Galapagos Island Geography

Galapagos Island Geography with accurate coordinates of its location and information of the most important Islands

Included on this page is a description of the most important islands, volcanoes and ecosystems.

The Galapagos Islands belong to the country of Ecuador in South America and are located 600 miles west of the coast of this country in the Pacific Ocean.

The coordinates of Galapagos are: 1° 40' N--1° 36' S--89° 16' E--92° 01' W. This means that the Galapagos Islands are located right on the Equator Line in both the northern and southern hemisphere.

The Galapagos Island named Tower is the northernmost Island, Espanola is the southernmost Island and Isabela Island is located right on the Equator Line.

Find Cheap Airline Tickets to the Galapagos Island here

The Galapagos Island geography consists of 13 major Islands and 6 smaller ones with more than 40 small islets sprinkled all around the region.

The total area of this Archipelago is of around 5,000 square miles. The "biggest Island" is Isabela with an area of more than 1,700 square miles.

Most Important Islands in Galapagos

Galapagos Volcanoes

The official name of the Galapagos Islands is Archipelago de Colon. This is a group of Islands that are constantly expanding due to volcanic eruptions.

New lava fields are always developing and changing the Galapagos Island geography. More about Galapagos Geology here

The Galapagos Islands are quite young, around five million years old.

Some of the Islands located West are the ones that have the most volcanic activity and are also the youngest ones with a few hundreds of thousands of years old.

The Galapagos Landscapes on these Islands are just stunning. Wolf volcano located on Isabela Island is the highest elevation in Galapagos. This active volcano has a maximum altitude of 5,600 ft.

Other volcanoes located in this Galapagos Island are: Sierra Negra (4,890 feet), Cerro Azul, Chico Volcano and Bocanilla Volcano. More About Galapagos Volcanoes

Fernandina volcano located on the Island of the same name is the most active volcano in the Galapagos Islands.

The most recent eruption of Fernandina Volcano was on May 2005. Read About this Galapagos Eruption

Galapagos Ecosystems

The Islands have four main ecosystems. The First Ecosystem is composed by arid lowlands and open forests with enormous cacti.

The Second Ecosystem consists of Galapagos Cactus from Santiago Island with subtropical forests.

The Third Ecosystem is found at higher elevations, it is composed of moist, dense forests.

And the Fourth Ecosystem is composed of treeless upland areas covered with ferns and grasses.

Check this Map of Galapagos Islands to have a better idea of the size of each Island that composes this Archipelago which also includes more information on Galapagos Island geography.

See Beautiful Pictures of the Galapagos here

As of today, there are only four Islands in Galapagos that are populated by humans. These Islands are: San cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isabela and Floreana.

Tourism is the main business in the Islands but fishing, cattle, vegetables and coffee are also very popular. If you are interested in the food of Galapagos, here's a good description of Galapagos Food

Recommended Reading

	Ecuador & Galapagos (Insight Guides) With 250 photos and tons of great information, this is an essential addition to your pre-Ecuador and -Galapagos reading! There are better guides if you are only interested in the islands, but for a combination trip taking in Ecuador as well, it's hard to beat.
	Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands Small enough to fit into your pocket, yet containing comprehensive information and pictures of all the species you will encounter in the islands, this book is a must-have for nature lovers. Let's face it, Galapagos is largely about the wildlife. This book will NOT disappoint, and you'll have a great memento of your time with the seals, penguins and tortoises!
	Galapagos: The Islands That Changed the World Definitely NOT a tourist's guide, but if you're like me, and find the history and geography of the islands irresistible, then this is a title you ought to invest in. Stunningly illustrated, and painstakingly researched, those of you who have been there will be enchanted again -- and those of you who have not will begin planning your trip!
	Moon Spotlight Galapagos Islands If you're a seasoned Galapagos regular, then you will probably prefer something weightier. But for first-timers looking for simple, down-to-earth advice on where to go, what to see and the best shopping and eating on the islands, this is the book for you. Small, well-priced, and reliable!
	Galapagos: Islands Born of Fire The 10th anniversary edition of this photographer's tour of the Galapagos Islands is a stunning book, worthy of anybody's coffee table. This is a perfect post-trip talking point -- a great way to remember what you've seen, and spread the word amongst your envious friends!

Charles Darwin and Galapagos

Facts on Galapagos Island

Galapagos Volcano Sierra Negra

Galapagos Volcano Eruptions

Galapagos Tourism

Galapagos Islands Location

Find Economic Galapagos Tours

If you have questions about Galapagos Island Geography, you can post them on our Galapagos FAQ Section and if you'd like to request more information about one of the Best Galapagos Cruises available to explore this famous Archipelago, You are welcome to Contact us here

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