Galpagos Islands
Situated about 1000km (625 miles) west of the Ecuadorian mainland, the islands are bleak, barren and rocky. Made famous by Charles Darwin’s scientific voyage in the ‘Beagle’ during the 19th century, the islands’ unique wildlife – which includes giant tortoises, lizards and iguanas – remains the most interesting feature for the modern-day visitor. Some 50 per cent of the islands’ species are found nowhere else in the world. The islands have been turned into a national park in an attempt to preserve their natural state, and, in 1978, UNESCO declared the Galpagos to be ‘the universal natural heritage of humanity’. In 1998, the Government enacted a law for the ‘Special Regime for the Conservation and Sustainable Development of the Galpagos Province’, which states that the protection of the area is a state responsibility. Accommodation and travel can generally be arranged either inclusively from the visitor’s home country or through local tour operators once in Ecuador. It is advisable to shop around and take advice before booking as the quality of service and reliability can vary greatly. For further information, contact the Galpagos Tour Operators Association (ASOGAL), Avenida de los Shyris 247 y Gaspar de Villarroel (tel: (2) 441 550; fax: (2) 436 625; e-mail: asogal@ecnet.ec; website: www.asogal.com). Accommodation is extremely limited and food is not cheap. There are a few small restaurants. Boat trips around the islands can be arranged locally.
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