The Galapagos Islands are 600 miles from the coast of South America, to the west of Ecuador.

The islands are best known for their amazing collection of birds and animals, but in fact there's a lot more to them that that.

The Galapagos Marine Reserve extends for 40 miles around the islands and is protected against the impacts of tourism, fishing, and development. 96% of the land is designated National Park and offers a similar protection. The remaining 4% is available for human settlement and agriculture.

Four of the islands (Isabela, Santa Cruz, Santa Maria and San Cristobal) are inhabited and over 18,000 people live there (INEC, Galapagos Census 2001).

70% of Ecuador's population live below the poverty line (source: CIA estimate) and many people have emigrated to the Galapagos islands in search of a better standard of living for their families. 45% of the Galapagueño population is aged under 20 (INEC, Galapagos Census 2001).

For a virtual tour of the Galapagos, click on the links below, then on [abrir tour] at the bottom of the page