Born of Fire!
Four million years ago there was open ocean where the Galapagos Islands are located. Volcanic activity under the ocean slowly built up the string of islands which reside 600 miles (970 km) off the west coast of South America, straddle the equator, and belong to Ecuador. Volcanic activity continues today. In the last 200 years, more than 60 volcanic eruptions have occurred.
Rocks Across The Ocean.
There are 13 main islands, 6 smaller islands and 107 rocks and islets covering 3,000 square miles (7,880 square km) of land spread over 28,000 miles (45,000 km) of ocean.
Unique and Fearless.
The Galapagos is home to many unique animals, most of which are fearless due to the lack of natural predators. If you visit, remember it's okay to look, but please don't touch!
One Declaration...Then Another!
To protect the wildlife and environment of the islands, in 1957, the government of Ecuador declared 97% of the land area a national park. In 1986 the surrounding 43,000 square miles (70,000 square km) of ocean was declared a marine reserve.
