Map of Galapagos

The Galapagos Archipelago is situated approximately 1,000 kilometers west of the Ecuadorian coast. The Archipelago is composed with over 50 Islands of volcanic origin that are spread out over an area of about 4,500 square kilometers.

The Galapagos Islands are from a volcanic origin and the Galapagos platform originated probably not more than 15 million years ago and the oldest Island not more than 2.4 million years ago.

Constant Volcanic Eruptions still occur in these Islands. The most recent eruptions took place on Fernandina Island at the Cumbre Volcano and the Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela Island.

In this Island, you can find all seven vegetation zones found in Galapagos. It is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station (Scientists from all over the globe work at the station and conduct biological research from anatomy to zoology) and you can see giant tortoises all year round.

You can visit Los Gemelos The Twins, which are a pair of large pit craters where you can see the bright red male vermilion flycatcher. Visit also the tunnels, the largest lava tubes found in Galapagos.

The town of Puerto Ayora is the capital city of this Island. It is the largest town in the Galapagos. Perfect location to buy souvenirs, mail postcards and relax. More About Santa Cruz Island

Isabela Island

Discover a salt-water lagoon, flamingo lagoon, a scenic overlook, and a spectacular view of lava fields, volcanic formations and the ocean.

You will see graffiti dating back to the 1800's written on the rocky cliffs.

Explore Tagus Cove in pangas or sea kayaks and find Galapagos penguins and other seabirds. More About Isabela Island

Bartolome Island

When you visit Bartolome, you will feel like walking on the moon. After a dry landing, climb 30 minutes up a steep slope to the summit of a once active volcano.

From the top, gaze out across a panoramic view including the famous Pinnacle Rock an eroded tuff cone.

Enjoy snorkeling with schools of tropical fish. Penguins often swim in this area.

On the other side of the Island encounter sea turtles and white-tipped sharks. More About Bartolome Island

Genovesa Island

Genovesa or Tower Island is one of the most spectacular Islands in Galapagos.

After a wet landing on Darwin Bay's coral beach, wind your way past tide pools where swallow-tailed and lava gulls gather.

Enter a forest of mangroves where colonies of great frigate birds nest.

You can take a "panga" or dinghy ride along the jagged shoreline and see beautiful red-billed tropic birds among other species.

At Prince Philip's Steps, find storm petrels and the elusive short-eared owl, and watch the famous red-footed boobies nesting in palo santo trees. More About Genovesa Island

See More Galapagos Islands Here

The Islands in this map of Galapagos might appear to be desolate. But, these rough and rocky Islands are home to wonderfully unique and abundant wildlife.

As Charles Darwin some 200 years before us, we marvel at the highly adapted creatures found nowhere else on Earth.

Galapagos Recommended Reading:

Galapagos: A Natural History
This is an attractive and comprehensive guidebook. You will find an easy-to-use text which details the natural history of the plants and animals found in the Galapagos Islands. (This book is the "Bible" for all travelers to the Galapagos)

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