Galapagos Islands

Galapagos tourists Lying on the Equator, 1000 km W of the Ecuadorean coast, the Galapagos Islands consist of 13 major islands, 6 small islands and over 40 shiall islets. Five of the islands are inhabited. The total population is certainly higher than the official figure and growing - it has at least tripled since the early 1980s. The inhabitants make a living mainly from tourism, fishing and farming. About half the residents live in Puerto Ayora, on Isla Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz, in the middle of the archipelago, is the most important island from the travelers' point of view. On the south side of this island is Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos and the place from which most tours are based. North of Santa Cruz, separated by a narrow strait, is Isla Baltra, which is home to the islands' major airport. A public bus and a ferry connect the Isla Baltra airport with Puerto Ayora.

Isla San Cristobal, the eastern most island, has the provincial capital (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno), a few hotels and an airport. Despite its political status, more tours start from Isla Baltra and Puerto Ayora.

The other inhabited islands are Isla Isabela, with the small port of Puerto Villamil; and Isla Santa Maria (Floreana), with Puerto Velasco Ibarra - both have places to stay and eat. Infrequent public ferries or private boats provide inter-island transportation.

Galapagos Islands The remaining islands are not inhabited by people but are visited on tours of the islands.

Most people get around the islands by organized boat tours, but it's entirely possible to visit some of the islands independently. Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Floreana and Isabela all have accomodations and are recheable by inter-islands boat rides or flights. Keep in mind, however, that although these islands have some splendid attractions, you'll only scratch the surface of the archipelago's natural wonders traveling independently. continues...

Galapagos » Islands