The Galapagos Islands are considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO where there is also the main living biology laboratory in the world. Also known as Enchanted Islands, they witnessed the development of the theory of evolution by Charles Darwin in 1859. Of course, these wonderful islands, are not only a historical pearl, they also represent one of the favorite destinations of Tourists around the world. If you like surfing, don’t worry because in the “Enchanted Islands” you will find the best waves, as well as some other fun activities.
We
share with you some curious facts that you might not know about the
Galapagos Islands.
The
term “Enchanted Islands” was first known in 1589.
At
that time, navigators gave the Galapagos Islands the name “Enchanted
Islands,” because, according to the stories, these “appeared
and disappeared”, this happened due to the strong sea currents
that hinder access to the islands at certain times of the year. The
nickname lasted over time and currently the term “enchanted”
is still used to talk about the Galapagos Islands, but now, referring
to its great biodiversity. The official name of these Islands is the
Columbus
archipelago
and first appeared as Enchanted Islands in 1589.
Giant
tortoises gave name to the islands.
The name of the Islands is due to the giant tortoises that live there (the word galapago means turtle). This species can sleep up to 16 hours a day and feeds mainly on cactus.
The
Enchanted Islands and its 15 species of turtles.
Formerly
there were 15 species of giant tortoises in the Galapagos, however,
today, 5 of them are completely extinct. The main threat and cause of
extinction of the turtles is man himself, who unfortunately for years
has devoted himself to hunt them for their oil and meat.
The
Galapagos Islands were part of World War II.
During
World War II, the Government of Ecuador allowed the US Government to
build an airstrip in the Islands for strategic purposes. When the war
ended, the Americans left the place. Currently the runway receives
thousands of tourists and passengers as it works as the main airport
of the Islands. It is on Baltra Island, with an area of 27 km²,
where the airport is located.
The
only iguanas that live underwater are in the Galapagos Islands.
The
marine iguanas of the Islands are the only reptilian species that has
adapted to underwater life and are able to dive 40 meters and hold
their breath for 20 minutes, however, not only do the iguanas steal
attention in the Islands, So do Penguins as they are one of the most
exotic species and there are currently less than 600 specimens. There
is also the presence of hawks in the area, known to be one of the
fastest of its kind.
The
volcanoes gave life to the Galapagos Islands.
The
Galapagos are a natural tourist attraction, product of the formation
of islands as a result of volcanic eruptions, which according to
specialists are still in formation. It is believed that the Galapagos
Islands formed about 5 million years ago, however, the oldest island
called “Isabela”, has more than 1 million years of
existence and suffered the last volcanic eruption in 2009.
The
sand is green on Floreana Island
Yes,
the beach of Floreana Island in Punta Cormorán has greenish sand.
This natural color is due to the olivine crystals that have been
detached from the magma of the volcano’s cone.
The
islands of San Cristóbal and Genovesa are some of the largest.
La
Genovesa, better known as “the island of birds” (due to the
large number of birds that live there). Floreana, also known as
“Santa María”, was one of the first islands to be inhabited,
there you can enjoy the landscape with pink flamingos and sea
turtles, which nest between December and May. The South Plaza Island
has the characteristic of having a more varied flora.
Other
important islands to visit are North Seymour, Marchena, Pinzón,
Rábida, Bartolomé, Santiago, La Pinta, Fernandina, Wolf where fur
seals live and finally the island called Darwin with a height of over
168 meters.
If
you want a place to meet, enjoy, vacation or perform various
activities, Galapagos Islands is your best choice. The large number
of tourists has increased considerably over the years, the light
color of its waters and clear skies, makes this trip a unique place
that brings us closer to the most emblematic animals of the Galapagos
Islands. Be sure to visit this beautiful group of islands that
constitute an archipelago on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, aboard
of the incredible Fragata
Yacht.
