galapagos islands map and map of the galapagos islands and information page

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

A Brief Description Fast Facts Flag Landforms Lat/Long Links Maps Time Traveler Info Weather

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A Brief Description

Sitting right atop the Equator, approximately 600 miles directly west of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands had no original inhabitants, and were discovered in 1535 by Tomas de Berlanga, the Spanish Bishop of Panama, when his ship drifted by the islands.

Reportedly in the 17th and 18th centuries, ocean pirates used the islands as rendezvous points, as well as for fresh food and water.

The Galapagos was finally annexed by Ecuador in 1832, and a decade later, a few small settlements were established on some of the islands.

Visited by the English naturalist Charles Darwin in 1835, his subsequent studies of local wildlife noted that almost all of the animals and plants here were endemic to the islands, which of course contributed to his famous theory of natural selection, and put these special islands on the map for the rest of the world to experience.

The islands became Ecuador's first national park, and these now aggressively-protected islands and the surrounding marine reserve were both declared World Heritage sites.

Travel to these islands is strictly controlled by Ecuador, and a visit to the home of the giant tortoise, marine iguanas, and Darwin's finches must (should) be done through a professional tour operator, of which there are many operating through Quito.

Learn more about the Galapagos Islands here!

A rugged coastline in the Galapagos Travel the World through Poster Art!
Facts and Figures

Name Galapagos Islands

(long form) Archipiélago de Colón - an offshore

territory of Ecuador

Population 12,500 (est)

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (2,800)

Currency U S dollar (USD)

Currency Converter here

Languages Spanish (official), English

Flag here

National Day August 10

Religions Catholic (95%), others

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude 0º, 90º W

Relative Location The Galapagos Islands, positioned on, or near, the Equator, are subsequently found in the northern, southern and western hemispheres. Located approximately 600 miles (1,000 km) directly west of Ecuador, they're bordered completely by the Pacific Ocean.

Land Statistics

Coastline 1,036 miles (1,667 km)

Land Areas

(land) 4,897 sq miles (7,880 sq km)

(water) 0 sq miles (0 sq km)

(TOTAL) 4,897 sq miles (7,880 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms The Galapagos islands are volcanic in origin and several volcanoes in the west of the archipelago are still very active, especially those on Isla Fernandina, Isla Isabela and Isla Santiago.

Many of the 100 islets (rings of coral reef) and larger islands are fringed by a white sand beach.

Highest Pt. Volcan Wolf - 5,600 ft. (1,707 m)

Lowest Pt. Pacific Ocean - 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions officially none

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Maps

Galapagos Islands (large color) Map here

Galapagos Islands Outline Map here

Ecuador Maps here

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Ring of Fire map here

World Outline Maps (printable) here

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Recommended Links

Ecuador (Complete) info on the (GDP) economy, imports and exports, natural resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here

Galapagos (Charles Darwin) site

Galapagos Photos at TrekEarth.com here

Galapagos.Org here

Galapagos Tours site

GalapagosTravel.com a very useful site here

A gigantic Galapagos tortoise Travel the World through Poster Art!

Time and Weather

Climate The ocean currents determine the weather in the Galapagos islands; (June - December) conditions are cool, cloudy and mostly dry; (January - May) conditions become warm, sunny, with a few afternoon showers.

Current temperature and forecast here

Traveler Info

Attractions Most organized tours to the Galapagos Islands originate in Quito, Ecuador, or flow through the city. A wide variety of boats/ships are use to cross over to the islands, or (1 1/2 hour) flights are available to either Isla Baltra or Isla San Cristobal.

Once in the islands, interaction with a wide variety of unique wildlife is the order of the day, including the famed giant tortoise, land iguanas, sea lions, and the like. In addition, nature tours, scuba diving, snorkelling and volcano tours are popular diversions.

Country Dialing Code (Quito, Ecuador) 593

Electricity 110 volts AC (60 Hz)

Electrical adapters, products and tips here

Travel Warnings here

Visa Information here

PLEASE NOTE: Before making travel plans for any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate important details regarding visas, local health care, customs, etc. We always find it helpful to contact the nearest consulate of any country before beginning a journey into a foreign land.

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