Galapagos Island National Park

Galapagos Islands National Park - Galapagos Sea Liones

The largest of its kind in Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands is both a national park and a marine reserve protecting over 1,714,000 acres of land and around 133,000 sq km of the Pacific Ocean. The country’s first national park established in 1959, the Parque Nacional Galapagos encompasses 19 major and minor islands as well as 42 islets, some of which are so small one can barely step on them. While some islands were declared wildlife sanctuaries as early as 1934, the importance of the Galapagos Islands becomes more evident as time passes by.

Estimated at being just over 5 million years old, the Galapagos Islands were formed by the lava of underwater volcanoes erupting and rising to the surface of the ocean. This lava slowly cooled down, and over time formed these islands, the process of which is still ongoing even today. The most fascinating aspect of the Galapagos lies not in its volcanic formation, but rather due to the many endemic and indigenous plant and wildlife species found here, both on land and underwater.

Often referred to as the ‘laboratory of evolution’, this national park was visited by the young Charles Darwin who used many of the animals species found on these islands to prove his theory of evolution or natural selection. Inhabited by giant tortoises or Galapagos in Spanish, other native species on the islands include the Waved albatross, marine iguanas, the Santa Fe land iguanas, the Galapagos sea lion, Darwin’s finches, the Galapagos hawk, the Flightless cormorant, Blue-footed boobies, and the Galapagos fur seal.

Dubbed as a naturalist’s dream, the cornucopia of endemic species found on these islands makes this place very special indeed. Declared a World Natural Heritage site by UNESCO, the Galapagos Islands is an enchanting place to visit as the wildlife species here are strangely fearless and easily approachable, making them a joy to watch up close and personal. While there is a US$ 100 entrance fee to the park, it is well worth it, as the Galapagos are truly an incredible sight.

Hike volcano summits, scuba dive with sharks, snorkel with some of the most fantastic array of marine life, go birding to see some of the rarest birds in the world, and swim or relax on the most pristine beaches known to man in the Galapagos to have the vacation of a life time.

The best way to see this national park is with the help of certified guides, as they will easily help you understand this sensitive environment. It is key to follow the rules laid down by the park, as they help to preserve this delicate habitat. The most important point to remember when visiting here is not to remove or touch any plant, animal or other natural objects. Do not litter; do not feed the animals; and always stay within the designated areas marked out by the park.

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