About 17% of Ecuador’s 17834 sq.mile territory is occupied by National Protected Areas. The Galapagos Islands and the Sangay National Park enjoy the UNESCO recognition as ‘Natural Patrimony of Mankind’. If you have ever thought of a living museum for evolutionary changes, you should head for the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. You will be greeted by a wide array of exotic species are exclusive to the Ecuador Archipelago. To take a peek into the theory of evolution and what inspired Charles Darwin, Galapagos Islands is the place you should be in. One look at the variety of animals none of which are afraid of mankind, and markedly different from animals found elsewhere, will set visitors wondering about their own existence on this planet.
Galapagos Islands
Located 600 miles off the South American coast, the Galapagos Archipelago is an enchanting world heritage with its own uniqueness. Nothing has changed over millions of years for this volcanic archipelago. Over the centuries, plant as well as animal life from different parts of America found their way to the islands and with the passage of time, evolved into some new forms. Most of the species found here are unique and cannot be found elsewhere on earth. Tourist attractions in Galapagos Islands are therefore truly beholding and endearing, particularly for those who love Mother Nature. Galapagos Islands tourism revolves around its 19 Islands.
Charles Darwin
At the age of 20, Charles Darwin first visited Galapagos and his intense involvement with the study of the environment and its occupants later lead to the theory of evolution which he established several years later. Human population continues to be sparse even to this date. But, the harmonious co-existence of a large number of wild life as well as sea life species in these islands is a mystifying sight for any visitor from the modern world where existential issues are far too different. Galapagos Islands tourism has an intense dose of food for thought which is what Charles Darwin himself used so effectively.
Each Island is unique
Each of the 19 islands has its own unique character and qualities. Santa Cruz Island has the largest human population. Puerto Ayora, the coastal town is home for Charles Darwin research station. You can see Galapagos or land tortoises greeting you peacefully. Espanola (hood) island is among the oldest and has no volcanic vent or crater. The eastern shore holds the most magnificent beach in the region. For marine turtles, this is a major nestling ground and is home for a colony of sea lions, transient in nature.
Step back in time
The Galapagos Islands tourism offers a unique experience for travelers from around the world. The terrestrial and marine ecosystems continue to remain a source of great inspiration and a world of information for the seekers. In relative terms, this is the most untouched place available on earth. When you want to step back in time and understand the myriad ways of life, you should come to the Galapagos. The tourist attractions in Galapagos then take the backseat as a bonus perhaps.
Need to preserve their uniqueness
The Galapagos Islands need to be treasured because they are so very special. Anyone who comes here once cannot return quite the same, not even the scientist from the thick of Darwin’s laboratory. The casual travelers will be awe struck with the little Eden when they encounter fearless animals, animals who defy the normal instinct to run away even before they sight man. For this reason, it is necessary that every single visitor to Galapagos Islands do his or her best to preserve the delicate and unique Islands in the natural state in which they are. Knowing perhaps that this could be a very high asking from international travelers, a set of rules have been laid down.
Every individual interested in The Galapagos Islands tourism should learn these rules and abide by those rules implicitly. Staying on the marked paths, not wandering around or lagging behind your own group are just the peripheral rules. Your Galapagos guides can be unusually strict in enforcing the rules because they all love the Islands so much and will always be ready to do anything at their command to protect them.