Galapagos Islands on a map of South America. Map of the Galapagos Islands from a modern perspective

It is not surprising that the Galapagos Islands are so interesting to explore, because they are home to many unique species of flora and fauna, some of which are on the verge of extinction. The archipelago belongs to the territory of Ecuador and is its separate province. Today, all the islands and the surrounding rocks have been turned into a national park, where crowds of tourists come every year.

Where did the name Galapagos Islands come from?

Galapagos is a species of tortoise that lives on the islands, which is why the archipelago is named after them. These clusters of land masses are also simply called the Galapagos, Turtle Islands or Colon Archipelago. Also, this territory was previously called the Enchanted Islands, since it was difficult to land on land. Numerous currents made navigation difficult, so not everyone was able to reach the shores.

The first approximate map of these places was made by a pirate, which is why all the names of the islands were given in honor of the pirates or the people who helped them. They were later renamed, but some residents continue to use the old versions. Even the map shows names from different eras.

Geographical features

The archipelago consists of 19 islands, 13 of them are of volcanic origin. It also includes 107 rocks protruding above the surface of the water and washed-up areas of land. By looking at the map, you can understand where the islands are located. The largest of them, Isabela, is also the youngest. There are active volcanoes here, so the island is still subject to changes due to emissions and eruptions, the most recent occurred in 2005.

Despite the fact that Galapagos is an equatorial archipelago, the climate here is not at all hot. The reason lies in the cold current washing the shores. This can cause the water temperature to drop below 20 degrees. The annual average falls in the range of 23-24 degrees. It is worth mentioning that water is a big problem in the Galapagos Islands, since there are almost no sources of fresh water.

Exploration of the islands and their inhabitants

Since the discovery of the islands in March 1535, no one was particularly interested in the wildlife of this area, until Charles Darwin and his expedition began exploring the Colon Archipelago. Before this, the islands were a haven for pirates, although they were considered a colony of Spain. Later, the question arose about who owned the tropical islands, and in 1832 Galapagos officially became part of Ecuador, and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno was appointed the capital of the province.

Darwin spent many years on the islands studying the diversity of finch species. It was here that he developed the foundations of the future evolutionary theory. The fauna on the Turtle Islands is so rich and different from the fauna in other parts of the world that it could have been studied for decades, but after Darwin no one did this, although Galapagos was recognized as a unique place.

During WWII, the United States set up a military base here; after the end of hostilities, the islands were turned into a haven for convicts. Only in 1936 the archipelago was given the status of a National Park, after which they began to pay more attention to the protection of natural resources. True, some species by that time were already on the verge of extinction, which is described in detail in a documentary about the islands.

Due to the specific climatic conditions and the formation of the islands, there are a lot of birds, mammals, fish, as well as plants that are not found anywhere else. The largest animal living in this territory is the Galapagos sea lion, but giant turtles, gannets, sea lizards, flamingos, and penguins are of greater interest.

Tourist centers

When planning a trip, tourists want to know how to get to an amazing place. There are two popular ways to choose: on a cruise or by plane. There are two airports in the Colon archipelago, but most often land in Baltra. This is a small island north of Santa Cruz, where Ecuador's official military bases are now located. From here it is easy to reach most of the islands popular with tourists.

Photos from the Galapagos Islands are impressive, because there are amazingly beautiful beaches here. You can spend the whole day in the blue lagoon, enjoying the tropical sun without the sweltering heat. Many people prefer to go diving because the seabed is rich in color due to the volcanic lava that hardens in the coastal area.

In addition, some species of animals will happily swirl in the whirlpool with scuba divers, since here they are already accustomed to people. But sharks live near the islands, so you should inquire in advance whether diving is allowed in the chosen place.

What country would not be proud of such an amazing place as the Galapagos, given that it is included in the World Heritage List. Landscapes are more reminiscent of pictures, since on each side they surprise with an abundance of colors. True, in order to preserve natural beauty and its inhabitants, one has to make a lot of effort, which is what the research center is doing.

