A Life Changing Experience - The Enchanted Isles of Galapagos
The Galapagos Archipelago is a cluster of 15 volcanic islands, islets and rocks located just under the equator, about 600 miles west of Ecuador in South America. The oldest of the islands are about 4 million years old and the youngest are still in the process of being formed. These are the Islands that we visited on our cruise on the ship; Galapagos Explorer II(GEII). The Galapagos Islands are considered to be one of the most active volcanic areas in the world. The Islands are owned by the Galapagos National Park Service and they set the itineraries the ships travel. This trip was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream of my son who has wanted to see these Islands since he was eight years old. It was an experience that none of us will ever forget!
The station is also a tortoise breeding and rearing center where different species of tortoises are reared for re-entry into their natural habitats. These are the famous Galapagos Tortoises that give name to the archipelago.
North Seymour Island is home to the Blue Footed Booby(seen here), as well as fur sea lions, land iguanas and frigate birds.
Fernandina - Punta Espinosa
The island is narrow, made up of sand and lava rock extending from the base of a volcano in the sea.
There are large colonies of marine iguanas and it is home to a number of unique Galapagos species such as the
Sally Lightfoot Crab, Lava Lizards, Galapagos Hawks, Flightless Cormorants and the Fur Seal. We witnessed the kill of a young Lava Lizard by a Galapagos Hawk, incredible!
The country of Ecuador may own the Galapagos Islands but there is also much to see on the mainland. The indigenous people of Ecuador are a charming and friendly people. The capital city of Quito is an Unesco World Heritage site. Otovalo with its markets and Cotacachi with three day festivals showed us the people of Ecuador in their towns with the native foods and customs.
Length of Trip: 11 days
Places visited: Islands - Santa Cruz (Home of the Giant Tortoise), Fernandina, Seymour, Bartolome, Isabella, James. Ecuador - Quito, Cotacachi, Otovalo
Time of Year: June - this is when we went but the Enchanted Islands are visited year round
Appeals to: Families with children 8+, couples, nature lovers, photography interest
Traveled with: Husband and 25 year old son
Note to Traveler: Physically challenging with hiking on uneven ground.
Insider tip: Galapagos National Park regulates the itineraries for the cruises. Each year
the routing changes. Ask me about the choices!
