The Galapagos Islands, officially
known as the Archipelago of Colon, sit in the Pacific
Ocean 972 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. The
best way to explore the unparalleled natural wonders
of the Galapagos is by small yacht. The archipelago
covers approximately 8.000 km2 and consists of six
main islands ( Isabela, Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Floreana,
Santiago and Fernandina ), 12 smaller islands 42 islets,
and countless small rock formations.
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The Galapagos
Are very much a work-in-progress. The islands that
make up the archipelago were forged by hundreds of thousands of years
of successive volcanic eruptions that continue today. Having literally
risen from the sea, the Galapagos are in a position of near absolute
isolation – perfect for evolution ad Mr. Darwin discovered.
In 1979, UNESCO declared the Galapagos Islands a “Natural patrimony
of Humanity” because of their incredible number of endemic species.
They contain more distinct species of flora and fauna than any other
place on earth.As a collection of volcanic island within a few hundred
kilometers of the equator, the Galapagos provides incomparable landscapes
and an exceptional climate.