Where are the Galapagos Islands?

in the Atlantic Ocean
On the map, I don’t know exactly, I’ll have to look
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago consisting of 16 large and many small islands with a total area of 7.8 thousand km and a population of more than 4 thousand people. The islands belong to the Republic of Ecuador. They are also called the Turtle Islands (from the Spanish galapago turtle) or the Colon Archipelago (named after Columba). The largest islands are Isabela, Fernandina, San Salvador, Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. The administrative center is the city and port of Baquerizo Moreno.
The Galapagos Islands are of volcanic origin and formed in the area of the so-called Galapagos Rift - a transverse fault cutting the East Pacific Rise, along which a system of trenches and rift ridges with high seismicity and manifestations of young volcanism extends to the east through the Panama Basin. In one of the sections of this system, a fairly extensive volcanic plateau was formed, on which the Galapagos Islands rise
The islands were first discovered by the Spanish bishop T. Berlanga in 1535, when he set off on a ship from Panama to Peru, but accidentally deviated from the intended route. Only 200 years later expeditions appeared here, drawing attention to the unique and exotic nature of the islands. In 1835, Charles Darwin and R. Fitzroy visited them and carried out detailed studies on the English ship Beagle, which was circumnavigating the world.
Santa Cruz Island
Puerto Ayora is the main port of the archipelago, where the majority of the inhabitants of the Galapagos Islands live (approximately 15,000 people). Near the city: beautiful Tortuga Bay beach, giant tortoise breeding center, lava caves, Charles Darwin Research Center and Galapagos National Park. One of the biggest problems in the Galapagos ecosystem is imported animal species such as dogs, cats, goats and insects. Charles Darwin Station, in collaboration with other partners such as Galapagos National Park, continually works to monitor threats to the islands' ecosystems.
San Cristobal Island
The port of Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos province, is the second largest settlement in the Galapagos Islands. The main attraction is the Interpretive Center, built in collaboration with the Spanish government. This center talks about the volcanic origins and natural history of the islands. Sea lions can always be found in the main park of the village, next to the small beach.

