I mean, who doesn't want to see a picture of this precious sea lion pup?!
For years, scientists have considered the Galapagos Islands to represent the peak of biodiversity, as this sacred archipelago safeguards species found nowhere else in the world. Located off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, this little oasis first rose to fame as the study subject of renowned biologist Charles Darwin, who eventually developed his famous and very influential Theory of Evolution thanks to these islands.
A map of the Galapagos Islands for reference
Naturally, when my family decided to take a trip to the Galapagos, my quirky, nerdy, biology-enthusiast self was absolutely ecstatic.
A Christmas iguana in the foreground, and a lava lizard in the background to the right: both native to and found only in the Galapagos (Española Island)
The islands remain mostly uninhabited by humans, with only 5 communities totaling in approximately 25,000 people. The limited human interference means that organisms in the Galapagos have been given the space to thrive, and evolve, for many years.
Even more unbelievable: the animals don't express the slightest amount of fear towards people. Never before have I been able to get within a single foot of a wild bird, but in the Galapagos this was a regular occurrence. Galapagos hawks will watch you with curious, piercing eyes as you step right up next to them to snap a picture. When you witness the astonishing sharpness of a bird of prey's eyes for the first time, as they intently watch your every move, you realize you're experiencing a wildly unsettling power dynamic foreign to most human beings. It's a humbling experience to say the least...
A Galapagos Hawk sitting atop the Galapagos National Park marker, clearly unbothered by my presence- later, I was able to get even closer (Santa Fe Island)
It also wasn't uncommon for an inquisitive finch or fearless lizard to start following us on our tour, sometimes for as long as 10 or 15 minutes. They quickly became our new "amis d'ailleurs"; we would have full conversations with them, as if it were completely normal to do so, and had great fun trying to identify the species.
A magnificent Darwin finch: a pop of yellow in the brush
Exploring the Galapagos is certainly the trip of a lifetime. The Ecuadorian government restricts the amount of people who can be on the islands at a given time (rightfully so), and only allows organized trips with certified tour guides and wildlife specialists. Bottom line, trying to get in with a trip can be competitive. Make sure you plan ahead; that includes looking at different cruise lines' amenities and sailing routes, reserving your spot early, and stocking up on eco-friendly toiletries so as to not disrupt the Galapagos' ecosystem with litter (a requirement from the government).
Massive rock formations like "Cathedral" remind us of how small we are compared to the force of nature (San Cristobal Island)
The islands did all but disappoint during my visit. I had a truly fantastic time discovering for myself the Darwin finches, boobies (a type of bird... get your head out of the gutter...), adorable sea lions, and giant tortoises that can live to be over a century old; I simply never got tired of exploring the unique wildlife. If you end up going to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, remember that it is an enormous privilege. Respect the land, and take advantage of every second of your voyage!
A Giant Tortoise shows off its long, prehistoric neck (Santa Cruz Island)
Boobies! From top to bottom: a Blue-Footed Booby nesting on eggs (San Cristobal Island), a a brilliantly-colored Red-Footed Booby perched in a brush (San Cristobal Island), a Nazca Booby with its offspring (Española Island)
Image source:
"Where are the Galapagos Islands located?" Galapagos Pro. Map. Web. https://galapagos-pro.com/en/where-are-the-galapagos-islands/
To learn more, visit: https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/adventure-travel/how-to-travel-to-galapagos-islands
© 2021 Charlotte Warren. All rights reserved.
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