Diversity of Tortoises in the Galapagos 2023 Best Guide
Diversity of Tortoises in the Galapagos 2023 Best Guide
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago in the eastern Pacific Ocean. They are located on the equator approx. 1000 km west of the Ecuadorian coast in South America, belong to Ecuador and form the Galápagos province of the same name with the capital Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The word Galápago refers to the turtle shell, which in some species of giant tortoises in the Galapagos is arched like a saddle in the neck area.
Table of Contents
Galapagos Map
Informations
Temperature:Visiting during the crossover between warm and cool seasons in May and November can result in the best of both worlds. Shoulder seasons can result in great weather, ideal ocean conditions and relatively few people.
Language:The official language of the Galapagos Islands is Spanish. However due to the recent upswing in tourism, the Galapagos Islands have become one of the most multilingual destinations in South America, with guides, hoteliers, and other islanders fluent in English, German, and French.
Currency: the official currency of the Galapagos Islands is the US dollar. It is best to use cash and cards, as traveller checks are not readily accepted.
Food Prices:While meal prices in Galapagos Islands can vary, the average cost of food in Galapagos Islands is $27 per day.
Informations about visa you can find here.
Flora and Fauna
The extraordinary and unique flora and fauna of the islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are protected by the Galapagos Islands National Park. Around 97% of the area of the Galapagos Islands and 99% of the surrounding waters within the Exclusive Economic Zone are therefore under strict nature protection. The agricultural and fishing use as well as entering the islands and navigating the waters are strictly regulated and controlled by the national park administration based in Puerto Ayora.
Vegetation
There are 697 recorded plant species on the Galapagos Islands today. Of the 439 native species (which existed on the Galapagos before the discovery), 167 species are endemic (originated in the Galapagos and only found there). The remaining 258 non-native species, some of which cause major problems, were introduced by humans. The number of non-native plant species has increased significantly over the years and is now believed to be considerably larger.
Opuntia echios, tree-shaped prickly pear on Santa Cruz, Galapagos
Bursera graveolens, more common tree of the dry zone, most of the year without leaves.
Scalesia pedunculata is a flowering plant species in the family Asteraceae,growing to a slender tree and found in dense stands on the humid windward coasts of the islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Santiago and Floreana in the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos archipelago lies in the southeast trade wind zone, so that climate and weather are dominated by the moisture-bearing trade winds and the topography of the islands. In general, the windward sides of the islands have a much higher precipitation than the leeward sides.Scalesia pedunculata is regarded as vulnerable because of human encroachment, invasive introduced plant species such as Cedrela odorata and Psidium guajava, and grazing by introduced goats. Fires and cutting for fuel are also contributory problems, though the tree’s wood is soft, with a large, pithy centre.
Fauna
The Galapagos Islands and around the islands are rich in species. Many species that are only native there (around 40 percent) were also named after the islands. Most of them are endemic there, that is, nowhere else on earth. Some of the animals living in the Galapagos Islands are :Galapagos sea lion, Galápagos fur seal, Galápagos rice rats ,Galápagos tortoiseshell rat Hair-tailed bats),-two species ,Maned seal and 149 bird species, reptiles and invertebrates.
There are 697 recorded plant species on the Galapagos Islands today. Of the 439 native species (which existed in the Galapagos before the discovery), 167 are endemic (originated in the Galapagos and only found there). The remaining 258 alien species, some of which cause major problems, were introduced by humans. The number of non-native plant species has increased significantly over the years and is now believed to be considerably larger. Most of the non-endemic plant species native to the Galapagos can also be found in neighboring South America. Since only a few species were able to establish a founder population on the islands, the species composition on the Galapagos Islands is “disharmonious” in contrast to the “harmonious” flora of the mainland. For example, the palms, conifers and the Bignoniaceae are missing. On the other hand, individual groups of plants have experienced adaptive radiation, i.e. an increase in species, through occupation of free ecological niches and specialization. Examples of this can be found in the genera Scalesia, Opuntia and Chamaesyce.
Bartolomé
Bartolomé Island is one of the smaller and geologically younger in the Galápagos Islands. It is located slightly east of San Salvador and has a size of 1.2 km². It is named after Sir Bartholomew James Sulivan of the Royal Navy. The highest point on the island is 114 meters. Special attractions are the beaches, the Pinnacle Rock, which can often be seen in photos of Galápagos, as well as Galápagos penguins and fish stocks.
Where to stay
A good night’s sleep is particularly important when you are travelling. Galapagos offers its guests a host of luxurious, charming and also out-of-the-ordinary accommodation.
Whether in the heart of the city, near the lake or surrounded by nature – Galapagos hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses guarantee a relaxing and invigorating stay.
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Top hotels we recommend in Galapagos: Hotel Galapagos Suites B&B , Hotel Cucuve, Semilla Verde Boutique Hotel, Hotel Acacia.
Based on the ratings given by the visitors of the Galapagos Islands and on our personal searches we found the best restaurants where you can enjoy dishes specific to each taste:La Garrapata Galapagos Restobar,El Descanso Marinero(Seafood Restaurant),Muyu Galápagos(Ecuadorian restaurant),Isla Grill(Bar & grill).
When we think of beautiful landscapes and wonderful islands, the first travel option that comes to mind is a cruise. So, if instead of flying and staying on one island, you prefer to explore several beautiful islands, this is the best option. On a cruise you can also relax on the days when the ship is only on the sea/ocean, but you also have the advantage of exploring more places if you are an adventurer. We collaborate with the best companies in the world and you can choose the perfect cruise – from cheap all inclusive cruises to luxury cruises:
Saving Tips
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