Why the Galapagos are worth the trip The Galapagos are definitely a unique place on this planet. This archipelago of volcano islands is home to a large number of endemic species, and is therefore one of the most protected environments a traveler can visit.There isn’t only wildlife on the islands, though.
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What’s so great about the Galapagos Islands?
The Galápagos Islands are a chain of islands, or archipelago, in the eastern Pacific Ocean. They are part of the country of Ecuador, in South America.The Galápagos are best known for their diverse array of plant and animal species. Many species are endemic, which means they are not found anywhere else in the world.
What is wrong with the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos Islands face many environmental threats. Ecosystem degradation could be caused by: climate change, deforestation, pollution, overfishing, eutrophication and the introduction of invasive species.
How many days should you spend in Galapagos?
5 days
Because it takes time and money to get to the Galapagos Islands and the first and last days of your trip are mostly travel days, we recommend that you spend at least 5 days in the Galapagos. The vast majority of travelers go to the Galapagos for 7 or 8 days.
Is Galapagos a expensive place to visit?
Galapagos is not a cheap place, and it will most likely not be on your list of cheap destination any time soon, but there is a way to minimize the cost of traveling there while no sacrificing the experience.
What is Galapagos island famous for?
The islands are known for their famously fearless wildlife and as a source of inspiration for Darwin’s theory of evolution. And that’s just part of the story. Born of fire: The Galápagos Archipelago is one the most volcanically active areas in the world.
Can you swim in Galapagos?
The Galapagos have some of the best beaches in the world.
Many locations are great for beach snorkeling as well. From December to May, it is very warm and sunny in the islands, making it ideal for swimming in the comfortable shallow waters.
Do penguins live in the Galapagos Islands?
Share. The only penguin that lives north of the equator is the Galapagos penguin. This small-bodied species is restricted to the Galapagos Islands, which straddle the equator, if only by a few degrees of latitude.
Can you stay in the Galapagos Islands?
Yes, you can stay overnight on some Galapagos Islands. Those islands are Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana. The other islands and islets of the archipelago are not inhabited by humans, and do not permit any overnight stays. You can visit them throughout the day though.
Why are the Galapagos Islands in danger?
The Galapagos Islands, which have been called a unique “living museum and showcase of evolution” were inscribed on the Danger List in 2007 because of threats posed by invasive species, unbridled tourism and overfishing.
How much does a Galapagos trip cost?
The average cost of a 5-day Galapagos cruise is about USD $3000. The least expensive Galapagos cruises begin at around USD $1000 for a 4-day cruise and can go up to around $10000 per person for an 8-day luxury-class cruise. Chartering a private Galapagos cruise starts at about $40,000.
What language is spoken in Galapagos Islands?
Spanish
The official language of Ecuador (and therefore Galapagos) is Spanish.
How much should I budget for the Galapagos?
So, for a 7 night cruise in Galapagos, you should be prepared to budget about, per person: US$2,400 for a very rock bottom trip. US$4,500 or more for a high end trip. For land based, 7 nights, budget about US$2,400 or more.
What currency is used in the Galapagos Islands?
The US dollar
The US dollar is the official currency of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
Is it safe to visit the Galapagos Islands?
Is the Galapagos Safe To Visit? The Galapagos is an extremely safe travel destination. very little crime occurs in the islands and because tourism plays an important role in the economy of the islands and the Galapagos National Park, strict rules are in place when it comes to migrating to the islands.
What airlines fly to Galapagos Islands?
Airlines that fly to the Galapagos Islands
At the time of writing, there are three airlines flying to Galapagos, TAME the Ecuadorean airline (www.tame.com.ec), LAN the Chilean airline (www.latam.com) and Avianca the Colombian airline (www.avianca.com).
Why the Galapagos Islands attract tourists?
What attracts tourists to Galapagos and where do they come from? Many visitors to the Galapagos Islands are attracted to the archipelago by its unique wildlife and stunning landscapes.An increasing number of tourists are learning to scuba dive in the pristine tropical waters of the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
How safe is Ecuador?
Ecuador’s crime rate is very high. Drug trafficking, violent attacks, petty theft, and scams occur pretty much every day. On top of that, there’s a high risk of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis.
Who owns Galapagos?
Ecuador
2. Who Owns the Galapagos Islands? Similar to the way that the Hawaiian Islands are a part of the United States, the Galapagos Islands are a part of the neighboring country of Ecuador, located in South America.
How hot is it in the Galapagos Islands?
Galapagos Islands Weather
Temperatures range from 69°-84°F / 21°-30°C. Warm season is from January to June. Dry season is from July to December.
Is Galapagos water warm?
Although the Galapagos Islands straddle the equator, the water temperatures can sometimes be surprisingly cool and, at other times, surprisingly warm.
