Located some 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos archipelago consists of thirteen main islands. In 1959, as 95% of the islands and 50,000 sq. miles of surrounding ocean was granted protection, an organization of scientists and conservationists established the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Charles Darwin Research Center. UNESCO placed the Galapagos Islands on the World Heritage List in 1978, thereby bringing significant international pressure towards safeguarding this unique environment.
The best way to explore the Galapagos Islands is by boat and GreenTracks offers an acclaimed program utilizing two mid-size boats. The ship’s frequent shore excursions will explore the complex ecosystem that has made the Galapagos so famous. On the island of Floreana, for example, one can visit Post Office Bay, The Black Beach, Flamingos Lagoon, Cormorant Point, or The Pirates’ Caves. There are also areas to scuba dive, such as La Corona del Diablo. On Genovesa, the frigate birds, fur seals, marine iguanas, tropical birds, red-footed boobies, and masked boobies all stand out. On Fernandina, there are sea lions, iguanas, pelicans, penguins, and cormorants. On Espanola the dance of the Blue-footed Booby or the courting of the Albatross can be observed. Experienced, enthusiastic guides will explain the many wonders found in the Galapagos.
Galapagos trips can be combined with land programs on the Ecuador mainland and can easily be combined with GreenTracks’ tours in Peru of the Amazon, Cuzco and Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Nazca and more. Visit www.greentracks.com
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