 |
Although
Ecuador is one of South America's smallest countries, it
is distinguished by its extraordinary topography, its diverse
climates, and its abundant flora and fauna. Here, travelers
will find endless attractions, ranging from tropical jungles
to impressive Andean volcanoes and beach paradises, all
within a nation approximately the size of Switzerland or
the state of Colorado. Most people consider Ecuador's size
to be an advantage, one that allows visitors to see its
four distinct regions, hundreds of unique ecosystems, and
thousands of plant and animal species within in a relatively
brief period of time. |
All
of Ecuador is worth exploring, but the Galapagos Islands
are a must-see. Officially known as the Archipelago of Colón,
the Galapagos sit in the Pacific Ocean, 972 kilometers off
the Ecuadorian coast. The Archipelago covers approximately
8.000 km2 and consists of six main islands (Isabela, San
Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Floreana, Santiago, and Fernandina),
12 smaller islands, 42 islets, and countless small rock
formations. |
|
 |
The
Galapagos are very much a work-in-progress. The islands
that make up the Archipelago were forged by hundreds of
thousands of years of successive volcanic eruptions. Having
literally risen from the sea, the Galapagos are in a position
of near absolute isolation - perfect for evolution, as Charles
Darwin discovered. The fact that the Galapagos have never
been connected to a continent, along with their location
at the confluence of three distinct oceanic currents, and
their varied topography, have given birth to an amazing
number of endemic (species that live only in the Galapagos)
life forms. In fact, the Archipelago has more endemic species
than any other place on the planet. |
A
visit to these enchanted islands of Galapagos is a fantasy
come true. Who could resist the sight of a mystical moonscape
on earth, giant tortoises large enough to ride, prehistoric
iguanas, sea lions, whales, and hundreds of other unique
species. Tours to the Amazon and the Andes are no less wondrous;
navigate a river covered by a towering jungle canopy or
trek the infamous Avenue of the Volcanoes that splits Ecuador
in two. Whether you choose the Galapagos, the Amazon, or
the Andes, you will not be disappointed. See what everyone
is talking about. Discover Ecuador with EQUATORINFORMATION.
|
|
|
{foto}