Location:  Off the coast of Ecuador on the western coast of South America

Description:

The Galápagos Islands are a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of South America. Sometimes referred to as Colón Archipelago, it is consisted of fifteen large and several hundred small islands to create a total land area of 7844 sq km (3029 sq mi). The principal islands are Isabela, San Cristóbal, San Salvador, Santa María, and Santa Cruz. Many of the islands contain extinct volcanic peaks

The Galápagos islands are best known for its animal life, including numerous species that are only found in the archipelago. The islands contain six species of giant tortoises, land and marine iguanas, and other unusual wildlife. They are the home of over 85 different species of birds.

History:

The Spanish was the first people to explore the islands in 1535 and the first inhabitants settled there in 1832. Perhaps the most famous historical event of the archipelago is the visit of British naturalist Charles Darwin in 1835. He spent six weeks studying the animal life of the Galápagos and collecting data that contributed greatly to this book, Origin of Species.

Interesting Facts:

• The word "galápago" is Spanish for tortoise, referring to the six species of giant tortoise that inhabits the islands