Understanding Galápagos

The Islas Galápagos are a volcanic archipelago of 13 main islands, 6 smaller islands, and over 100 rocks and islets, located about 1,000 km west of the Ecuadorian coast in the Pacific. Since 1978, they have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and 97% of the land area is a national park. Only four islands are inhabited — with a total population of about 30,000.

Why Galápagos is so Unique

The islands were formed 3–5 million years ago through volcanic activity and were never connected to the mainland. Every species that lives here had to arrive over the sea — on driftwood, by wind, or swimming. In isolation, endemic species developed that exist nowhere else in the world: Galápagos giant tortoises, marine iguanas, Galápagos penguins (the only penguins north of the equator), flightless cormorants, and the famous Darwin's finches.

The most fascinating aspect: The animals have no natural fear of humans. Sea lions lie on park benches, blue-footed boobies nest next to hiking trails, marine iguanas can be photographed from 30 cm away. This trust is the result of millions of years without natural predators on land. There is no other place in the world where wildlife can be observed so closely and undisturbed.

Logistics & Rules

• Arrival: Flights from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY). Flight time: approx. 2 hours. Prices for foreigners: 350–500 USD return (Ecuadorians pay less).
• Costs upon arrival: National park fee 100 USD (cash, only at the airport), Transit Control Card (TCT) 20 USD (at the departure airport).
• Strict rules: No littering, no food introduction, 2-meter distance from animals, no touching animals, do not leave paths, no drones without permission. Many areas only accessible with a certified naturalist guide.