Galapagos
facts & tidbits
People Geography
People
First human
to set foot
Charles Darwin wasn't first. Hardly. He arrived in 1835, exactly 300 years after the islands were discovered in 1535 when a ship was blown off course. Although there is speculation that the Incas knew of the place before 1500, the evidence is tenuous.
Past residents
They included pirates, whalers, convicts, and early settlers.
Today's population
It's around 20,000. Most residents live in Puerto Ayora (9,000) and Puerto Baquerizo (6,000).
Tourist count
Currently, more than 60,000 tourists per year visit the Galapagos. The maximum government permitted number is 90,000.
Geology
Origin
The Galapagos Islands were formed by accumulating lava oozing upward from beneath the ocean floor. This geological process reached sea level nearly 4 million years ago.
Today
Some of the volcanoes are still active, with occasional eruptions and seismic activity.
The islands
physically differ
The terrain and topography vary. Some islands are small and flat, others big and tall.
Click to learn
interesting conversation pieces
Facts & tidbits - Meaning of names
Facts & tidbits - Wildlife
Facts & tidbits - El Nino Years + Geography
Best Galapagos ships by category
Boat type - pros & cons
Itinerary tips
Cost and booking tips
Best time to go
Getting there tips
Packing tips
Snorkeling tips
Diving tips
Some more helpful tips
Top 5 land & shore wildlife
Top 5 birds
Top 5 marine life
Charles Darwin - Brief bio
Interesting Galapagos facts
Celebrity Xpedition
World's Top 100 Wonders
World's Top 1000 Wonders
Site map
My credentials
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