World Tourism / The Most Attractive Islands to Visit in 2012 / The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, nearly a thousand kilometers west of Ecuador. The archipelago consists of 13 main volcanic islands, 6 smaller islands and hundreds of rocks and alluvial areas. It is believed that the first island was formed 5-10 million years ago as a result of tectonic activity. The youngest of the island - Isabela and Fernandina are still in their formative stages: the last volcanic eruption was observed here in 2005. The Wolf volcano is the highest point of the Galapagos (1,700 meters above the sea level). There are practically no fresh water sources on the islands. Due to a sharp rise of exotic nature the islands have a growing interest. In this regard, the Galapagos Islands are truly unique. Many of the animals living there - penguins, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and so on are not found anywhere else. The main islands are from Santa Fe marine iguanas and cactus, Bartolome Island is an amazing volcanic cone, Fernandina has a large colony of marine iguanas, land, cormorants, pelicans and penguins. On the island of Santa Maria (Floreana) the pretty flamingo and blue legs live. The island of Hispaniola, perhaps is the only place in the world where the albatross nests. Isabela Island is famous for its five large volcanoes and salt lake in the crater of the volcano Darwin, the island of Santiago - paths of lava. On the island of Santa Cruz is the Research Station of Charles Darwin. There are colonies of sea and land turtles. The volcanic origins have created a special landscape, beautiful and unique species in the world are their main attraction. 90% of reptiles and 29% of birds are endemic. 900 species of birds, reptiles, mammals and plants are a natural population, of which 200 are endemic in the archipelago, making it an excellent place to observe the evolution of life on earth. To get to the Galapagos is possible through the capital of Ecuador – Quito.
Galapagos is the island of volcanoes and lava
Galapagos are oceanic islands. They are the result of a volcanic activity of around 5 million years ago and have never been part of the continent. In fact, these mountain peaks are protruding above the surface of the ocean. The youngest islands are located in the northern and western parts of the archipelago, while the oldest are in the south-east. This is due to the fact that it is on the western border of the archipelago where there is a volcanically active area, the earth's crust, known as the Nazca.
The missing water in Galapagos
I do not know what explanation to the possibility to live without water found a bishop de Berlanga, who first saw the Galapagos. Perhaps, referred to the traditional phrase, "All is the will of God." Maybe this is the answer . The Galapagos Islands provide a wonderful opportunity to get to communicate with nature, and more, they are a convenient way to study life.
Others from The Most Attractive Islands to Visit in 2012
Forget about work as it is the easiest way to be looking for rest in one of the best places of the world and find yourself among the exotic nature, but preferably in a comfortable environment.
That is why tourists are most attracted by different islands.
Having interrogated a lot of tourists and carefully comparing the beauty of the nature as well as accommodation, travel, the experts ranked the most attractive tourist islands.
It was found that, although the leader remained the same in the top, the rest still have changed dramatically.
Choose one of the islands you like more as one of your favorite tourist destination.
Be willing to find out more information about it.
Good luck.
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