Conservation & Preservation
Get a taste of what it's like to experience the world renowned Galápagos National Park!
A unique cultural and an ecological adventure, the Galápagos National Park offers travelers the opportunity to experience a diverse marine ecosystem. A historical scientific moment, the Galápagos National Park, a World Heritage site, is home to Charles Darwin’s ecological research regarding natural selection which gave evidence for his famous book, The Origin of the Species (Catchpole, 2017). Today, the Charles Darwin Research foundation continues to protect and investigate the Galápagos’ ecological diversity.
With an ecosystem unique to any other place in the world, visitors no doubt will remember for years the rare animals they come across during their time at the Galápagos National Park. The famous Darwinian finches remind visitors of the rich scientific history evident in the park. Only classified in 2009, The Galápagos Pink Land Iguana is another interesting creature with pink skin decorating its body, but is endangered with only 200 left on the island (Galápagos Island Trust). While the Galápagos are most famous for their large tortoises, scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities allow travelers to experience the pristine ocean water while seeing diverse marine life such as the Galápagos batfish or the King Angelfish (Animal Networks Team).
With multiple islands, the Galápagos National Park protects over 3,000 square miles of land and is home to over 2,000 endemic species (Catchpole 2017). While known for its diverse ecosystem, the Galápagos is also home to special geographic features such as volcanic regions. The Sierra Negra Volcano hiking trail takes visitors to see the Galápagos’ most active volcano (U.S. News Travel). Over 4,500 meters high, the volcano gives travelers the opportunity to see a unique geological structure.
Perhaps the most significant aspect to the Galápagos National Park is its dedication to the conservation and preservation of their diverse wildlife. The park has many ‘Absolute Protection Zones’ where human contact is banned to allow the ecosystem to flourish without anthropogenic interference (Dirección del Parque Nacional Galápagos). Additionally, island guides are not only knowledgeable about the famous islands, but certified in evolutionary studies and environmental interpretation (Catchpole, 2017). This experience allows visitors to learn more about the Galápagos’ unique ecosystem, and reinforces the importance of continued conservation efforts and the beauty of our Earth and its species.
If you are interested in experiencing the park for yourself, we have a fantastic Galápagos itinerary this Dec. 11 - 20, with an extension to Peru! Click here to browse our brochure.
Sources
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“Charles Darwin Research Station.” Charles Darwin Foundation, www.darwinfoundation.org/en/about/cdrs.
“Dirección Del Parque Nacional Galápagos.” Direccin Del Parque Nacional Galpagos, www.galapagos.gob.ec/en/national-park/.
“Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Sierra Negra Volcano (Isabela Island).” U.S. News & World Report, U.S. News & World Report, travel.usnews.com/Galapagos_Islands_Ecuador/Things_To_Do/Sierra_Negra_Volcano_Isabela_Island_62847/.
“Galapagos National Park Facts & Information - Ecuador Travel Guide.” Facts & Information - Beautiful World Travel Guide, 20 July 2018, www.beautifulworld.com/south-america/ecuador/galapagos-national-park/.
“Galapagos Pink Land Iguana.” Galapagos Conservation Trust, 2 Nov. 2018, galapagosconservation.org.uk/wildlife/galapagos-pink-land-iguana/.
“Hiking Day Trip to Sierra Negra Volcano Galapagos: Ecuador Activities.” Lonely Planet, 31 July 2019, www.lonelyplanet.com/ecuador/activities/hiking-day-trip-to-sierra-negra-volcano-galapagos/a/pa-act/v-19569P11/363337.
Team, Ben, and Animals Network Team. “Galapagos National Park.” Animals Network, 10 Apr. 2019, animals.net/galapagos-national-park/.