Not many places can compete with the islands that inspired Darwin’s Theory of Evolution.
Located in the Pacific Ocean, just over 500 miles off the mainland coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a treasure trove of fascinating wildlife and landscapes. Various endemic species call the islands home, including the blue-footed booby, Galapagos land iguana and the Galapagos tortoise. In fact tortoises are one of the most iconic animals to be found on the island – after all the islands were named after the impressive giant tortoises that roamed here.
“Dross, worthless, because it has not the power of raising a little grass, but only thistles.” These were the words of Tomás de Berlanga, the Bishop of Panama, when he accidentally discovered the Galapagos Islands 1000km off the coast of South America in 1535. He was insulted by their lack of fresh water and found it fitting that the only inhabitants capable of tolerating the volcanic wasteland were birds, seals and reptiles. Exactly 300 years later, it was those same animal species that met Charles Darwin and spawned the most powerful biological theory the world has ever known: evolution.
Although de Berlanga’s name for the islands stuck – he thought the shells of the islands’ omnipresent tortoises reminded him of a galápago, a type of Spanish saddle – Ecuador’s Galapagos archipelago is now clearly Darwin’s domain. Today, whether walking the shores or exploring the depths of the waters, one can’t help but be astounded by the spectacle and diversity of wildlife. It is truly unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere on earth. The absence of preditors ensures animals don’t scatter in your presence. Intimate, unthinkable encounters are everywhere.
Thanks to forward thinking politicians, 97.5 per cent of the archipelago’s landmass was made a national park in 1959. This means there is less development and more nature on shore, making boats the most versatile option for sleeping and moving from island to island.
In the Galapagos, everywhere you look there’re iguanas and sea lions. You can even snorkel with sea turtles, rays, and colourful fish. If you like the idea of helping animals and conservation efforts some organisations offer volunteering opportunities here.
Getting Here and Around
From Quito you can fly out to the Galapagos which assuming you have the cash should not be missed!
Another popular way to experience the Galapagos is by boat. Lots of local and international travel companies offer trips, I recommend tours with G Adventures who offer several cruises and small group tours all year round.
Comfortable cabins and cruising overnight means that you can visit a new island each day and see the best of this very special corner of the world. Expect island walks to learn about the unusual terrain, witnessing an abundance of incredible animals and snorkelling in some of the most marine packed waters in the world.
Climate & Best Time to Go
Since the Galapagos Islands are so close to the equator the weather does not change much over the course of a year.
There are two seasons: the warm & wet season, from December to May, with average temperatures of 80°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C) and the cool & dry season, from June to December, with average temperatures of 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C).
Rain showers are more frequent from December to May, but can be expected all year round. So it is best to bring a raincoat with you. The equatorial sun can be very strong and sunburn is always a risk. Bring plenty of sun block with you and keep reapplying every couple of hours!!
Highlights
The Galapagos will live up and exceed all expectations – which being usually based on beautifully shot wildlife programmes are very high!
The wildlife here is so abundant & so at home with the human beings that exist along side that by the end of your weeks stay you become almost blaze about sitting eating your dinner with a sea lion at your feet! Excitement over the experiences to come builds from the moment you step off the plane & walk across the runway to the ‘airport’ (wooden shack covered in tarpaulin) stepping over sleeping iguanas, enjoying the heat of the tarmack, as you go.
The wildlife is amazing and you will get closer than you ever imagined – from blue footed boobies to giant tortoises, pelicans, penguins, flamingos, iguanas, sharks, dolphins and whales – it will blow your mind! The different eco systems on each island are fascinating and if you can get yourself on a land tour which enables you to stay on some of the bigger islands rather than simply doing it with the masses on a ‘cruise’ type trip it is well worth it.
Do not miss the many highlights on the island of Isabella such as walking across a lava field and through lava tunnels (make sure you check for any volcano warnings though – this one’s still very active!). Top tip – make sure you get the passport stamp – it has to be one of if not the best in the world …. I won’t ruin the surprise!
Cost
The only downside is that a one week trip will probably set you back anywhere from £1,000 – £1.500 – but if you can find the funds its worth every penny.
Time Zone
The Galapagos is 6 hours behind GMT, which is equivalent to US Central Standard Time. This is one hour behind the rest of mainland Ecuador. Ecuador does not have daylight savings.
Health
Recommended vaccinations include: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio, and Antimalarial drugs. Yellow fever is only necessary if you are coming from a country with Yellow Fever. The actual risk of contracting Malaria or Yellow Fever in the Galapagos is extremely low. Contact your local GP or healthcare provider for more information if in doubt. I advise all travellers to get travel insurance, although this is not mandatory. There are plenty of pharmacies available in Puerto Ayora, but we would recommend bringing a basic travel medicine kit with you.
Money
The official currency in the Galapagos is US Dollars. Credit cards are accepted although a high commission may be charged. Cash is still preferred by most shops and restaurants. In Santa Cruz Island and San Cristobal Island there are some ATMs available, but this is not the case in Isabela or Floreana Island. Prices in the Galapagos are higher than in mainland Ecuador, because most goods have to be imported.
Communication
Cell phones: There is limited phone coverage on the islands. The two providers are Movistar and Claro. Ensure you have an unlocked cell phone when you arrive. Get in touch with your phone network before you travel to check if you phone will operate in the Galapagos. On arrival in Puerto Ayora it is possible to purchase a handset locally.
Language
Spanish is the official language of Ecuador and the Galapagos. Tourists sometimes expect that locals can speak English because of the strong tourism industry in the area, however this is not the case. I would recommend learning a basic level of Spanish before travelling here, although not essential.
Water
Tap water is not suitable for drinking or even brushing your teeth. Bottled water and treated water is widely available. For volunteers who do not have meals included in their housing we recommend you buy a local product for washing fruits and cooking.
Restaurants in the tourist areas generally use purified water to prepare and wash food. When you arrive you will receive a map with suggested restaurants where the fresh fruits and salads are safe to eat. And since the drinking water is treated in restaurants, it’s ok to have ice cubes in your favorite drink!
Food and Restaurants
A number of local restaurants offer inexpensive menus in Puerto Ayora – for example, for the modest sum of around $4, it is possible to purchase a lunch including soup, juice, a choice of chicken, beef, or fish, and rice. More extensive and expensive options are available. On Saturdays and Tuesdays there is a fruit and vegetable market in Puerto Ayora, but fresh fruits and vegetables can be expensive on the islands.