Do you love nature? Perhaps fascinated by history, enjoy active vacations where you can explore "new worlds" while immersing yourself in local culture(s). Well then, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands have much to offer you! Ecuador is known as the the country of 4 Worlds; The Amazonas, Andes, Coast and the Galapagos Islands. The sheer diversity found in such a small country is truly incredible!
Lying 1000km off the shore of Ecuador is the incredible archipelago of the Galapagos Islands which spans 7850 square km. The 13 major and 6 minor volcanic islands, along with 42 islets and their marine biosphere are listed as a World Heritage Site for it's natural phenomena and beauty.
The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the highest levels of endemism (species found nowhere else on earth) anywhere on the planet. This uniqueness both fascinated and inspired Charles Darwin during his visit in 1835. His studies and insights gained from the variations discovered in the Galapagos Islands led him to develop the Theory of Evolution.
The Galapagos islands were first discovered more than 487 years ago. The Dominican friar, Fray Tomás de Berlanga, Bishop of Panama, was the official discoverer, arriving on March 10, 1535. He didn't set out to discover new lands, he was intending to travel from Panama to Peru but sailed off course due to the ocean currents.
The Galapagos also have a rich Pirate history, including one of the first being Sir Francis Drake, well known as the first to fully circumnavigate the earth in one expedition, but, also as quite the Privateer!
The first person to settle in Galapagos Islands is thought to be an Irishman named Patrick Watkins. A serious rum drinker, he settled on Floreana Island in 1805 after being marooned (actually wanted to be left behind), staying only a few year, leaving in 1809.
Did you know, the Galapagos Islands used to be a penal colony? It was! Beginning in 1832 when Coronel Ignacio Henandez established the first two penal colonies of the islands on Floreana and San Cristobol. Later, in 1944, the Ecuadorian government established a third penal colony on the island of Isabela. All of the penal colonies were shut down by 1959.
Rich in history, unique in nature, and overflowing with beauty, the Galapagos Islands are surely a destination that must be experienced in person!
The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the highest levels of endemism (species found nowhere else on earth) anywhere on the planet. This uniqueness both fascinated and inspired Charles Darwin during his visit in 1835. His studies and insights gained from the variations discovered in the Galapagos Islands led him to develop the Theory of Evolution.
The Galapagos islands were first discovered more than 487 years ago. The Dominican friar, Fray Tomás de Berlanga, Bishop of Panama, was the official discoverer, arriving on March 10, 1535. He didn't set out to discover new lands, he was intending to travel from Panama to Peru but sailed off course due to the ocean currents.
The Galapagos also have a rich Pirate history, including one of the first being Sir Francis Drake, well known as the first to fully circumnavigate the earth in one expedition, but, also as quite the Privateer!
The first person to settle in Galapagos Islands is thought to be an Irishman named Patrick Watkins. A serious rum drinker, he settled on Floreana Island in 1805 after being marooned (actually wanted to be left behind), staying only a few year, leaving in 1809.
Did you know, the Galapagos Islands used to be a penal colony? It was! Beginning in 1832 when Coronel Ignacio Henandez established the first two penal colonies of the islands on Floreana and San Cristobol. Later, in 1944, the Ecuadorian government established a third penal colony on the island of Isabela. All of the penal colonies were shut down by 1959.
Rich in history, unique in nature, and overflowing with beauty, the Galapagos Islands are surely a destination that must be experienced in person!
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What can you do in ecuador?
Where does one begin! There is a seemingly endless list of possibilities when it comes to Ecuador.
- Visit the Historic Centre of Quito
- Visit Otavalo Market
- Visit an Andean Musical Instrument Workshop
- Experience a tethered Hot Air Balloon ride for panoramic views of Taita Imbabura and Mama Cotacachi
- Enjoy a Cultural tour to visit different craft workshops of local Kichwa families and Tour Otavalo communities
- Visit the Cascada de Peguche Protected Forest
- Sample Bizcochos (definitely!)
- Experience a Pacari Chocolate Tasting
- Visit a Rose growing farm - Ecuador has over 300 varieties of roses, including some up to 6' tall!
- Sample Equatorial Wine
- Take a Cruise around the Galapagos Islands
- If you don't prefer cruising, you may opt for a land based stay in Galapagos Islands
- Go Snorkeling or Diving
- Surf the waves at Montanita
- Hike to Waterfalls
- Visit the Amazon Rainforest
- Experience a Shaman Ceremony
- Canoe to an Animal Rescue Centre in the Amazon
- Soak in the Hot Springs in Papallacta
- Birdwatching (so many birds!)
- Be in Awe along the Avenue of Volcanoes
- Visit Cotopaxi National Park