tourist should adhere to certain rules of behavior. Independent movement on the islands are undesirable, tourists must accompany the guide. For movements around the area there are laid trails. Specially equipped platforms are used as observation points. It is strictly forbidden to talk loudly, it is strictly prohibited.

Vegetables and fruits on galapaghos are recommended thoroughly wash Iguana Crossing Hotel on Isabella Island

The voltage in the local power grid is only 110 volts, so take care of adapters and adapters for household electrical appliances. In some hotels, they can be provided on demand, but to guess in advance which it is impossible, so it is better to take in advance with you. Also get home and your medicines, if they need to be taken regularly: replenish a personal first-aid kit during their stay here, most likely will not work.

Drink water from under the crane or cook on it is not recommended. For these purposes, bottled water is used, which can be bought in any food shop. Fruits and vegetables before use should be carefully soaked so as not to infect any intestinal infection.

Going on vacation to the Galapagos Islands, it will be useless to focus on local climate seasons. The hottest months come for the period from December to May. It is also considered humid enough, given the periodically passing tropical livne. The hottest and wet months are March and April. The dry and cool season with the strong winds inherent in him is established from June to November.

Sunset on Santa Cruz Island

How to get

Galapagos - island territory, therefore, except on the plane, it is more cheaper to get here anymore. Direct flights to the Mainland Ecuador archipelago are made only from the city of Guayaquil. Their aircraft Three airlines are sent to the islands: AEROGAL, LAN and TAME.

In the plane you will spend 1 hour 50 minutes. The cost of tickets depends on when they purchased and whether the tourist fell to the design special offer. On the middle, the flight will turn back to 350-450 dollars.

Two airports are on the Galapaghos themselves: on San Cristobal Island - San Kristobal, on Biltra - Seymour Airport.

Direct flights from Russian Federation The Ecuador is not implemented in the republic. Get to either through one of european capitals (for example, through Madrid), or through the United States if there is an American visa in the passport.

Ship sailing to Galapagos Islands