Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Galápagos Islands
Sea Lions on Español Island, Galápagos Islands
Imagine an Eden where megadiverse wildlife live in harmony on a series of remote, vol-
canic islands practically void of natural predators. Like a game of Jumangi that suddenly
sprung to life or a gigantic zoo whose inhabitants decided to break free, the Galápagos Is-
lands represent untamed fauna not phased in the least by the insurgence of humans hungry
for a glimpse of what life was like before us. Above all, the islands tell the story of a
'peaceable kingdom' that continues to exhibit the fundamentals of coexistence with only
natural beauty as its best and most qualified teacher.
The 21 main islands and 107 rocks an islets that make up the Galápagos archipelago all
arose out of volcanic origin, with the oldest ones (that formed up to 90 million years ago)
resting underwater while youngsters are just beginning to show signs of vegetation and
seismic activity. Up until the 19th century, the lands were sporadically used as hideouts for
