Galapagos Geography

The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic isles containing 13 primary islands, 6 smaller isles, and 107 islets and rocks. The islands are made up of about 5,000 square miles (8,000 square kilometers) that spread across more than 28,000 square miles (45,000 square kilometers) of South Pacific Ocean. The Galapagos are a province of Ecuador, with its capital, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, located on San Cristobal Island. The oldest island is thought to have formed some 6 million years ago, while the youngest isles – Fernandina and Isabela – are still being formed, with volcanic eruptions occurring very recently.

As a result of distinct wind patterns and differences in elevation on each island, four diverse ecosystems exist in the Galapagos: open forests of very large cacti; subtropical forests; dense, extremely moist forests; and lastly, treeless areas characterized by grasses and ferns. Volcanic activity on the islands has left behind thousands of cones and calderas. These unique formations on some of the isles cause the island landscapes to have lunar qualities.

Unfortunately, the introduction of non-native species such as pigs and goats has resulted in the destruction of large amounts of vegetation on the islands, leaving some of the archipelago bare today. These distinct ecosystems, land formations, and interesting volcanic activity make the Galapagos Islands one of the most exciting places to visit not only for naturalists and geologists or the like, but for any traveler in search of a unique experience.