I was lucky enough to be invited on an amazing adventure, The Galapagos Islands!   My father asked myself if i would accompany him on this trip to one of the most unique archipelagos in the world.  Of course I said Yes!  The Galapagos is a one of a kind island chain as species that live there are no where else in the world.  It consists of 21 islands with only 3 inhabited by humans.  Two out of those three have fresh water.  There are no true natives of the Galapagos as they are volcanic islands in different stages of their respective lives.  From red sand to black sandy beaches, every island is unique as they all have differing characteristics.  Many tried to colonize these islands but because of the remote location and lack of fresh water, many failed.  The pirates used these islands for hiding out and recharging in their quest for pillaging.   The species, plant and animal, have all adapted to life on these unique islands.  Most species were brought through the converging of different ocean currents whether thru the air of on debris floating in the sea.  Many of the residents are Sea birds that have adapted to life on these desolate islands.  A few other species such as marine and land iguanas, giant tortoise and other the lava lizard have found a way to survive on these lonely islands.  They are spectacular to explore as each has a different ecosystem depending on the age of the island.  Throughout Ecuador, which has claim to these islands, there are 37 active volcanoes!  A staggering number that creates a one of a kind archipelago!

Our journey started in Quito, Ecuador.  Quito is the second highest capital city in the world at 9680 feet.  It is nestled in the Andes mountain chain with the Volcano, Cotopaxi, looming over the city. It is a very sprawled out city that covers a lot of miles east to west.  We had a day layover here before continuing our trip to the Galapagos.  We ventured to Le Mitad del Mundo, the supposed center of the Earth.  The equator line runs thru here so you are able to stand on the Northern and Southern Hemisphere at the same time.  Pretty cool place.  After, we journed to the Old Town of Quito.  This is the heart and soul of the city where the daily lives of the people are flowing.  A lot of old architecture and crafts are abundant in this sector of the city.  It is a very walkable city with friendly locals everywhere.  After spending a full day in the city it was time to depart for the Galapagos the next day.

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The next part of our journey was on to the Galapagos.  We arrived on San Cristobal around noon.  The weather was a bit rainy as it was the start of the rainy season.  Our trip was booked thru Ecoventura and they were waiting at the airport for us and the 16 others on our boat.  As we made our way to the marina, they had the pangas waiting which were our small boats that shuttled us the the big boat throughout the journey. The name of our ship was the Letty.  It sleeps 20 plus the crew of 10.  A very spacious boat that we were to call our home for the next 7 days.   The two naturalist guides, Yvonne and Pepe, were responsible for educating us on the unique biodiversity of the islands for our trip.  The Galapagos are all national park so the access to these islands is very limited.  Lots of fees and permits are required to be able to explore the islands.  Most of the islands, you do not have the opportunity to explore unless for scientific reasons.  The species are very protected as they exist nowhere else.  The first day consisted of a briefing of the week and a visit to a tortoise breeding program in the highlands of San Cristobal.  We were also able to become aquainted with the ship and our fellow explorers on the Letty.  Everyone on the boat was there to enjoy and treasure the unique Galapagos Experience

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The first few days of trip we visited the Islands of Genovesa ( Bird island), San Cristobal, Santa Cruz and Isabella.   Each island was completely unique from the lava flows, the color of the beaches and the creatures that inhabit them.  They all were spectacular in their own way and inspiring.  A great environmental lesson was learned as we saw that with proper regulations and a whole lot of love, man doesnt have to destroy everything! They have preserved these islands from the devastating effect of the human population by laws of protection.  Inspiring to see that it is possible!  Humans of the Earth, I hope you are listening and watching.

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Not only was the land experience quite fabulous, the snorkeling off the islands was incredible.  We saw more sea lions than you could imagine, Galapagos penguins, Sea turtles ( Hawksbill and Green Sea), White tip reef sharks, Starfish, Urchins, Octopus and many  different varieties of tropical fish.   This archipelago is truly amazing!  The last few stops on our journey were to the islands of Baltra, Fernandina, Rabida, Santa Cruz and then back to San Cristobal.  A truly once in a lifetime experience that I would recomend to everyone.  Many thanks to my parents for making this trip possible!   Take care of our Earth and environment so we can all experience the magnificence of it all!!!!

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