• Explore the remains of the volcano and a partially sunken cave
while visiting the Galápagos Islands
Overview:
Bisected by the equator, one part
lying in the southern hemisphere and the other in the northern,
Ecuador is a land divided into three distinct
geological regions - Sierra, Oriente and Costa. These regions
seem like three different planets squeezed into one tiny
country. In addition, Ecuador controls the Galapagos Islands,
which is even more like a distant universe.
Straddling the Equator 1000km
(622 miles) off the coast of
Ecuador, the
Galapagos Islands are famous for being the inspiration for
Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. There are 13 large islands
and six small, which were formed by oceanic volcanoes some three
to five million years ago. Visitors come to the islands to see
the unparalleled variety of wildlife that flourishes due to the
remote location and temperate climate. The most famous residents
are the giant tortoises after whom the islands are named,
although other common species include iguana, dolphins, boobies
and cormorants. The animals are so used to human company
visitors can even swim with penguins and sea lions. Snorkelling
and sailing are also popular.
