Galapagos Islands

Page sponsored by Lead Adventures

---

Charles Darwin was only twenty when he left England in 1831. Thirty years later he published his theory of evolution, unquestionable one of the most revolutionary ideas science has ever known because of Charles Darwin's "discovery" of these islands, much attention has been paid to them and many fascinating things have been discovered.The Galapagos Islands are volcanic in origin and appear to have been formed about 3-5 million years ago, geologically very recent.

The Galapagos Islands consist of 13 major islands and 17 smaller islands and some 40 rocks that make up the archipelago were born from a fiery volcano deep in the Pacific Ocean. These islands have never been part of a continent, and unlike other similar islands like Hawaii, the Galapagos Islands have only relatively recently been discovered by man and more recently had human inhabitation, situated in an isolated location on the eastern edge of a major ocean near the meeting point of several major current systems set along the equator, 600 miles off the west coast of South America. Here in Galapagos Islands where it is almost always sunny and the cool sea breezes create a perfect air temperature that you would not expect on the equator. In the Galapagos Islands there is crystal clear turquoise seas, beaches with pink, volcanic black, powdery white and olive green sands, mangrove lagoons and cactus forests. The distribution of plants and animals on island harbor the greatest number of endemic species. The relative isolation of many islands has allowed populations to evolve in the absence of competitors and predators, leading to the evolution of unique species that can differ dramatically from their mainland ancestors.

Get involved in our fascinating Program Galapagos Experience. Give nature a helping hand Some activities that participants will be performing:  Preparation of soil, seed collection, nursery maintenance, reforestation, agricultural extension, environmental education, eradication of introduced species, organic agriculture, giant-tortoise monitoring, beach clean up and others.

Guided hikes through the reserve and nearby areas to learn about the biodiversity themes, natural history and ecology of the Island.

Today, you can literally walk where Darwin walked in the Galápagos.

About Lead Adventures
Lead adventures has been around since 2004 and knows Ecuador intimately! So far over 3000 volunteers have participated in our programsWhether you are young or mature, shy or extroverted, laid-back or adventurous, Galapagos has something for everyone. These authentic experiences stimulate the imagination and change lives forever. Lead Adventures challenges you not only to visit these beautiful Islands, but also to make a difference in the world today. We offer a range of opportunities for you to help save and preserve the unique wildlife, learn what makes the Latin culture so unique and get involved in the community .