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People

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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.

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Past residents

They included pirates, whalers, convicts, and early settlers.

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Today's population

It's around 20,000. Most residents live in Puerto Ayora (9,000) and Puerto Baquerizo (6,000).

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Tourist count

Currently, more than 60,000 tourists per year visit the Galapagos. The maximum government permitted number is 90,000.

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Geology

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Origin

The Galapagos Islands were formed by accumulating lava oozing upward from beneath the ocean floor. This geological process reached sea level nearly 4 million years ago.

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Today

Some of the volcanoes are still active, with occasional eruptions and seismic activity.

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The islands
physically differ

The terrain and topography vary. Some islands are small and flat, others big and tall.

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Click for more tips

Facts & tidbits - PAGE TWO

Facts & tidbits - PAGE THREE

Facts & tidbits - PAGE FOUR

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Best 5 islands
Top 5 land & shore wildlife
Top 5 birds
Top 5 marine life

Best Galapagos ships by category
Boat class - pros & cons
Itinerary tips
Cost and booking tips

Best time to go
Getting there tips
Packing tips
Snorkeling tips
Diving tips
Some more helpful tips

Celebrity Xpedition
Charles Darwin - Brief bio
Interesting Galapagos facts

World's Top 100 Wonders

World's Top 1000 Wonders

Site map

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Ecuador Ministry of Tourism

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©2012 HQP - Hillman Quality Publications / hillmanwonders.com