Galapagos is the place where Charles Darwin found the inspiration for his theory of the evolution of the species. Volcanic and mysterious land, It shows how Earth was before the human race appeared. Today, this archipelago of 80,000 sq km of ocean, is the paradise for thousands of giant turtles, iguanas, wolves and sea lions, endemic and migratory birds.

It is believed that during the Miocene, Galapagos was joined to a continental platform. But the most convincing theory, points out that the archipelago was formed by frequent volcanic eruptions. According to some studies, the oldest islands would be more than five million years old and haven't ended their formation.

Darwin made the world focus its eyes in Galapagos, because it was here where he observed how species adapt to the environment and transmit their changes to the following generations. From then on, Galapagos has become a great attraction for scientists and 'lovers of nature' tourists.

It was in Carlos V time (1535), when sea currents led the ship of the Bishop of Panama, Toms Berlanga, to some islands of big turtles and strange iguanas. When discovering Galapagos, the prelate was carrying out an expedition to the American territories conquered by Spain.

Due to their harmonic ecosystem and delicate ecological balance, the Galapagos Islands - located 960 km from the Ecuadorian Coast - were transformed into a National Park and Marine Reserve in 1959. Years later, the United Nations recognized them as World Patrimony of the Humanity and Reserve of the Biosphere.

The archipelago, considered as an outdoor laboratory by worldwide investigators, has 13 big islands, 6 smaller islands and 42 little islands, being the most important:

Isabela Island,of incredible fauna, you can observe turtles, flamingos, marine iguanas and penguins. It is the biggest isle in the archipelago. It has volcanic activity and is created by six craters.

At the base of the Alcedo Volcano, pops up the Urbina Island, beautiful for its corals and marine formations that stand out in sea.

The Sierra Negra Volcano,located at the end of the island, it is the second biggest after Ngorongoro. Here one can watch the boiler, the isthmus of Perry, the deposits of sulfur, the owls, those "chaffinches" of Darwin and the wild horses. The Chico volcano, a group of small craters with several different fumaroles is also in the north. The trip to this place can only be made horse-riding.

The graffitis of the pirates and whalers in the cliffs of the Tagus, where the names of their historical ships are written, are other points of interest of this creek, in which penguins and other birds nest.

San Cristobal Island,it is famed by their lagoons and creeks of sweet water, as well as for its variety of birds. El Junco lagoon is 700 m altitude, the silts of its bottom have beenanalyzed to study the life and the vegetation of thousands of millions of years ago. The sea lions that sleep on the stones and the piqueros camanay, attract more than anything else the attention of visitors.

Floreana Island,perfect for divers who would like to have the chance to see beautiful corals in the Devil's Crown, a submerged volcanic cone. Another interesting place is Punta Commorant, here the sand of the beach looks olive green because of the stones of volcanic origin.

Santa Cruz Island,In this place, we find the Scientific Station Charles Darwin where the visitor is able to observe huge turtles. The scientists make an effort to protect and conserve the ecosystem of the island. The main attractions are: the hatchery of young turtles and the turtles in captivity at Galapagos.

Santiago Island,is characterized by its volcanic landscapes as well as for the presence of sparrow hawks, flamingos and sea lions. It was the favorite island of the pirates of the XVII and XVIII century, because they used it to obtain fresh water and meat, to gather firewood. They also took advantage of their brief stays to repair their ships.

Espaola Island,home to some species of birds like the seabird and the endemic cucuve. Small lizards and marine iguanas are also seen. In the oriental coast the place to look for is Gardner bay, excellent to swim and to observe the sea lions of Galapagos.

Plaza Sur Island,with a strangely beautiful cactus setting and the biggest colony of wolves of the archipelago. In their rough cliffs, the gulls, swallows and other marine birds nest.

Genovesa,thousands of frigates and other seabirds live in this small beach and fly around the amazing cliffs along the coast. There are frigates, boobies, sea lions and, chaffinches that nest in Genovesa Island.