Interesting tidbits about the islands

Tidbits

interesting Galapagos facts and insights

Some Galapagos
conversation pieces

The Galapagos Islands are
one of the most active
volcanic areas on earth

They were formed by accumulating lava oozing upward from beneath the ocean floor. This geological process began nearly 4 millions year ago. Today, some of the volcanoes are still active, with occasional eruptions and seismic activity.

The islands physically differ

The terrain and topography vary. Some islands are small and flat, others big and tall. The highest peak is on Isabela, with an altitude of 1700 meters (5600 feet).

First human to set foot

Charles Darwin wasn't first. Hardly. He arrived in 1835, exactly 300 years after the islands were discovered in 1535 when a ship was blown off course. Although there is speculation that the Incas knew of the place before 1500, the evidence is tenuous.

The official name of
the Galapagos Islands

It is "Archipelago de Colon". The name honors the memory of Christopher Columbus, whose last name is "Colon" in Spanish.

The major islands have
more than one name

They have both Spanish and English names, which causes confusion among visitors. Click my map button below to see their dual names.

Mostly park land

Over 90% of the Galapagos Islands terrain is part of the National Park. Although tourists are permitted to visit only a small percentage of that area, the allowable areas rank high in interest.

Brightly shining stars

Because the islands are on the equator and far from smog and big city lights, the stars at night are crisp and bright.

Galapagos wildlife rituals

Visitors are fascinated watching the various animal rituals. For example, the male blue footed booby bird dances with his feet going up and down to woe a female.

Goats reverting
to the wild

Centuries ago, some of the goats imported by man escaped and became feral (domesticated animals that return to a wild status) goats. Today, their descendents are an ecological scourge because they eat wild grass, a basic food for native endangered life such as the giant tortoise.

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