General Information and Weather

Zoom en la Imagen con Modal - Galápagos Endémico
Galapagos endemic species
Santa Cruz
  • Puerto Ayora, the largest town and a main hub for tourists, is located on Santa Cruz.
  • Home to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station.
  • Known for the Los Gemelos volcanic craters and the highland ecosystems, where you can find giant tortoises in the wild.
San Cristobal
  • The second most populated island in the archipelago.
  • Features Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galápagos Province.
  • Known for its sea lion colonies, and the interpretive center in Puerto Baquerizo.
  • Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido) is famous for its stunning marine life and birdwatching opportunities.
Isabela
  • The largest island in the archipelago, formed by five volcanoes.
  • Home to the Galapagos penguin, the only penguin species found north of the equator.
  • Sierra Negra Volcano offers hiking to the second-largest volcanic crater in the world..
  • Los Tuneles, a beautiful area with lava tunnels, is perfect for snorkeling.
Floreana
  • Famous for its historical significance, as it was the first island to be inhabited.
  • Known for the post office barrel, an old tradition where sailors would leave letters for others to pick up.
  • Visitors can enjoy devil’s crown, a snorkeling spot known for its vibrant marine life.
Genovesa
  • Known as "Bird Island" because of the large number of seabird species, including the red-footed booby.
  • The island's volcanic caldera offers beautiful hiking opportunities and breathtaking views.
Española
  • Famous for its unique wildlife, including the endemic Española mockingbird and the marine iguana..
  • Gardner Bay is a popular spot for beach lovers, offering white sand beaches and sea lion colonies.
  • Punta Suarez is known for its dramatic cliffs and birdwatching.
Baltra
  • Known as the "airport island", as it hosts the main airport for travelers arriving to the archipelago
  • Once a strategic military base during World War II..
  • The island has some great scenic views, including desert-like landscapes.
Santiago
  • Famous for the black lava fields and the Sullivan Bay area, where visitors can walk on lava flows and see volcanic formations.
  • The island also features Puerto Egas, a great spot for sea lion observation and bird watching.
Rabida
  • Known for its striking red-colored sand beaches, created by the island's iron-rich volcanic rocks.
  • Wildlife includes flamingos, sea lions, and a variety of bird species.
  • A good spot for snorkeling.
North Seymour
  • A small, flat island with a high concentration of wildlife, including blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and sea lions.
  • Known for its birdwatching and hiking trails.
Wolf and Darwin Islands
  • Located in the far northern part of the archipelago.
  • Known for their marine wildlife including large populations of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and a variety of seabirds.
  • These islands are protected and generally not accessible to tourists unless on specialized expeditions.

🐢 Wildlife of the Galápagos Islands🐧

The Galapagos Islands are renowned for their unique ecosystems and species found nowhere else, which played a key role in the development of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Some of the remarkable wildlife includes:

  • Galapagos Giant Tortoises: These iconic creatures are found across different islands, each with its own distinct subspecies.

  • Marine Iguanas: The only lizards in the world that live in the sea.

  • Blue-Footed Boobies: Famous for their distinctive courtship dance.

  • Galápagos Penguins: The only penguin species that live north of the equator.

  • Flightless Cormorants: A bird that has adapted to life without flying, relying on its strong legs for swimming.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit depends on your interests:

  • Warm season (December to May): The weather is hotter, making it perfect for snorkeling and enjoying the beach.

  • Cool season (June to November): The cooler weather is ideal for observing wildlife, and the seas are calmer.