Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are a group of 14 islands and a number of islets located 972 kilometres from the Ecuadorian mainland. The islands, its national park and biological marine reserve are the only province that is completely surrounded by water.
Of volcanic origin, the Galapagos are home to unique species such as iguanas, sea turtles, albatrosses, boobies and sea lions, among many others. The particular mix of flora and fauna, as well as the unique way in which many species evolved while under study, served the scientist Charles Darwin for his publications on the origin of species.
Santa Cruz is the most populated island and Puerto Ayora, the capital of the archipelago, is located there. Despite being located on the equator, the climate of the islands’ water is influenced by the Humboldt
Current, which brings cold currents off the southern continent. The temperature is maintained at an average of 25 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
As a unique natural laboratory in the world, Galapagos and its natural resources represent a Natural World Heritage site, award by UNESCO in 1978.
