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History of the Galapagos Island

Few actually know about the history of the Galapagos Island and who was credited for its discovery.


This credit is given to a Spanish Bishop, who back in 1535, was navigating from Panama to Peru. His name, Fray Tomás de Berlanga.

It turns out that he was in charge of verifying the ethics of Spanish conquest in South America, led by Gonzalo Pizarro.

The King of Spain, Carlos V, commanded Berlanga to sail down to Peru, and ethically share with Pizarro the King's views.



As the ship sailed along the west coast of South America, wind and ocean currents of this area gradually pushed the ship too far west, and once caught in troubled waters, and as they approached the islands, they were at the mercy of luck, chance, and the very weak winds of this time of the year.

Their sailing conditions had changed from bad to worse. Finally, in March 10th, 1535, they see an island and slowly approach it. They had arrived to the Galapagos Islands.

In a letter written to the King of Spain, Berlanga narrates the arrival to the islands: (excerpt)

"The boat once anchored, we all went on land and some were given charge of making a well, and others of looking for water over the island:

from the well there came out water saltier than that of the sea; on land they were not even able to find even a drop of water for two days, and with the thirst the people felt, they resorted to a leaf of some thistles like prickly pears, and because they were somewhat juicy, although not very tasty, we began to eat of them, and squeeze them to draw all the water from them, and drawn, it looked like slops of lye, and they drank it as if it were rose water."

This is the first official written description in the history of the Galapagos Island. This is how the islands became known to the world.

Luck or not, good or bad, humans are part of this wonderful land. Let's celebrate next March 10th, as the 470th anniversary of the discovery of Galapagos.

Many visitors are marveled about the amazing wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos archipelago. Here's more information about Galapagos animals

More About Galapagos:

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Recommended Galapagos Reading:

Galapagos: Islands Born of Fire This book is elegantly structured: each chapter emphasizes one distinct aspect of the Galapagos with stunning pictures of its Wildlife, Geology and Vegetation. It is truly a wonderful and inspiring photo book. (Highly recommended!)

Wildlife of the Galapagos (Princeton Illustrated Checklists) Wildlife of the Galapagos is the most superbly illustrated and comprehensive identification guide ever to the natural splendor of these incomparable islands. It really reveals the archipelago's striking beauty. (A well-written, superb book).


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