Isabela Island
Santiago and Bartolome Islands
Bartolome Island impresses with its volcanic landscapes of such beauty that its views have flown around the world. Here you can swim with sea lions and Galapagos penguins, which are the second smallest penguins
naxoditsya v tixom oceanane
Oh Galapagos... oh yeah! We swam... hmm... really it was a long time ago... about 3-4 years old... woke up wet in the morning.... At least wring out the mattress.. hmmm....
Galapago#769;s#769; (Spanish: Islas Gal#225;pagos) an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, 965 kilometers west of Ecuador, consisting of 13 main volcanic islands, 6 small islands and 107 rocks and alluvial areas. The first island is believed to have been formed 510 million years ago as a result of tectonic activity. The youngest islands of Isabela and Fernandina are still at the stage of formation; the last volcanic eruption was observed in 2005.
The Galapagos Islands belong to the state of Ecuador. The population of the archipelago is about 12 thousand people. Area 7880 km#178;.
The islands are best known for the large number of native fauna and Charles Darwin's research on the island, which led to his evolutionary theory of the origin of species.
Santa Cruz Island
The Charles Darwin Research Center is established to support conservation efforts for the archipelago. Scientists, teachers, students, volunteers and support staff from around the world work at the station to guard the "living laboratory of evolution". One of the biggest problems in the Galapagos ecosystem is imported animal species such as dogs, cats, goats and insects. Charles Darwin Station, in collaboration with other partners such as Galapagos National Park, continually works to monitor threats to the islands' ecosystems. The station has a giant tortoise feeding and conservation program. Giant turtles are kept on the territory of the biological station. When the young turtles mature and are strong enough to survive, they are returned to their natural habitat.
Isabela Island (Isabela)
Almost untouched by tourism. The village of Puerto Villamil is home to about 2,500 people, mostly fishermen. The development of tourism on Isabela Island mainly comes down to visits from private yachts and a small number of happy tourists who have heard about the wonders of this island. There are some impressive spots right next to the village: a walkway along the reef where several great white sharks live, where you can easily observe them from the ground; Conha and Perla Bay, an excellent place for snorkeling; a giant tortoise breeding center and the impressive Sierra Negra and Chico volcanoes.
Sierra Negra has the second largest crater in the world with a diameter of 11 kilometers. Volcano Chico has an amazing lunar landscape with bizarre lava formations. You can ride horses around the Sierra Negra crater to reach Volcano Chico. It is also possible to camp with a National Park permit. Isabella Island also has Flamingo Lake and several beautiful trails along the way to the Wall of Tears. Before the Galapagos was declared a National Park, the island was a penal colony (circa 1946).
Santiago and Bartolome Islands
On the black beach of Puerto Egas you can see marine iguanas, blue herons, oyster catchers, gulls and other shore birds, crabs and sea lions. After the walk, you can swim and snorkel.
Bartolome Island impresses with its volcanic landscapes of such beauty that its views have flown around the world. http://www.equator.ru/galapagos.htm
Oh my goodness, it’s good that I didn’t buy atalas at that time. At least now I’ll look at where these Galapagos are)))
Capital: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Do you happen to know where the ends of the earth are? Trembling and mysterious, amazing and unique, inaccessible and otherworldly Galapagos Islands. It seems that only here life is born, continues and develops - truly vibrant, genuine and pure. They remained as they were - these Galapagos, remained as the famous Charles Darwin first saw them.
The Galapagos Islands appeared several million years ago as a result of tectonic movements and eruptions. They practically grew out of the ocean itself. Gradually, the islands were inhabited by birds, marine mammals and reptiles from the mainland, all of which were forced to adapt to their environment in order to survive. The archipelago, which has never been connected to the mainland, is home to numerous unique species of plants and animals - relics of past eras. For example, out of 875 plant species, 28 are found nowhere else in the world.
More than 60 species of birds coexist with each other, and, it would seem, how is this possible, the close proximity of heat-loving pink flamingos and messengers of cold latitudes - penguins.
But reptiles, which are amazing in size, are especially common in the Galapagos. Elephant turtles, the size of small horses, and numerous marine and land iguanas give the impression of a prehistoric period.
For the first time in 1535, a Spanish ship accidentally stumbled upon the islands after losing its way during a storm. The ship was heading to Peru to deliver the Bishop of Panama, Tom de Berlanga. It’s hard to imagine how people felt when they first saw that, apart from a tiny piece of solid soil and an open, harsh ocean, there was nothing else around, no fresh water, no vegetation, and even the possibility of dropping an anchor. Bishop Tom de Berlanga christened the place "Encantadas" ("Enchanted"). In the bishop's notes were found descriptions of “stupid birds” with blue legs, which did not even have the intelligence to hide, and about amazing giant turtles.
Having with great difficulty escaped from the “enchanted” places and told about the discovery of new lands, no matter what, Spain did not declare its rights to own the islands. For three hundred years, the Galapagos Islands did not belong to anyone, they were not even marked on geographical maps, and only in 1832 the poor state of Ecuador filed a petition for the rights to own the Galapagos Islands.
Three hundred years later, in 1831, on the ship "BEAGLE", the Anglo-Saxon scientist and explorer Charles Darwin set off on his famous circumnavigation of the world.
“The natural history of the Galapagos Islands is highly interesting and deserves attention. Most organic works are indigenous creations, not found anywhere else; Even among the inhabitants of the islands there is a difference,” wrote Charles Darwin. He had to work hard and prove the uniqueness and extreme scientific value of these places.
After a month of observing the “laboratory of evolution,” thoughts were born in the head of the young 26-year-old naturalist that formed the basis of his famous theory of natural selection.
Darwin's theory is based on the property of organisms repeating similar types of metabolism and individual development in general over a series of generations - the property of heredity.
Heredity, together with variability, ensures the constancy and diversity of life forms and underlies the evolution of living nature.
Darwin used one of the main concepts of his theory of evolution—the concept of “struggle for existence”—to denote the relationships between organisms, as well as the relationships between organisms and abiotic conditions leading to the death of less adapted individuals and the survival of more adapted individuals.

