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The Galapagos National Park is Ecuador's oldest park, it was founded in 1959. The Galapagos Islands' entire landmass is comprised of a network of national parks and is still largely uninhabited (around 97% of its total area). The populated portions of Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, San Cristobal Island, and Floreana Island make up the remaining 3% of the islands. The park service was created to preserve the distinctive diversity of the islands and works to preserve native species while eradicating invading ones. Animals like the Galapagos petrel, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises are preserved.
The Galapagos National Park History and Facts:
The Galapagos Islands were initially found in 1535 by Fray Tomas De Berlanga, the fourth Bishop of Panama after currents caused his ship to deviate off course. He sent Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor, & the King of Spain a report on his discovery. The Islands were first plotted 35 years later, and cartographer Abraham Ortelius named them "The Island of Tortoises."
Charles Darwin, a British naturalist, embarked on the HMS Beagle in 1831 and headed for the islands. The journey took over five years. Darwin's famous theory of evolution, which holds that all life on earth is descended from a common ancestor, was founded on his observations of the island's fur- and feathered-covered inhabitants. Darwin wondered about the origin of the inhabitants of the islands after observing that the rare species were similar from island to the island despite being perfectly fitted to their habitats.
The Park now has a sophisticated management system and a large number of Park Rangers. The Galapagos National Park received the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1979. This meant that the management and personnel of the Park were in charge of carrying out ongoing conservation activities and securing the islands in accordance with UNESCO's standards and guidelines. However, the Galapagos Islands were added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in Danger in 2007 as a result of rapidly expanding human development and poorly regulated immigration, tourism, and trade.
The Galapagos National Park has implemented stringent regulations since 2007 to regulate travel, immigration, and the growth of the Galapagos' current communities. Since it was established, the Galapagos National Park has created a number of rules and regulations to safeguard the Islands and lessen the effect on visitors. Every visitor to the islands on a cruise or who takes a daily trip must be accompanied by a qualified guide from the Galapagos National Park.
Visiting The Galapagos National Park:
A cruise is the greatest way to enjoy the Galapagos Islands to the fullest and see everything they have to offer in terms of plants and wildlife. It seems to sense that boat trips to the islands are well-liked given the region's extremely unique animal and plant life. Numerous tour companies provide animal-spotting excursions because the islands are home to numerous kinds of reptiles, rare birds, and dolphins. In general, it's best to make reservations far in advance, especially if you're traveling during a popular time of year.
Certain Rules to follow at The Galapagos National Park:
- Never deviate from the trail that has been marked.
- Animals should not be touched.
- Don't bring home any island-related mementos/ Souvenirs.
- Avoid approaching animals too closely.
- Avoid leaving behind trash.
- On the islands, you cannot smoke.
- To the islands, do not bring food.
- Fishing is not allowed in the marine reserve of the Galapagos National Park.
- Inform your guide right away if you observe somebody going against these guidelines.
- Be sure to follow your guide at all times.
- Always follow the directions given by your guide. Your guide is a local expert who is well familiar with the landscape and fauna.
How to reach The Galapagos National Park:
There are no flights that go directly to Galapagos. Fly to the Ecuadorian capital, Quito or Guayaquil. The Galapagos Islands are accessible from Ecuador by plane or by boat.
Best time to visit The Galapagos National Park:
June to September and December to January
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