By Eija Rissanen
Galapagos Islands are located 620 miles off the coast of Ecuador. The archipelago has 13 major islands, five of which are inhabited, and it is one of the last places where you can experience nature in its natural state. With its rich and diverse flora and fauna, it is the place seen by most only on the Discovery Channel. The birthplace of Charles Darwin's evolution theory is the dream destination for any nature lover or somebody who wants to experience the wonders of nature at its finest. Its endless beauty and abundance of options to experience make Galapagos Islands a place you'll remember the rest of your life, and the main reason why you want to travel there.
When to Go
Galapagos Islands has two seasons---hot and dry. The hot season is from January to April with average temperatures ranging from low 70s to low 80s with high humidity levels. Some afternoon thundershowers are also common. The frequent afternoon showers, however, make the islands green and land birds more active. In addition, ocean water is warmer for swimming and snorkeling during this time of the year. The dry season is from April to December, with average temperatures ranging from high 60s to low 80s with cool winds. Misty rain, called garua, is common early in the morning. Dry season is the best time to observe the courtship displayed by the sea and land birds. Sea mammals are also more active during the dry season. There isn't a time of season considered to be the best to travel to the Galapagos Islands because you will see plenty of nature activity year-round. The peak visiting months are April, May and November.
How to Get There
The Galapagos Islands can be reached by air from Quito and Guayaquil, Ecuador, and daily flights from Miami and Houston depart to both cities. From Quito and Guayaquil, daily flights depart to Galapagos Islands. To explore different islands in the Galapagos archipelago, you need to travel by boat and you can choose between independent travel or organized tour. Independent travel can be booked on the spot but be aware that boats are usually full during the high season, forcing you to wait for available space. Therefore, booking a tour in advance is advised and might be more convenient when done from your home country rather than in the Galapagos Islands. However, if you have the time to wait, you might save some money.
Keep in mind that upon arrival you need to pay a Galapagos Entrance Fee of $100 per person in cash to the national park authorities and purchase a $10 tourist card. In addition, a $41 departure tax per person from Quito and a $28 departure tax from Guayaquil is added to your flight fare. Some of these expenses may be included in your tour price, so check with your tour company.
Accommodations
Hotel and hostel accommodations are available in most of the islands and prices vary from affordable to expensive. You frequently don't need to book in advance and many hotels and hostels organize day tours. If you choose to stay in the towns of Puerto Ayora, Puerto Villamil or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno but you want to see the abundance of wildlife found on the Galapagos Islands, you need to take daily boat tours to other islands. The other option is to book a cruise when accommodations are provided on board.
What to Do
With the variety of sea and land wildlife to observe and experience, Galapagos Islands is the dream destination for both amateur and professional naturalists. Diving and snorkeling are two of the best ways to experience the underwater world. Galapagos Islands is one of the best diving destinations because of healthy, rich and colorful marine life. If you are not a certified diver, go snorkeling instead. Trips to other islands to visit rare species, such as Galapagos penguin and Galapagos flamingo or seeing giant turtles and reptiles will keep your busy on land. If you get tired of the wildlife, you can take a break by climbing to the top of Bartolome for a magnificent view of the Galapagos archipelago.
Environmental Issues
It has taken millions of years for the wildlife on the Galapagos Islands to evolve to the extent found today. The remote and isolated location of the archipelago, however, makes it extremely vulnerable to any human interruptions. The biggest human impact is caused by tourism, over-fishing and introduction of invasive species. You can help to preserve the beauty of the Galapagos Islands by not bringing any living materials or foods with you or from island to island, not touching or disturbing any of the animals, taking your trash with you and staying withing the permitted areas and using a licensed national park guide while visiting the archipelago.
About the Author:
Eija Rissanen is a freelance journalist living in Hawaii. She has a journalism and environmental studies degree from Hawaii Pacific University. Her articles have been published in Kalamalama, the student newspaper of Hawaii Pacific University, and some other environmental and travel publications and Web sites in Europe and the United States.
