Galápagos Islands in Ecuador

Question 1

Galápagos Islands basic information

Answer 1

The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean (Nazca Plate), approximately 906 kilometers (563 miles) west of mainland Ecuador. Renowned for their unique and diverse wildlife, the islands were instrumental in Charles Darwin’s development of the theory of evolution by natural selection. The Galápagos are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for species such as the giant tortoise, marine iguana, and numerous finches, and are part of the Galápagos National Park and Marine Reserve, emphasizing conservation and sustainable tourism.

The Galápagos Islands comprise 18 main islands, 3 smaller islands, and over 100 islets and rocks. While most of the islands are uninhabited and preserved for conservation, a few are inhabited.

Question 2

inhabited islands

Answer 2

-Santa Cruz:
The town of Puerto Ayora is the largest human settlement in the Galápagos.

-San Cristóbal:
Home to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galápagos.

-Isabela:
The largest island with the town of Puerto Villamil.

-Floreana:
The smallest inhabited island with the village of Puerto Velasco Ibarra.

Question 3

uninhabited islands

Answer 3

-Baltra (except for a small airport and military presence)
-Bartolomé
-Darwin
-Española
-Fernandina
-Genovesa
-Marchena
-North Seymour
-Pinta
-Pinzón
-Rábida
-Santa Fé
-Santiago
-Wolf

Question 4

Restriction on number of visitors

Answer 4

The restriction on the number of visitors to the Galápagos Islands is primarily due to conservation efforts aimed at protecting the fragile ecosystems and unique wildlife of the archipelago. Here are the key reasons for these restrictions:

Environmental Protection: The Galápagos Islands are home to many endemic species that are not found anywhere else in the world. Limiting the number of visitors helps to reduce human impact on these sensitive habitats, preventing disturbances to wildlife and minimizing the risk of introducing invasive species.

Sustainable Tourism: By controlling the number of tourists, the local authorities aim to promote sustainable tourism practices. This ensures that the tourism industry can continue to thrive without compromising the ecological integrity of the islands.

Preservation of Natural Resources: The islands’ natural resources are limited, and overuse can lead to degradation. Visitor restrictions help to manage the demand for resources such as fresh water and waste disposal, reducing the environmental footprint of tourism.

Quality Visitor Experience: Limiting the number of tourists enhances the quality of the visitor experience. It prevents overcrowding at popular sites, allowing tourists to enjoy the natural beauty and unique wildlife in a more serene and less disturbed environment.

These restrictions are enforced by the Galápagos National Park Directorate, which regulates tourism activities, visitor numbers, and itineraries to ensure that the natural environment is preserved for future generations.

Question 5

Visitors of Galapagos

Answer 5

1) Europeans, Ecuadorians and Americans
2) 25-35 years old
3) higher education
4) think that food prices in Ecuador are too high
5) travel with family
6) are willing to travel between islands
7) average duration of trip- 8,2 days

Question 6

Animals of Galapagos

Answer 6

• Marine Iguana
• Galapagos Giant Tortoise
• Land Iguana
• Sea Lions

Question 7

Invasive spices in Galapagos

Answer 7

-cats
-dogs
-goats (elimination of goats 2006)
-guava