Fact Sheets & Video - Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands, a chain of rocky, highly active volcanic islands is located about 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador.

A zoologist's dream, the Galapagos Islands affords a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness animals found nowhere else on the planet. It is possible that indigenous coastal tribes were the first to discover the remote Galapagos Islands, a chain of rocky, highly active volcanic islands roughly 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador.

You don't have to be a hardcore eco-traveller to be utterly amazed by the Galapagos Islands. This is where Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution. And how could he not have been inspired this "living laboratory" offers close encounters with huge tortoises, marine iguanas, penguins, dolphins, manta rays and of course, thousands upon thousands of rare birds such as the Blue-Footed Boobie.

Cruising the islands on the Beluga is the best way to get a taste of this natural paradise, where animals are so unafraid of man, they approach the boat curiously as you sail. The Galapagos Islands afford a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness animals found nowhere else on the planet. From the moment you step onto these dazzling shores you're confronted by giant tortoises basking in the sun, lava lizards darting between rocks, and frigates swooping overhead.

The Post Office Box was used in the old days by whalers and others to stay in touch with their loved ones at home. Leaving the letters behind in the wooden barrel, other sailors returning home took it with them. Nowadays tourists have taken the tradition over and leave post cards behind in the barrel to be picked up later by others. It may take weeks, months or years for them to be delivered so don't send important mail!

Must-sees when you're there include a large inland lagoon, flamingos and other wading birds, sandy beach coves with turtles, rays and seabirds, and off the coast is Devil's Crown, a half submerged volcanic crater, which is also a great snorkelling site with starfish, sea urchins and tropical fish in the shallow centre and larger fish like sharks and rays outside rock area.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Air New Zealand flies return to San Francisco

For details visit their website (listed in the 'Related Links' section of this fact sheet).

American Airlines will connect you to Quito, Ecuador

For more information contact American Airlines on 1300 650 747

Cruises to the Galapagos Islands depart from Quito

For details call World Expeditions on 1300 720 000