The Galapagos Islands on the world map resemble a scattering of pearls lost in the Pacific Ocean. This tropical paradise belongs to the Republic. The archipelago consists of 13 main islands of volcanic origin, 6 small islets, 107 rocks, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. About 90% of the territory is a natural national park.

The Galapagos Islands became famous

Giant elephant turtles, which give the archipelago its name. The weight of the shell of these amazing animals, reminiscent of prehistoric creatures, reaches 200 kg, length - 1.5 m.
Charles Darwin visited the islands in 1835, after which, during his research, he put forward a “theory of the origin of species.” The scientist drew attention to various types of unremarkable ground finches.
Penguins listed in the Red Book. The habitat of these Arctic flightless birds on the equator is an amazing fact. Penguins have chosen a place in the tropics and fit perfectly into the local fauna due to the cold currents in the ocean, where they feel excellent.
Marine iguanas. The Galapagos is home to up to 300,000 of these lizards, found at almost every turn. Oddly enough, they spend most of their time in salt water, diving and getting their food.
An unimaginable diversity of flora and fauna in general. Here you can really see with your own eyes unusual and rare species, many of which are not found anywhere else on the planet.

Islands and attractions

The island is the largest, covers an area of 4640 sq. km and is shaped like a seahorse. Why does it attract tourists?

Here are the best picturesque blue lagoons of the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.
There are 6 largest volcanoes on the island, 5 of which are still active.
Only on the island of Isabela (and Fernandina) do local penguins lay eggs and hatch their offspring.
Of extraordinary beauty, it is famous as the habitat of iguanas; they are found here at every step.
Tagus Bay. While on holiday in the Galapagos Islands, you should definitely visit here and go up to Lake Darwin.
On Isabela Island, it is worth seeing the Western Wall with a sad story about the inhumane treatment of prisoners

The island is the second largest and most densely populated. Tourist excursions and cruises to the Galapagos Islands most often originate from here, because the airport is nearby. What is remarkable about this place?

The Darwin Research Station is located on the island.
At one of the highest points are located, formed as a result of volcanic eruptions.
Here, in the thickets of mangrove trees, there is the Black Turtle Bay, where these ancient giants mate.

The island is considered the youngest and ranks third in size. What is interesting about this western sector of the Galapagos Islands?

Here is the active La Combre volcano, which wakes up every few years.
The town of Punto Espinoza is considered to be home to the world's largest colony of marine iguanas. Here they are found in hundreds.

Island San Cristobal famous for the versatility of its local flora and fauna, it is home to almost all species of animals and plants represented in the Galapagos Islands. What is interesting about this corner of the archipelago?

The capital of the Galapagos, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, is located here.
Fregatebear Hill is known as Frigate Hill, where you can watch these large birds.
Lake El Junco is the only freshwater source that never runs dry. Here you can watch wading birds and other representatives of birds.
Cape Pitta is famous for the fact that birds of extraordinary beauty nest here - blue-footed and red-footed boobies.

The island covers an area of about 60 sq. km. This is the oldest island of the Galapagos, which is 3.5 million years old. Why is this area interesting for tourists?

Here you can watch the wavy albatrosses. It is on the cliffs of Hispaniola, and nowhere else in the world, that these amazing rare birds nest.
The beach at Gardner Bay is very popular. The snow-white fine sand here resembles scattered flour.

Island Santa Maria was one of the first to be settled. There are two main attractions here:

, which attracts thousands of curious tourists. It was formed by the crater of an extinct volcano and is interesting because teeth stick out from the water, resembling the shape of a crown.
In the Bay of Sharks in the town of Punto Cormoran, you can thrill yourself by swimming with reef sharks.
Post Office Bay is famous for the oak barrels found here, which in ancient times served as mailboxes.

The island is famous for its unusual forest of pear cacti, which grow up to 10 meters high and resemble powerful trees. Gulls, chaises, and petrels nest on rocks that have weathered over time.

