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Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are a small archipelago of islands belonging to Ecuador in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The islands are quite remote and isolated, lying some 1000 km (620 miles) west of the South American continent, and the archipelago is bisected by the equator. The Galapagos archipelago consists of 13 main islands and 6 smaller isles, which together embrace some 50,000 km2 (19,500 sq mi) of ocean.

The Galapagos Islands is also one of the world's first UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Understand

The Galápagos archipelago is world-renowned for its unique and fearless wildlife, much of which was inspiration for Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection. The islands are therefore very popular amongst natural historians, both professional and amateur. Giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas and different bird species can all be seen and approached. The landscape of the islands is relatively barren and volcanic, but beautiful nonetheless. The highest mountain amongst the islands is Volcán Wolf on Isla Isabela, high.

The Galápagos are an expensive and time-consuming destination, due to remoteness and need to use boats for travel within the archipelago. A tour of the main attractions takes over a week of a ship-based cruise, and getting to and from the Galápagos takes two travel days from most of the world (often with one day in mainland Ecuador, especially on the way in). Given the travel time, a week-long cruise (8 days/7 nights in the Galápagos) is a good sweet spot, which covers most, but not all, of the main attractions (cruises can visit 2 out of 3 of north/south/west islands in a week). Longer visits cover all main attractions, and 2 weeks is plenty, but is quite long and expensive. Shorter visits (5 days/4 nights) or land-based visits are cheaper but quite limited, and risk being disappointing; if time or budget allow, consider longer. It is hard to visit (including travel) for under USD $1000/1 week per person, and $2000/1.5 weeks is a more reasonable minimum, and $4000 is a mid-range price.

The Galápagos were claimed by the newly independent Ecuador in 1832, a mere three years before Darwin's visit on the HMS Beagle. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the islands were inhabited by very few settlers and were used as a penal colony, the last of which closed in 1959 when the islands were declared a national park. The Galapagos were subsequently listed as a World Heritage Site in 1978.

Strict controls on tourist access are maintained in an effort to protect the natural habitats, and all visitors must be accompanied by a national park-certified naturalist tour guide.

Climate
The Galapagos Islands have a highly variable climate, as does Ecuador's mainland. There are two seasons in the islands: the hot/rainy season from December to June, and the cooler season from June to November.

In the hot season, from December to June, the humidity is high, and the average temperatures are in the 80s F (26°-30°C). There may be occasional showers, but the days are generally warm and sunny.

In the cooler season, from June to November, you can expect cool winds, occasionally bringing with them a light misty-type drizzle called "garúa." Temperatures average in the 70s °F (20–24°C) during the day and lower at night.

Each month brings unique climate variations and wildlife viewing opportunities. Peak season for naturalist tours is typically December through May when the seas are the calmest and the weather the warmest. However summer months June, July and August are also very popular as the animals are more active. September through November is typically low season when most boats will leave the islands for dry dock. For divers peak season is from July to November, when whale sharks can be found at Wolf & Darwin.

The islands and towns

 * Baltra – an airport, Seymour Airport, and military base
 * Bartolome
 * Darwin & Wolf
 * Espanola
 * Fernandina
 * Floreana
 * Genovesa
 * Isabela – the largest island
 * Marchena
 * North Seymour
 * Pinta – The most famous resident was Lonesome George, a tortoise found on the island that was believed to be the last of his subspecies. Lonesome George was moved to the Darwin Research Centre on Santa Cruz in the hopes that a mate might be found, but sadly the subspecies died with him in 2012. Tourists are not allowed to visit Pinta; it is only open to scientists.
 * Pinzon – also known as Duncan Island
 * Rabida
 * San Cristobal – another commercial airport, San Cristobal Airport
 * Santa Cruz – the main island and population centre
 * Santa Fe
 * Santiago
 * South Plaza
 * Santa Fe
 * Santiago
 * South Plaza

Get in
Visiting the Galapagos is not cheap, owing to travel restrictions and the remote nature of the archipelago. The only way to get in the islands from the mainland by plane is from Guayaquil or Quito airports. Flights generally travel to the Galapagos in the morning and return to the mainland in the afternoon. This generally requires an overnight stay in mainland Ecuador on arrival, and another stay or late night flight on departure.

By plane
Flights to the Galapagos are relatively easy to arrange and depart from Quito and Guayaquil on a daily basis for the Isla Baltra Airport, about an hour by taxi and ferry from Puerto Ayora (the main settlement of the Galapagos) on the central island of Santa Cruz. There are also daily flights to San Cristóbal. The airport is a 20-minute walk (5-minute taxi) from the center of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and lies within the town.

