Volcán Wolf and Volcano Ecuador on Isla Isabela are two sites directly on the equator line.

When Tomás de Berlanga returned to Spain from the Galápagos, he brought with him a cayman (a crocodilian reptile). This cayman measured nearly 10 feet long. It is currently on display in the cathedral in Berlanga de Duero, Spain.

The marine iguanas on Española Island attract mates by turning their black skin to bright red.

The work, The Encantadas, by Herman Melville, the author of the famous Moby Dick, were inspired by the Galápagos Islands.

The waved albatross can spend months and years without touching land. They take off only after they have all formed a single-file line, one after the other.

Galápagos tortoises and finches display a classic example of a symbiotic relationship. The finch hops in front of the tortoise to show that it is ready. The tortoise then stretches out its neck so the bird can pick off the ticks that are hidden in the folds of their skin. The finch gets a meal and the tortoise rids itself of pesky parasites.

The Galapagos is home to some of the highest levels of endemism on the planet. (Side note: Endemism is a descriptor for species that is unique to a specific area; this is different from indigenous species which can be native in multiple areas). About 80 percent of the land birds, 97 percent of the reptiles and more than 20 percent of the marine species are found literally nowhere else on earth. Among the endemic sea birds are a flightless cormorant, two species of gull and the only penguin species that lives in tropical waters.

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Population
Roughly 18,000

Capital
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal Island

Time Zone
U.S. Central Standard Time minus 1 hour

Currency
U.S. Dollar

Climate
Due to their proximity to the equator, the islands are warm most of the year, however, there is most definitely a hot season, which runs from January to April, and a cool season, from April thru to December. It rains more in the cool season and as a result, the vegetation is greener and the chance of spotting exotic bird-life is greater.

Consisting of 13 large and hundreds of small islands in the Pacific Ocean off the western coast of South America, the Galapagos Islands are home to some of the world’s most fascinating animal life.  On a small-ship cruise of the Galapagos you are sure to take in some breathtaking sights.

On your way to cruise the Galapagos Islands you are sure to make a stop in Quito.  Here are some must-see sights while on your South America vacation:

ORTEGA P. & HIJOS
Owning a “toquilla hat” means owning a piece of myth and legend. Visit this local outlet for renowned Cuenca hat manufacturer, Ortega and Sons, for the best hats hand-woven in Ecuador since 1899.

PARQUE EL EJIDO ARTS & CRAFTS MARKET
Held every weekend, this market sells everything from handmade jewelry to carved wood. But it’s famous for its paintings depicting Quito’s city scenes. If you want a piece of art to remember your visit to Quito, this is the place to go.

MERCADO DE SANTA CLARA
For a true taste of Quito, visit the vegetable, herb, and flower stands of this colorful farmer’s market. You can even purchase a locally woven basket to carry home your loot.

LA QUERENCIA
Whether you sit inside by the fireplace or outside by the garden, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Quito while savoring traditional Ecuadorian dishes like lamb stew and fried bananas.

LA RONDA
This quiet street in one of Quito’s best-preserved sections winds around 18th-century stucco houses with brightly colored balconies. It offers the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

PLAZA SANTO DOMINGO
Locals venture to this charming square on the weekends to listen to storytellers and delight in jugglers and mimes.

MUSEO FUNDACIÓN GUAYASAMIN
Tucked in a residential area of Quito, this museum features the works of Oswaldo Guayasamin, one of Ecuador’s most famous and prolific modern artists.

LA REINA VICTORIA
A British pub, La Reina Victoria, is practically the only place in Quito where you can get a draft beer. Enjoy a pint and a game of darts.

CAFÉ LIBRO
If you’d like to take home some Ecuadorian literature or photo books, this bookstore carries an extensive collection of books in both Spanish and English.

PLAZA FOSCH AND PLAZA EL QUINDE
Located in Av Fosch between Amazonas and Reina Victoria, you’ll discover lots of good restaurants and cocktail bars here. Sometimes concerts are held in the square.

Don’t forget that camera on this journey to the west coast of South America, where the most incredible wildlife in the world can be captured on film. It’s time to fly to the Galapagos Islands, where you’re most unforgettable adventures await you.

From the erupting volcanic islands to the amazing ancient ruins, the Galapagos Islands will fill your thrill for adventure. Whether you enjoy exploring on land or under the water, this getaway is just right for you. If you possess a strong passion for the theory of evolution, enjoy visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station. Take a break from the water and spend some time sightseeing with a local guide or exploring the Galapagos National Park.

It’s time to prepare for your favorite vacation or small-ship cruise where you will encounter your most amazing memories and will bring never before seen sites to life. Get ready to dive into the most unforgettable trip of your life.

The Galapagos ranks as one of the most important sites in the Western Hemisphere in regards to biodiversity and scientific research.  As such, the Ecuadorian government is one of the first countries to include environmental legislation in the form of a constitutional amendment.

The Special Law for the Galapagos is a landmark piece of legislation which has far-reaching and unprecedented language to protect biodiversity and foster a culture of conservation.  The law aims to promote conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development of the Providence of Galapagos. The legislation recognizes not only the biological framework necessary to protect Galapagos, but also the intellectual and sociological aspects.

The principal goal of this piece of legislation is to create a harmonious existence between people and the unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands. So enjoy the lush scenery, plants and animals that await you because they are heavily treasured and guarded in these pristine Islands!

Set along the equator, about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos are often referred to as the “enchanted islands.”  The skies are almost always sunny, the ocean is an inviting turquoise and the long sand beaches come in shades of crystal white, deep pink, volcanic black and glass-looking green. But, what make the Galapagos truly exceptional are the many opportunities for close-up encounters with wildlife. This could mean snorkeling with playful sea lions, tracking giant tortoises or meandering down the coast with indifferent iguanas.

In short, the Galapagos are still one of the most unspoiled areas remaining on the planet. The Islands have an international reputation for their extraordinary natural beauty, wildlife found nowhere else on earth and unparalleled contribution to the scientific world.

Bienvenidos, or welcome, to our series of posts on South America. Take a break from the daily grind and join us over the next two weeks as we introduce you to the people, landscapes, architecture and animal life of South America.

During our series you’ll cruise the Galapagos Islands seeing topical birds, sea lions, iguanas and fauna found nowhere else in the world.  You’ll walk along the cobblestone streets of the capital city of Quito to shop for handicrafts. And, finally you’ll learn about the must-see sights and undiscovered gems of Ecuador. Your South American journey is just starting…

While “express” may not be the most fitting word, Post Office Bay on the volcanic island of Floreana (also known as Isla Santa Maria) has had its own special mail system since 1793. In the 18th century, whalers and Galapagos residents used to leave their mail inside the wooden barrel, waiting for a captain of any boat headed to where the mail was addressed to deliver it. In the vast and remote Pacific Ocean, this was the only official way to communicate with relatives, friends and governments. As a result, Post Office Bay soon became a mandatory stop to all sailors in Galapagos waters. This was indeed a useful service, free of cost, and gave everyone a chance to communicate while in Pacific waters. Read the rest of this entry »