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In a decade (in 2031), it will be 200 years since an English naturalist, just 22 years old and a Cambridge graduate, navigated the world for five years, taking notes on the wildlife and environments around him. But his five-week stay in the Galapagos Islands was decisive in developing his theory of evolution, which he published in the book “The origin of species through natural selection . ”
The reality is that many of the plant and animal species he found were very different from mainland South America . The Islands have been a World Heritage Site since 1979. They make up a province of Ecuador , although they are located about 1,000 km in the middle of the Pacific , and are made up of approximately thirteen large islands, nine medium-sized ones and 107 small islets, and a total population close to 33,000 inhabitants, although it receives more than 200,000 tourists a year, which represents its main source of income. It is a haven of nature that must be visited.
Upon arrival at one of its airports, the one located on Baltra Island , the sign announces “Galapagos Ecological Airport.” Everything is related to ecology and conservationism, vital for the survival of the islands as a natural stronghold.
From Ecuador to Galapagos
But, I don't want to skip my opinion about Ecuador, because it is an exciting country, due to the combination of its visits, Galapagos seems essential to me. But, the historic center of the city of Quito , declared a World Heritage Site and its colonial architecture. Or, 25 km away, the Middle of the World city , with its 30-meter-high stone monument right at the point where the Equator is located.
Also, the wonderful volcanoes that the country has, such as Quilotoa. When you reach the edge of the crater, at more than 4,000 meters high, the lagoon of turquoise waters inside is impressive. I preferred to climb it on a donkey, it is an alternative, like the Telegram Number Data climb in Santorini . Or the neighborhood of the peñas in Guayaquil. Full of colorful houses and cobblestone streets. Also, there are beaches and places to disconnect, like “Montañita”, a relaxed place.
I love it because you can wear a swimsuit and flip-flops all day. The interior changes radically with what is the Pacific coast and the entrance to the Amazon through Baños de Agua Santa , allows me to feel the great vegetation of this mountainous area. And, the most exciting thing about this area are the gorges, the rapids of the rivers and, in general, the force with which nature manifests itself. Of course, the Ecuadorian Amazon and reaching the indigenous communities.
Galapagos, the “ jewel in the crown ”
Galapagos is, as an article said, “the jewel in the crown.” There are several airports, the normal thing is to enter through Baltra Island , next to Santa Cruz Island . Isabela Island , the largest, also allows us to move between the islands later. So we enter through “Puerto Villamil” its airport and, when leaving, we will go to leave our suitcases at the Albemarle Hotel , next to the beach, a charming place. Construction connected with nature (although Mediterranean style), many gardens and spacious rooms.
Puerto Villamil is a town where practically the entire population of Isla Isabela lives (just over 2,000 inhabitants). With a charming little port full of sailboats and yachts, easy to walk and pleasant walks. In the southwest corner, a walk was built that crosses the mangroves, passing between saltwater lagoons where you can enjoy its abundant fauna. At the end, the turtle breeding center.
And we immerse ourselves in the atmosphere, the sunset at Iguana Point Bar Restaurant, the scene is postcard-perfect and with good seafood. The terrain is terrible to move around, six volcanoes and no roads. It is ideal to use the sea from where you can enjoy the sighting of penguins, flightless cormorants, sea lions, marine iguanas or the giant Galapagos tortoises.
Visit to Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is the second largest island and the one with the largest population, around 25,000 inhabitants. In addition to a geologically rich and varied landscape.
A visit to the Twins is highly recommended. These are two enormous cavities created by the effect of lava with beaches (some among the best in the world), exuberant vegetation and unique animal species that have evolved in this environment. In addition, here is the Charles Darwin scientific station , or Turtle Bay , to the south, with its impressive protected beach and where the island's endemic fauna lives.
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发表于 2023-12-2 12:41:18