Galpagos Islands

The Galpagos Islands were among the first group of sites added to the World Heritage List in
1978.
Photograph by Steve Winter, National Geographic
Site: Galpagos Islands
Location: Ecuador
Year Designated: 1978
Category: Natural
Criteria: (vii)(viii)(ix)(x)
Reason: This living laboratory of evolution helped to inspire Charles Darwin 175 years ago and
continues to offer a unique opportunity to explore a pristine natural ecosystem.
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The Galpagos Islands are located 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) from the South American mainland
but a world apart from anywhere else on Earth. The archipelago and its surrounding waters, located

where three ocean currents converge, are famed for the unique animal species that piqued the
interest of Charles Darwin in 1835. Decades later Darwin drew on his experiences here when
penning his landmark theory of evolution by natural selection.
The actively volcanic islands are home to fascinating creatures found nowhere else on Earth,
including marine iguanas, giant tortoises, flightless cormorants, and a diverse variety of finches.
Darwin noted that although all of the islands shared similar volcanic compositions, environment,
and climate, each isolated isle was home to its own set of unique species. Darwin suspected that
these species had adapted to a unique diet and the microenvironment of their locale.
Most exciting for visitors is the lack of fear and even curiosity with which the Galpagos animals
typically regard humans. Incredible, up-close encounters are the norm here. And while the islands
are a living laboratory of evolutionary change, their ecosystems have remained remarkably
unchanged. Some 95 percent of the islands' pre-human biodiversity remains intacta remarkable
figure. But even this paradise hasnt remained totally pristine.
Threats from high levels of poorly regulated tourism (the islands welcome some 100,000 annual
visitors), overfishing, and the introduction of invasive species landed the site on the List of World
Heritage in Danger in 2007.
But this first of all World Heritage sites has experienced some positive changes in recent years. The
committee has recognized Ecuadors progress in strengthening conservation measures designed to
protect the priceless area, and the Galpagos were removed from the threat list in July 2010.
How to Get There
The islands have two airports, Isla Baltra and Isla San Cristbal, which are serviced by regular
flights from mainland cities Quito and Guayaquil.
How to Visit
Accommodations are available on several islands, and public boat and plane services allow visitors
to move about the archipelago. But perhaps the best way to experience the Galpagos is by boat
tour. Whether your interests lie in bird watching, diving, snorkeling, surfing, or other activities an
appropriate tour option existsincluding National Geographics own.
When to Visit
There is never really a bad time to visit, but part of the governments plan to protect these islands
includes limiting the number of visitors to each island at any given time. Tour itineraries are
coordinated with this regulation in mind, and most crowding issues occur from peak season of midJune through September and again in mid-December to mid-January.
From December through May the islands tend to be quieter (excepting the holiday period mentioned
above), but frequent sunshine is also punctuated with almost daily rain showers. As water
temperatures change and seasons shift, different types of wildlife become more or less plentifulso
its worth keeping a must-see species list in mind when planning your itinerary.