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Galapagos Islands
Formed roughly four to five million years ago, the Galapagos Islands today, is one of the most special places on earth. What makes these volcanic islands so extraordinary is that when they were created by the eruption of underwater volcanoes, they were totally devoid of any plant or animal life. Yet somehow over the millennia, these islands have now become home to several endemic species of wildlife including the Galapagos Tortoise, the Flightless Cormorant and the Red-billed Tropicbird.
Accidentally discovered by Bishop Tomas de Berlanga in 1535 while sailing from Panama to Peru; these islands got their name from the giant Galapagos or tortoises, which were spotted roaming around here. Used mostly as a base for pirates, buccaneers, whalers and sealers during the next three centuries, it was not until 1836 that these islands were given any scientific importance. Visited by Charles Darwin in 1835 aboard the HMS Beagle that was under the command of Captain Robert Fitzroy; little did anyone realize how important a role these islands were to play in understanding the evolution of the world...read more about Galapagos Islands »
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