Author: pedropixel

  • The Fascinating Galápagos Sally Lightfoot Crab

    The Fascinating Galápagos Sally Lightfoot Crab

    The Galápagos Sally Lightfoot Crab (Grapsus grapsus) is a native species to the Galápagos Islands. These crabs are easily identifiable by their vibrant red, orange, and yellow carapaces. They are commonly found along the rocky shores of the islands, where they navigate the terrain with agility and speed, often clinging to rocks amidst crashing waves.…

  • The Fascinating Life of Owls in the Galápagos Islands

    The Fascinating Life of Owls in the Galápagos Islands

    The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands situated in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. Renowned for their exceptional biodiversity and endemic species, these islands played a crucial role in Charles Darwin’s development of the theory of evolution by natural selection. The archipelago consists of 13 main islands…

  • Exploring Puerto Ayora: Natural Beauty and Galapagos Culture

    Exploring Puerto Ayora: Natural Beauty and Galapagos Culture

    Puerto Ayora is the largest town in the Galapagos archipelago, situated on the southern coast of Santa Cruz Island. Named after Isidro Ayora, the first Ecuadorian president to visit the Galapagos, it serves as the economic and tourism center of the islands. With a population of approximately 12,000, Puerto Ayora offers a range of amenities…

  • Exploring the delicious gastronomy of the Galapagos Islands

    Exploring the delicious gastronomy of the Galapagos Islands

    The local cuisine is characterized by a combination of fresh marine ingredients and agricultural products grown on the islands. Typical dishes include ceviches, grilled fish, lobsters and a variety of tropical fruits. The culinary influence in the Galapagos comes primarily from continental Ecuadorian cuisine, with adaptations based on the resources available on the islands. Sustainable…

  • Why protect the Galapagos Islands

    Why protect the Galapagos Islands

    The flora and fauna of the Galapagos are characterized by a high degree of endemism. Approximately 80% of land birds, 97% of land reptiles and mammals, and more than 30% of plants are endemic. Among the most emblematic species are giant tortoises, marine iguanas and Darwin’s finches. The climate of the islands is unusually dry…

  • The Splendor of the Ocean Sunfish

    The Splendor of the Ocean Sunfish

    The ocean sunfish (Mola mola) is the heaviest known bony fish, with some individuals weighing over 2,000 kilograms and measuring up to 3.3 meters in length. It belongs to the order Tetraodontiformes, which includes pufferfish and porcupinefish. The ocean sunfish has a distinctive appearance, characterized by a flattened body, large dorsal and anal fins, and…

  • Marvelous Aerial Wonders: The Flying Fish of Galápagos

    Marvelous Aerial Wonders: The Flying Fish of Galápagos

    The Galápagos Flying Fish (Cheilopogon pinnatibarbatus) is a species endemic to the Galápagos Islands. It belongs to the Exocoetidae family, which comprises over 64 species of flying fish found worldwide. This fish is notable for its ability to glide above the water’s surface using modified pectoral fins. As a key component of the Galápagos marine…

  • Cost Guide for Traveling to the Galapagos Islands

    Cost Guide for Traveling to the Galapagos Islands

    The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands situated in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. Renowned for their exceptional biodiversity, the islands are home to numerous endemic species that have evolved in isolation over millions of years. This unique ecosystem played a crucial role in inspiring Charles Darwin’s…

  • Iguanas de Lava: A Natural Wonder in the Galápagos Islands

    Iguanas de Lava: A Natural Wonder in the Galápagos Islands

    The Galápagos Islands, situated in the Pacific Ocean, comprise a cluster of volcanic islands renowned for their exceptional and varied ecosystems. These islands gained worldwide recognition for their pivotal role in the development of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution through natural selection, following his visit in 1835 and subsequent study of the islands’ distinctive species.…

  • American Oystercatcher: Galapagos’ Coastal Icon

    American Oystercatcher: Galapagos’ Coastal Icon

    The American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) is a distinctive shorebird characterized by its black and white plumage, elongated orange beak, and vibrant yellow eyes. This species inhabits the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States, the Caribbean, and the coastal regions of Central and South America. As a member of the Haematopodidae family, the American…