Galápagos
The name comes from the Spanish word for saddle galapago after the shells of the saddle-backed Galapagos tortoises. The total land mass is over 8,000 square kilometers of which 97% is National Park, only accessible with a required, certified National Park Service guide.
The 70,000 square kilometers of ocean around the islands is a recognized whale sanctuary, populated by humpback whales, sea turtles, sea lions and a breathtaking diversity of sea life. The islands are populated with unique varieties of endemic animals and birds that show an amazing nonchalance when interacting with humans.
The islands have been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve. As of June, 2007, the Galapagos have been added to the UNESCO In Danger List due to the negative effects of tourism on the delicate ecosystem. Annexed by Ecuador in 1832, the islands were visited a few years later by Charles Darwin who conducted scientific studies on four of the islands, including San Cristobal.
There are no direct international flights, so visitors generally stay overnight in Quito or Guayaquil before taking the short hop to the islands. Airports are located on Baltra Island, off the north coast of Santa Cruz Island, and St. Cristobal. The currency throughout Ecuador is the U.S. dollar.
Two seasons divide the year, a hot and wet season from December to May with average temperatures 25 ºC / 77 ºF, and a cool and dry season from May to December with temperatures averaging 18 ºC / 64 ºF. The water temperatures range around San Cristobal is 19-26 ºC / 66.2-78.8 ºF with the average being 22-23 ºC / 71.6-73.4 ºF.
Tourism is the mainstay of the economy, accounting for 80% of income. Unfortunately, only 15% of the estimated 418 million USD generated each year enters the local economy. Of the 80 charter boats registered to serve the tourists, less than 40% are locally owned. The balance of the economy is supported by fishing (6%), cattle raising (5%), trade (4%), crafts (3%) and agriculture (2%).
