What is the history behind the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos Islands were discovered in 1535 when father Tomas Berlanga, the bishop of Panama sailed to Peru to settle a dispute between Francisco Pizarro and his lieutenants after the conquest of the Incas. The bishop’s ship stalled strong currents carried him out to the Galapagos.
What was so special about the Galapagos Islands?
The Galápagos Islands are a chain of islands, or archipelago, in the eastern Pacific Ocean. They are part of the country of Ecuador, in South America. The Galápagos are best known for their diverse array of plant and animal species. Many species are endemic, which means they are not found anywhere else in the world.
Who first discovered Galapagos Islands?
Fray Tomás de Berlanga
In 1535, the Islands were officially discovered by Fray Tomás de Berlanga (the Bishop of Panama at the time). He was ordered to sail to Peru by Charles V to provide a report on activities there. He set sail from Panama on 23 February 1535. The strong ocean current carried him out to the Galapagos Islands.
How old is the oldest island in the Galapagos?
The oldest islands are Isla Española and South Plaza, which are between 3 million and 4 million years old, according to Volcanic Galapagos. The islands of Darwin, Fernandina, Genovesa, Isabela, Marchena and Santiago are all approximately 700,000 years old. Many of the volcanoes are still active.
Why are the Galapagos Islands important to history?
The History of the Galapagos Islands Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, this is one of the most pristine natural sites in the world, but in the past 500 years, the Galapagos Islands have played an important role for pirates and whalers, armies and armadas, and even Charles Darwin himself.
Did you know facts about Galapagos?
20 Fun Facts about the Galapagos Islands
- 97 % of the Galapagos is a national park.
- Galapagos has active volcanos.
- The number of islands is up for debate.
- Three varieties of colorful boobies (seabirds)
- Penguins in the Northern Hemisphere?!?
- Marine iguanas are excellent swimmers.
- Any time is a great time to visit.
Did you know facts about the Galapagos Islands?
Why are the Galapagos Islands so important?
Facts. Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador lie the volcanic islands of the Galápagos, famous for a wealth of unique plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. The Galápagos Islands were the source of Darwin’s theory of evolution and remain a priceless living laboratory for scientists today.