Monday, January 16, 2012

The Perfect, Pristine Vacation Spot: the Galapagos Islands.

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By Austin Thomas


Out in the Pacific Sea off the coast of Ecuador are the Galapagos Islands. Composed from 13 major and 6 smaller islands, as well as many islets and rocks, the area is guarded by Galapagos State Park. There's a monitoring system to ensure no one bothers a new colony of Galapagos Petrels.

Because of the ecological sensitivity of the area, the Ecuadorian govt protects the Galapagos and requires visiting boats to follow definite rules. Boats may not land anywhere apart from elected ports. The penalty, if caught, is fast arrest and the ship will most probably be seized.

May is colorful time to take a holiday to the Galapagos Islands. During this month, Palo Santo trees shed their leaves, and the marine iguanas ' eggs hatch. During any time of the year nevertheless , you will have the chance to see in person the fantastic animals and scenery that formed Darwin's Concept of Evolution, and influenced the way we think today.

It would be unlucky to travel all the way to the Galapagos Islands and not take a day to go to nearby Machu Picchu ruins. The landscape nearby is superb. Today it is thought that Machu Picchu was the estate of Pachacuti, an Incan emperor.

The Galapagos Islands are an enjoyable place to take a family vacation. It caters for relaxation, learning, and quality family time in the islands, away from the diversions of cities. It is one of the few places in the world where a family can enjoy time together like this.

The Main Attraction of the Galapagos Islands: the Giant Tortoises.

The gigantic, slow, yet graceful Giant Galapagos Tortoises are indeed a sight to see. When you are on Santa Cruz Island, you can take a taxi to the high country, to get close up and private with the Galapagos tortoises.

The way to the high country is muddy and rough, and it takes about an hour by taxi.

After you reach a fenced area, you'll need to continue on by foot. It is a wooded area and you may cross a few little streams and have to walk thru some mud, so be certain to wear strong shoes that may take it.

After about 25 minutes of walking you can come to an area that doesn't resemble the rest of the Galapagos. It's green and swampy, and can be home to many stinging insects, so be careful! But in another 10 minutes or so , you will probably begin to see Giant Galapagos Tortoises. These creatures have shells that average about three feet in diameter. Their skin is rough looking and wrinkled, making them look very old, like something that survived the dinosaur age.

If it feels threatened, a tortoise can release air through its nostrils with a hissing sound, permitting it to retract its head and legs into its shell for protection. In the highlands, you'll find many tortoises eating, resting, walking, and enjoying their natural environment. You will notice that there are trails everywhere, manufactured by tortoises slowly making their way from the low to high country.

Though docile, the Galapagos Giant Tortoise is dignified in appearance, and it will be the high point of any trip to see them in their own habitat.

You can visit tours galapagos for more information.




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