Ecuador Travel

Posts Tagged ‘eastern cordillera’

Visit Darwin Island And See The Whale Sharks – No Ecuador Galapagos travel would be complete without a visit to Darwin Island, and time spent watching the many whale sharks in the surrounding waters. This location is frequently referred to as the whale shark capital of the entire world. It is not unusual to spot at least a few of these sharks if you are paying attention and looking for them. In addition to the whale sharks the entire ocean area is full of exotic and colorful tropical fish and other sea animals that are fascinating to watch. This is also why snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities for visitors here.

2. Hike To The Sierra Negra Volcano – Located on the south part of Isabela Island, the Sierra Negra Volcano is one of the top must do things if you are planning Ecuador Galapagos travel. You should be prepared to hike for some distance, but once you have reached the crater it is worth all of the effort. This volcano is active, and has erupted a few times in the last fifty years, once in 1979 and then again in 2005. The caldera of the volcano is roughly seven kilometers by ten kilometers, and the profile of this volcano is very low at less than five degrees. While it is not a towering mountain waiting to erupt it is still a must do if you are in the area.

3. Watch Marine Iguanas On Dragon Hill – Dragon Hill is situated on Santa Cruz Island, and this location is a must do because of all the natural beauty and wildlife you will experience here. The hill is named after the many iguanas who are native to the island, and re-population efforts by the Charles Darwin Research Center has helped to boost the numbers of these lizards back to normal. In addition to the iguanas you will see many different exotic birds and other native wildlife. You will also view a Scalesia tree forest. These trees are some of only four hundred specimens left of the this species in the entire world.

4. Scuba Dive Near Cousin’s Rock – This is one of the top must do activities when you are on an Ecuador Galapagos travel trip. Located off the island of Santiago, Cousin’s Rock is world renown as an exceptional diving spot for anyone who enjoys underwater life. This area is home to many spectacular fish and marine animals. Sea lions, sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, octopus, eagle rays, Galapagos sharks, Galapagos seahorses, black juvenile coral, barracuda in schools, and a wide variety of brightly colored fish can all be experienced in this area.

5. Explore The Charles Darwin Research Center – Your Galapagos travel itinerary should include a stop at the Charles Darwin Research Center, the facility that has helped this area retain the natural beauty and wide diversity of land and marine species that these islands are famous for. Visit Lonesome George, the giant Galapagos tortoise that is the very last one of his specific genus. There are many extremely large tortoises to observe, and the center provides conservation information to help these islands stay beautiful and in their current state for many decades to come.