10 Interesting Facts About The Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are viewed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO where there is likewise the main living biology laboratory in the world. Otherwise called Enchanted Islands, they saw the improvement of the theory of evolution by Charles Darwin in 1859.

These magnificent islands are a historical pearl, they as well as represent one of the favorite destinations of Tourists around the globe. On the off chance that you like surfing, don’t stress because in the “Enchanted Islands” you will locate the best waves, some other fun activities as well.

The Galápagos Islands are popular and known worldwide for their differing marine life and picturesque scenes. They are an eye-popping amalgamation of extraordinary seashores, turquoise waters, and not-found-somewhere else wildlife. Here you will run into iguanas, flamingos, penguins, and giant tortoises. Traversing Galápagos is a unique encounter, and again and again, are listed on “must visit” destination lists.

Facts about the Galápagos Islands

1. The Term “Enchanted Islands” Was First Known In 1589

Around then, navigators gave the Galápagos Islands the name “Enchanted Islands,” because, as indicated by the narratives, these “appeared and disappeared”, this occurred because of the strong sea currents that prevent access to the islands at specific seasons. The nickname kept going after some time and right now the term “enchanted” is as yet used to discuss the Galápagos Islands, but now, alluding to its incredible biodiversity. The official name of these Islands is the Columbus archipelago and first showed up as Enchanted Islands in 1589.

“Archipiélago de Colón,” generally known as the Spanish name ‘Islas Galápagos’, yet also known as the Enchanted Islands.

2. Giant Tortoises Gave Name To The Islands

The name of the Islands is because of the giant tortoises that live there (the word the Galápagos Islands implies turtle). This species can sleep as long as 16 hours per day and feeds for the most part on cactus.

3. The Enchanted Islands And Its 15 Species Of Turtles

In the past there were 15 species of giant tortoises in the Galápagos Islands, be that as it may, today, 5 of them are wiped out. The primary threat and reason for the extinction of the turtles is the man himself, who unfortunately for a considerable length of time has dedicated himself to chase them for their oil and meat.

4. The Galápagos Islands Were Part Of World War II.

During World War II, the Government of Ecuador permitted the US Government to construct an airstrip in the Islands for vital purposes. At the point when the war finished, the Americans left the spot. Right now the runway gets a large number of tourists and travelers as it works as the fundamental airport of the Islands. It is on Baltra Island, with a region of ​​27 km², where the airport is found.

5. The Only Iguanas That Live Underwater Are In The Galápagos Islands

The marine iguanas of the Islands are the only reptilian species that has adapted to underwater life and can jump 40 meters and hold their breath for 20 minutes, in any case, do the iguanas take consideration in the Islands, So do Penguins as they are one of the most exotic species and there are right now under 600 specimens. There is additionally the presence of hawks in the territory, known to be one of the fastest of its sort.

6. The Volcanoes Gave Life To The Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are a natural tourist destination, the product of the development of islands because of volcanic eruptions, which as indicated by specialists are still in formation. It is accepted that the Galápagos Islands formed around 5 million years prior, nonetheless, the oldest island called “Isabela”, has more than 1 million years of presence and suffered the last volcanic emission in 2009.

7. The Galápagos Islands Have 21 Volcanos

The Galápagos Islands have 21 volcanoes. They once surfaced from the Pacific and formed the archipelago. Of these, 13 are active and 8 are dormant or lost. There have been 60 recorded emissions since the visit of Charles Darwin in 1835. It makes you wonder how a delicate ecosystem all things considered – loaded with its microclimate – wins in such a volatile place.

8. The Sand Is Green On Floreana Island

Truly, the beach of Floreana Island in Punta Cormorán has greenish sand. This natural color is because of the olivine crystals that have been detached from the magma of the volcano’s cone.

9. The Islands Of San Cristóbal And Genovesa Are Some Of The Largest

La Genovesa is also called “the island of birds” (because of the enormous number of birds that live there). Floreana, otherwise called “Santa María”, was one of the primary islands to be inhabited, there you can appreciate the landscape with pink flamingos and sea turtles, which nest between December and May. South Plaza Island has the characteristic of having a more shifted flora.

Other significant islands to visit are North Seymour, Marchena, Pinzón, Rábida, Bartolomé, Santiago, La Pinta, Fernandina, Wolf where fur seals live lastly the island called Darwin with a height of more than 168 meters.

10. The Galápagos Islands Enjoys Pleasant Climate Throughout the Year

Situated in offshore Ecuador, the islands appreciate a peculiar climate throughout the year. In nations, for example, Ecuador and Peru, there is no traditional “summer” and “winter”, yet the rainy season and the dry season. The climate is moist, rainy, and hot from December through May, as this is the ‘rainy’ season (despite not being extremely stormy). This is the point at which you will discover the Galápagos Islands lush with greenery.

At that point comes the dry season that keeps going from June through November. The arid climate transforms the island into sandy perspectives. Such a temperate atmosphere permits you to appreciate memorable vacations on the islands whenever of the year.