Amazing Earth: Galapagos Islands

Imagine a place so wild and challenging that it could change one’s vision of life…With their unique and diversified wildlife, the Galapagos Islands were the last and most convincing proof that lead to Charles Darwin’s revolutionary theory about the Origin of Species.

Darwin’s voyage aboard the Beagle took place in 1835, and as his theory began to gain recognition, the Galapagos archipelago came to represent every naturalist’s dream.

Nowadays, a trip to Galapagos doesn’t need the approval of the Queen of England or the courage of an explorer. Situated at about 600 miles far from the coast of Ecuador, the islands are easily reachable by sea and are becoming more and more popular, especially among wildlife photographers and nature lovers.

The deserted aspect of these volcanic islands and the absence of any cultural or architectural  masterpiece makes them less popular among regular tourists. However, there are few other places on earth that can compete with Galapagos’s rich fauna, which mainly consists of species of birds, lizards and turtles.

This rare diversity has lead to Galapagos being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as early as 1978 and for the islands to be shortlisted as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.  However, like anywhere in the world, pouching and the intensive tourism have lead to serious damages, bringing many Galapagos species on the verge of extinction.
A trip to Galapagos is very similar with a time leap to prehistory, when the melting lava was just getting cold and when strangely new species were slowly changing the face of earth. Here is one can closely watch species like the giant tortoise, flightless cormorant, waved albatross or blue-footed bobby, not to mention the omnipresent iguanas. And to make your trip even more exciting, you will encounter numerous scientists on the island, who are constantly monitoring Galapagos’s unique ecosystems and who can give you precious information.

There are few important tips to keep in mind when planning a trip to Galapagos. The first and most important thing is to be aware of the fact that Galapagos are only suitable for those travelers who love nature and like taking the trip in their own hands (if you have phobia regarding lizards or a looking for entertainment and relaxation, Galapagos is not the place for you).

As traveling is usually done by foot or aboard cruise ships, one won’t be able to find the same comfort like in a 5-star New York Hotel. But the views over Galapagos’s main islands can be equally rewarding: no matter where you turn your sight, you will be amazed by the blinding blue of the sky, the frayed rocks and shallow waters of the lagoons. Not to forget that Galapagos is very close to the Ecuador, which makes it suitable for all kinds of exciting water sports, such as scuba diving, snorkeling or swimming with the dolphins.

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