The Galapagos Islands - back to the past !

Galapagos belongs officially to Ecuador(about 1.000 km to the west).The Archipel counts 5 Main Islands (Fernandina-Isabel-San Christobal/Salvador and Santa Cruz) and many other small Islands or even only Rocks. To get there we took a plane to "Isle Balta" where we immediatly noticed that human beings are not that important. The world of animals and plantation are witnesses of our history and even behaviour.

Quick Tips:

Respect nature and follow the official guides who are local people protecting a unique part of this world.

Best Way To Get Around:

Make a reservation on the Island Hotels as early as possible because the access to the Islands is rather limited. My experience is the first class accommodation on the hotel/boat "Ambassador I"

It is just unique to visit those "Vulcanous Islands" and there inhabitants. Discovered only 500 years ago by the Bishop of Panama. The first "landing" on one of the Islands was impressive. Birds and Sea-lions were laying down asking -"Do i know your kind of specie?"

There are afraidless and have only natural enemies. Follow 100% of the local guide instructions and paths (no leaving of food or Cola Cans). Every Island has its specific fauna or flora. Watch and picture the birds like "Jan Van Gent", "Cormorants", "Albatross" and "Frigate Birds". Visit the giant tortoises. In the program you can visit different places- each unique - and last but not least - relax in the evening on the boat "Ambassador". You'll feel like you're in Paradise - literally.

For many centuries this specie was hunted and nearly made extinct. Left are about 15.000 pieces -mainly on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. They can reach a weight of 250 kilo's and a height of 1.50 meters. They are slow (360 meters an hour).

The most famous one is "Lonesome George" living on the Research Centre. He is a unique subspecie and the government will reward 10.000 US dollars to the one who can find an equal female subspecie.