Galapagos Islands

Did you know that many people do not realize that The Galapagos Islands is part of Ecuador? Many times when we have spoken to people back home in Australia and talk about Ecuador they look at us a little dumbfounded. Like where on earth is Ecuador? Then when we say have you heard of The Galapagos Islands and they nod a yes…….well it is part of Ecuador.

An advantage once you become a resident is that you will pay far less than the $100 per person to enter the Galapagos National Park. Apparently the fee also varies depending on your nationality but non-resident foreign tourists pay US$100, which is paid on arrival at Baltra airport. The fee was designated under the Law of Special Regime for the Conservation and Sustainable Development of Galapagos Province, and helps to fund community and conservation work in the islands. The other advantage of being an Ecuadorian resident is that we get discounted air travel from Guayaquil -Galapagos-Guayaquil. Cost for a resident $210 cost for a foreigner $380. That's a saving of $170. I am sure that saving can be well spent...............maybe a few Margaritas or Cold pilseners:)

As yet we have not been to see these beautiful islands but it is certainly high on our list.

My friend Juan Heredia who owns and has operate TerraDiversa for the past 16 years, was a guide in the Galapagos for three years. What a job. He worked on several different cruise ships and knows all about the islands.

About Galapagos

Galapagos lies on the equator, about 1000 km (600 miles) west of Ecuador, and consist of 13 major islands and many smaller islands. The Galapagos Archipelago is famous for its fearless and unique wildlife. Here you can swim with sea lions, float eye to eye with a penguin, stand next to a blue footed booby feeding its young, watch a giant tortoise lumbering through a cactus forest, and try to avoid stepping on iguanas scurrying over the lava. There are few places in the world where it is possible to find such a variety of species, both plant and animal, which shows such a high degree of evolutionary changes in such a restricted area. Due to that, The Galapagos Islands have often been called a "laboratory of evolution". Its most famous visitor was Charles Darwin, who visited the islands in 1835.

WHAT MAKES GALAPAGOS SO SPECIAL?

Geology - The islands were formed by volcanic eruptions due to underwater topograph.

Marine Currents - The islands are located in a tropical zone where the climate is influenced by two main sea currents,the Panama and the Humboldt.

Evolution - Once organisms reached the Galapagos Islands, they became isolated from the continent.

When to visit Galapagos

Due to sea currents effect, every month there is something special going on among the wildlife living in the islands. Galapagos can be visited and enjoyed all year round.However there are some variations:

Between May and December the islands are affected by the cold Humboldt Current producing a soft drizzle and mist on the high part of the islands resulting in slightly colder days.

Between December and May is the warm Panama current that influences weather in the archipelago. At this time, there are some short heavy rains followed by sunny clear skies.

The climate directly affects life on the islands, so each season has specific influences among the wildlife and plant life in the archipelago. The cold Humboldt Current brings lots of nutrients for species that feed off the sea like marine iguanas, sea lions, sea birds, etc allowing them to reach their reproductive stage. Better water visibility and marine life is also richer.

During the Panama current the rain will turn the islands into lush green terrain with lots of food for organisms depending on land nutrients such as land birds, giant tortoises, land iguana, etc.

As you can see, each season has amazing and unique things going on. We believe the best times to visit Galapagos are the transition months between the Humboldt and Panama currents. Therefore May and December could be the priority and afterwards April and June as well as November and January. Want more information then go to www.terradiversa.com.

Active Galapagos

TerraDiversa has developed a unique new way to explore the archipelago. Hike along the islands’ trails for amazing wildlife observation, Snorkel on several sites for the underwater wonders, explore the coast line on sea kayaks, Pedal down from the highlands on an exciting biking experience and horse ride to the impressive Sierra Negra crater. The island hopping trips visit the least crowded places where cruise boats don’t go,turning the trip into a more relaxed and flexible one. We use fast speed boats to connect inhabited islands where passengers stay at local hotels,providing a chance to explore and enjoy the life of the small ports.

Enchanted Galapagos

Enjoy 5 days in Galapagos visiting and exploring the best sites around Sta Cruz, San Cristobal Islands and surroundings. Hike through trails reach in wildlife, swim and snorkel with sea lions and experience the interesting live on the inhabited ports by staying in comfortable hotels.

Scuba Diving

If you wish to discover the extraordinary underwater world of Galàpagos, we offer excellent tours where you have the opportunity to do Scuba Diving in strategic places and observe many species such as sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, penguins, sharks, rays, whales, tropical fish, among other species.

Cruise boats

TerraDiversa offers you a varied selection of cruises to explore the enchanted islands, on four different categories. Among the boats listed, you can find the trips that will best suit your needs in terms of itinerary, comfort, price and any other relevant topic.

Now that we have wet your appetite contact TerraDiversa to make your booking to visit The Galapagos Islands. Juan and his friendly staff will definitely take care of all your travel requirements.

www.terradversa.com