Part of the Republic of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are one of the most famous archipelagos of volcanic islands in the world.
Counting 18 major islands of each a land area of at least one square kilometer and four minor islands – including a nameless islet for scuba diving –, it’s fair to say that the Galapagos have a lot to offer in terms of diversity and excitement for a variety of travelers.
It’s only at the end of the 16th century that the islands finally appeared on sailing maps; the combination of late discovery and late civilization has made the archipelago a natural paradise for wildlife.
If you are still looking for a good reason to book a trip to the wonderful Galapagos, here are some thoughts for your next holiday:
It is a UNESCO heritage site
The Galapagos Islands are a World Heritage Site and a biosphere reserve. If you are not sure what it means, don’t worry, most travelers don’t understand the denomination.
UNESCO explains that the role of the islands’ wildlife and flora in our understanding of natural evolution and climatic influences, the geologic formation, the diving environment, and biological diversity are not only essential criteria in defining a World Heritage Site but also factors that every traveller can experience during their stay.
Let’s not forget that the archipelago is where Charles Darwin penned his theory of evolution through the observation of the islands’ unique fauna and flora.
There’s no wrong time to come
Typically, each destination you visit has a best and worst season. If you’re going to a place such as Indonesia, for instance, you’ll be sure to avoid the monsoon season to make the most of your holiday.
In the Galapagos, there is no such thing as an unpleasant season. Indeed, due to the archipelago’s location by the equator, visitors can enjoy an agreeable climate all year long.
In other words, you can pick the best Galapagos deal of 2019 at any time of the year.
The temperature average for June to November of 70°F to 80°F – this is the cool and dry season.
You can catch the exploration bug
There is a lot to see around, whether you’re an enthusiastic Darwin’s admirer or whether you’re simply fascinated by the unique species and vegetation on the islands.
The archipelago organizes regular guided tours for small groups throughout the day, which allows visitors to discover the islands without putting wildlife at risk.
Scuba divers – experienced and beginners – can enjoy a peaceful afternoon in one of the seven wonders of the underwater world.
And if you’re not keen on diving, you can swim with penguins instead.
It’s a lesson to learn
Last but not least, the Galapagos share an essential lesson about environmental issues. Indeed, visitors get an in-depth insight into how much ecological protection can make a difference for wildlife.
It’s not uncommon for travellers to make eco-friendly changes to their lifestyle after their visit, from the installation of solar panels to choosing to use their cars less.
Ultimately, the islands’ biodiversity is a beautiful sight that can raise awareness about the need to make the planet greener.
Whether you want to walk in the footsteps of Darwin by seeing where his theory started or discover the first wonder of the underwater world, the Galapagos Islands offer a universe of exploration, sensations, and emotions to all their visitors.
The question you want to ask yourself is not why, but when will you visit the archipelago?