Floreana Island
The combination of nutrient-rich soil and an adequate water supply make Floreana Island (or Isle Floreana) an island of abundant plant life. Centuries of settlers chose to live and farm on Floreana, giving the island a rich human history. The island offers different visitor sites like the famous Post Office Bay and the Devils Crown, which is said to offer the best snorkeling in the Galapagos. Besides this visitors can spot sting rays and flamingos.
Isla Española
Among the many sights of this island is Punta Suarez, a rocky point of land where guests may observe various colonies of sea birds as well as other fauna found nowhere else on the planet.
Isla Santa Cruz
Here, the Charles Darwin Station offers insight into ongoing research and conservation in the Galapagos. Also located on this island is Cerro Dragon, one of the best places to spy land iguanas.
Isla San Cristobal
Genovesa (Tower) Island
The island is home to Darwin Bay and colonies of Frigates, Red Footed and Masked Boobies. Just behind the beach one sees inland tide pools and outcrops of black rock and saltbushes, frequented by feeding Wandering Tattlers, Turnstones, Whimbrels, Lava Gulls and Fiddler Crabs. Genovesa, as a result of its isolation, remains an undisturbed nesting ground for these birds, who fish in its rich waters, and lacks introduced as well as native land animals and reptiles-the only reptile, in fact, is a small subspecies of marine iguana. This island is a must for bird enthusiasts of all ages.
South Plaza
South Plaza is an Island located off the east coast of Santa Cruz, belonging to the Galapagos. It is home to a vast amount of species and beautiful flora. The South Plaza is open to the public and cruise ships, however the Northern Plaza is closed to visitors and purposely only available for scientific findings. The South Plaza was formed by Lava and depending on the season the Sesuvium ground vegetation changes colors from orange to purple and intense shades of green.
Isla Santa Fe
Considered one of the most scenic coves in the Galapagos, Isla Santa Fe, also known as Barrington Island, contains the only population of the rare Santa Fe Land Iguana. These unique iguanas can be found in the prickly pear cactus forest, where cacti can grow up to ten meters. Along the loop trail hike, visitors can check out spectacular views of the cove and bay.
North Seymour
Located off the northern tip of Baltra, this island is home to the largest colony of frigate birds in the Galapagos, as well as blue-footed boobies and playful sea lions.
Isla Baltra
Today Baltra is the most important airport of Galápagos and a small navy base for Ecuador. Baltra has suffered most from human settling and does not have any visitor sites. Many cruises start from the its harbour and already there pelicans and noddies will welcome you.
To the north lies Mosquera, a small sandy bank with a large colony of sea lions. Go swimming and snorkeling on the beach.
Quito
Quito is a fantastic place to visit and the best place to start your Latin American journey. Quito is also the entertainment center in Ecuador with new bars and discos opening every week and also the best place to shop, either at the small souvenir shops or at big malls. Quito has many interesting cultural sites, historical sites, museums, private galleries, churches, exhibition centers, and theaters.
The combination of nutrient-rich soil and an adequate water supply make Floreana Island (or Isle Floreana) an island of abundant plant life. Centuries of settlers chose to live and farm on Floreana, giving the island a rich human history. The island offers different visitor sites like the famous Post Office Bay and the Devils Crown, which is said to offer the best snorkeling in the Galapagos. Besides this visitors can spot sting rays and flamingos.
Among the many sights of this island is Punta Suarez, a rocky point of land where guests may observe various colonies of sea birds as well as other fauna found nowhere else on the planet.
Here, the Charles Darwin Station offers insight into ongoing research and conservation in the Galapagos. Also located on this island is Cerro Dragon, one of the best places to spy land iguanas.
The island is home to Darwin Bay and colonies of Frigates, Red Footed and Masked Boobies. Just behind the beach one sees inland tide pools and outcrops of black rock and saltbushes, frequented by feeding Wandering Tattlers, Turnstones, Whimbrels, Lava Gulls and Fiddler Crabs. Genovesa, as a result of its isolation, remains an undisturbed nesting ground for these birds, who fish in its rich waters, and lacks introduced as well as native land animals and reptiles-the only reptile, in fact, is a small subspecies of marine iguana. This island is a must for bird enthusiasts of all ages.
South Plaza is an Island located off the east coast of Santa Cruz, belonging to the Galapagos. It is home to a vast amount of species and beautiful flora. The South Plaza is open to the public and cruise ships, however the Northern Plaza is closed to visitors and purposely only available for scientific findings. The South Plaza was formed by Lava and depending on the season the Sesuvium ground vegetation changes colors from orange to purple and intense shades of green.
Considered one of the most scenic coves in the Galapagos, Isla Santa Fe, also known as Barrington Island, contains the only population of the rare Santa Fe Land Iguana. These unique iguanas can be found in the prickly pear cactus forest, where cacti can grow up to ten meters. Along the loop trail hike, visitors can check out spectacular views of the cove and bay.
Located off the northern tip of Baltra, this island is home to the largest colony of frigate birds in the Galapagos, as well as blue-footed boobies and playful sea lions.
Today Baltra is the most important airport of Galápagos and a small navy base for Ecuador. Baltra has suffered most from human settling and does not have any visitor sites. Many cruises start from the its harbour and already there pelicans and noddies will welcome you.
To the north lies Mosquera, a small sandy bank with a large colony of sea lions. Go swimming and snorkeling on the beach.
Quito is a fantastic place to visit and the best place to start your Latin American journey. Quito is also the entertainment center in Ecuador with new bars and discos opening every week and also the best place to shop, either at the small souvenir shops or at big malls. Quito has many interesting cultural sites, historical sites, museums, private galleries, churches, exhibition centers, and theaters.
