Ecuador and The Galapagos Islands
Very few places on earth are as unique as the Galapagos. The islands lie 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador and were created as a result of volcanic activity over the last 4.2 million years. They rest at a location where warm equatorial and cold Antarctic currents converge. This, coupled with their isolation, has resulted in a collection of distinctive species that does not exist anywhere else on earth. Charles Darwin visited in 1835, and his observation of the Galapagos' species inspired his theory of evolution by natural selection.
About 80% of land birds, 97% of reptiles and land mammals, and more than 30% of plants can only be found in the Galapagos. In addition, many of these species exist only on a particular island. Because of the exceptional nature of this archipelago, UNESCO designated the islands as a World Heritage Site in 1978 and described them as a ‘living museum and showcase of evolution’. During this trip, we took full advantage of the Galapagos’ wonderful biodiversity and explored 3 of its key islands: Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal (Darwin himself, only visited 4!). We learned about evolution at the Charles Darwin Research Station in Santa Cruz. We also visited various breeding centers for the Galapagos tortoises, and learned about the different (sub)species; we hiked to the crater of two volcanos n Mindo Cloud Forest which is the home to more than 300 species of birds, many of which are on the verge of extinction. |
In addition to the scientific component of the trip, we also had the opportunity to experience the cultural richness of Ecuador and practice both Spanish and Kichwa in real settings. Back on the continent, we visited the Andean highlands to explore the towns of Otavalo and Cotacachi, where we learned about Andean music and textile production. In Quito, we visited museums, cathedrals and monasteries, and experienced firsthand Ecuador's Colonial heritage. We also had a great time exploring Mindo Cloud Forest, which is home to more than 300 species of birds endemic to the region and the wonderful Mindo mariposario . The foods that we tried were delicious; the nature we visited, breathtaking; the people we met, simply amazing. |