Island Santiago (San Salvador) recognized as the best place to observe fur seals, which are found in only three places in the Galapagos. James Bay is the place where you are most likely to see these endemic animals. In addition, rock crabs, hermit crabs, four-eyed blennies, and sea sponges live here.

The island is considered a geological center and is famous for its dark red sand beaches, which are loved by tourists. This unusual shade is due to the volcanic origin of the soil and its high content of iron oxide.

Reminder for tourists

You need to keep in mind that it is under the protection and protection of the government, so entrance to the territory is paid and amounts to 100 US dollars per person.
There are rules of behavior and sightseeing here. A total of about 64 trails and sites have been allocated for tourists, from which it is prohibited to deviate.
The following types of entertainment are offered on the islands: turtle riding, swimming with sea lions, penguins, seals, snorkeling, diving, surfing, kayaking, hiking, cycling, horse riding.
During excursions, observation and communication with the local fauna, you must not light fires, litter, make loud noises or sudden movements that could harm them.
, of course, there are, and they offer a wide variety of prices and services, from economy to luxury, but chic restaurants and social entertainment hardly have any special meaning here. Therefore, instead of cocktail dresses and shoes, it is recommended to take comfortable cotton clothes and good photographic equipment to capture the Galapagos Islands in all their amazing beauty.

How to get to the Galapagos Islands from Moscow?

For those who do not know where the Galapagos Islands are on the world map, let us remind you that they are located west of the continent of South America, 1000 km from Ecuador.

In the Galapagos Islands, there are airports in two places - on the islands of Baltra and San Cristobal, so you can only get here from mainland Ecuador by plane. The cost of a round trip flight is on average about $350 - $400.

Galapagos Islands(Spanish) Islas Galápagos) or simply Galapagos- archipelago in Pacific Ocean, which appeared 5 million years ago, a unique natural world was formed in this isolated corner.

In addition to its flora and fauna, which attract tourists, the islands are associated with the name Charles Darwin, it was from observations of the animals of the Galapagos that Darwin derived the theory of evolution.

The Galapagos is also popular as a diving destination.

Geographical location of the Galapagos

The Galapagos are a little less than a thousand kilometers from the coast South America, the nearest shore - Ecuador, to which the islands administratively belong. Before Cocos Islands(Costa Rica) from the central islands about 720 km north, to easter islands(Chile) 3200 km south.

The archipelago consists of 15 main, 3 small islands and 107 islets and rocks. All islands are of volcanic origin, on the youngest islands, Isabela And Fernandina Volcanic activity continues.

The highest point of the Galapagos Islands is Volcano Wolf(1707 m above sea level).

There are practically no sources of fresh water on the islands.

Titles

Both the archipelago and the individual islands are known by different names. One of the romantic names of the Galapagos is Enchanted Islands(English) Enchanted Islands). Its current Spanish name, Islas Galápagos, the islands got their name because of the giant turtles that live on the islands.

Main islands

Isabela (Isabela, in honor of Queen Isabella of Castile), aka Albemarle (Albemarle) is the largest island of the archipelago; in its outlines one finds the image of a seahorse. IN Urbina Bay home to large colorful iguanas, penguins and the largest colony of giant tortoises. IN Punta Morena impressive diversity of flora in the mangroves. Wolf Volcano is the highest point of the Galapagos Islands. Volcano Sierra Negra- one of the largest volcanic craters in the world (diameter 10 km).

Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, Island of the Holy Cross), aka IndiFetigable(English) Indefatigable- Tireless, after the name of the ship) is the most populated island of the archipelago. The island has a relatively developed tourist infrastructure. The Charles Darwin Research Station operates a turtle breeding center.

Fernandina (Fernandina, in honor of King Ferdinand II of Aragon), aka Narborough(English) Narborough) is the youngest and most western of the large islands of the archipelago. IN Punta Espinosa home to the world's largest colony of marine iguanas, as well as pelicans and flightless cormorants.

San Salvador (San Salvador), aka Santiago (Santiago), aka an island James (James) is a medium-sized island, the entire coastal zone of which consists of black rocks of recent (about a century) volcanic origin. There are marine iguanas, seals, sea lions, land and sea turtles, flamingos, dolphins and sharks.

Floreana (Floreana, in honor of the first president of Ecuador Juan José Flores), aka Santa Maria (Santa Maria, in memory of Columbus's caravel), aka Charles (Charles). The main attraction of the island is Devil's Crown, an extinct volcano crater divided into three prongs and partially submerged in water.

Darwin (Darwin, in honor of Charles Darwin), aka Culpepper (Culpepper) is a remote northern islet of the Galapagos archipelago. Long known to Europeans and included on the very first maps of the Galapagos, the island remained not only uninhabited, but unvisited, until 1964, when it was landed on it from a helicopter. Seals, iguanas, and sea turtles live on the island. Of the geological formations of the island, Darwin's Arch is famous - a large arch-shaped rock, often reproduced in photographs of the Galapagos.

Espanola (Española, in honor of Spain), aka Hood (Hood, in honor of the British admiral Samuel Hood) is the oldest and southernmost island of the archipelago, the only place in the world where wave albatrosses nest and a range of endemic plants and animals are found.

Baltra (Baltra), aka Seymour Sur (Seymour Sur) is an island home to an Ecuadorian military base (formerly a US air base) and the main international airport of the Galapagos.

Bartolome (Bartolome) is one of the most visited islands in the archipelago by tourists. The uninhabited volcano island is home to Galapagos penguins and sea lions; sea turtles nest. Reef sharks live near the island.

Wenman (Wenman), aka Wulf (Wolf). This small island is home to an independent species of finch birds, the sharp-billed ground finch, which feeds on the blood of gannets. Differences in the appearance and habits of finches on different islands prompted Darwin to consider the role of natural selection in biological evolution and the origin of species. The island is also home to fur seals, frigate birds, masked and red-footed boobies, marine iguanas, sharks, whales, dolphins and Galapagos gulls.

Marchena (Marchena, option: Markena), Also Bindloe (Bindloe). The island is home to lava lizards, Galapagos buzzards and sea lions.

Genovess (Genovesa, in honor of the city of Genoa), aka Tower (Tower), also called Bird Island due to the abundance and diversity of birds. Tourists are famous for the Prince Philip Trail near the cliffs with bird's nests and Darwin Beach, where diving is possible.

Pint (Pinta, in honor of Columbus's caravel), aka Abingdon (Abingdon). The island is known as the site of the discovery of the rarest turtle in the world, the biological subspecies abingdon elephant tortoise. The only known specimen of this turtle is a male. Lonely George, with an estimated age of 60-90 years, he has been called the world's most famous turtle and most famous bachelor. Biologists are still hoping to get offspring from George.

Pinson (Pinzon), aka Duncan (Duncan). The island is home to sea lions, Galapagos buzzards, giant tortoises and marine iguanas.

Rabida (Rábida), aka Jervis (Jervis) is a small island south of San Salvador. Beaches with dark, rich red sand are popular among tourists.

San Cristobal (San Cristóbal in honor of the martyr Christopher), aka Chatham (Chatham). The capital of the archipelago, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and the airport are located on the island; on the hill of the island is the largest freshwater lake in the archipelago - Laguna El Junco ( Laguna El Junco). The island is home to giant turtles, fur seals, gannets and frigate birds.

Santa Fe (Santa Fe) aka Barrington (Barrington) is a medium-sized island between Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. Here you can see forests of prickly pear, colonies of sea lions, lizards and iguanas. Pigs introduced by humans and feral (now exterminated) and goats (threatened with extinction) have formed independent subspecies. Due to the lack of fresh water, goats drink sea water and still thrive.

How to get to the Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are connected by air to mainland Ecuador. Aerolineas Galapagos flights from Quito stop in Guayaquil. The total flight time is 3 hours, from Guayaquil - an hour and a half.