Flights from Guayaquil are slightly less expensive than from Quito; however, there is more availability from Quito as there are typically two flights a day from Quito and only one from Guayaquil.

Avianca and LATAM Airlines have flights to the Galapagos. The price varies a bit between companies, for foreigners around US$457 from Quito in low season, or $505–512 in high season (July, August and December) and less from Guayaquil, $419 low season to $522 in high season. Ecuadorians pay almost half the price and there is a 20% discount on Aerogal flights if you have an ISIC studentcard.

Inter-island flights are available from EMETEBE Airlines, which operates nine seater aircraft to transport passengers and their luggage from San Cristobal Airport to Isabela, Santa Cruz and Baltra islands. Bookings can be done directly through EMETEBE's website or a travel agent.

Step-by-step procedures at Quito airport
Procedure for flying from Quito airport to Galapagos.

 * 1) Flights depart from the domestic area of the terminal - near Check in Area A.
 * 2) Before going to check in desk, you'll see an office to your right with the Galapagos National Park sign.  Here you will pay a $20 fee and get a "visa" (INGALA card) for Galapagos. There is a separate $100 park entrance fee to pay when you land in Galapagos.  Only cash is accepted. The visa is required to get through the destination airport in Galapagos, it is perforated two-piece document with a large QR code on each half. In the event that you board without it, if you push, they will issue it on the islands.
 * 3) They will direct you to a baggage check, where your bag will be scanned and sealed.
 * 4) Now you proceed to the ticket counter with the paper that you were issued.
 * 5) Then go through security.
 * 6) Signage is clear.  The terminal is shiny.  Announcements are in Spanish and English.

By boat
Private yachts can arrive into any of the five ports in Galapagos while in transit and remain at that port for a maximum of 21 days. Boats wishing to visit more than one site or cruise the islands may do so but only by special permit from the national park and by working with a licensed yacht agency.

There are cargo boats that travel to the Galapagos each week. However, these boats are not allowed to take travelers on board.

By boat
Seeing the sites and wildlife of the Galapagos is best done by boat, just as Charles Darwin did it in 1835. Over 60 cruise ships ply the Galapagos waters - ranging in size from 8 to 100 passengers. Most people book their place well in advance (as the boats are usually full during the high season). Be sure the agent through whom you book is a Galapagos specialist with a good knowledge of a wide variety of ships. This will ensure that your particular interests and/or constraints are matched with the ship most suitable to them.

There are a lot of companies that can book accommodation on a Galapagos tour either in Puerto Ayora or from Guayaquil or Quito. While it is possible to get a last-minute deal, be aware that many budget tours may spend extra time in Puerto Ayora, might not have the best boats, and may only visit the inner islands. Last minute 4-day cruises can be organized in Puerto Ayora for $400–1800. The widely used GalapagosCruiseLinks site can give you an idea of last-minute prices for a range of ships sailing within the next 90 days.

When looking for a tour consider the following:

 * Number of passengers. The national park restricts the size of the boats allowed to cruise the islands, with some islands such as Genovesa being limited to boats with no more than forty passengers. Though the maximum size boat permitted to cruise the islands is 100 passengers, as you might imagine 100 people showing up on a beach all at the same time can be overwhelming to the local wildlife. All passengers will be divided up into a maximum group size of 16 passengers per naturalist guide. Therefore it is generally best to travel on a boat with fewer passengers (between 16 and 32 passengers is ideal).
 * Itinerary. The National Park sets all of the cruise itineraries. Each itinerary is designed to have a mixture of habitats and show case the diversity of the islands by combining the Southern Espanola and Floreana, Central, Western Fernandina, Isabela or Northern Genovesa Islands. Most boats will visit 2 or 3 of these areas during a week.
 * Availability. Most of the best cruises are booked up months in advance, so best to book early. The last 2 weeks of December are often booked solid a year in advance on many ships, while few ships sail at full capacity during the first two weeks of December.
 * Level of activity. Visits to the islands are only permitted during the twelve hours of daylight 06:00-18:00. Typically a cruise will have two excursions each day, a morning and an afternoon that will be a combination of shore and water excursions. Walks are generally at a slow pace offering plenty of time for interpretation and photos. The landings may be slippery and some trails can be rocky, which makes them difficult for people with mobility or balance problems, but in general the walks are easy. Water excursions may include snorkeling, kayaking, panga rides (rides in local dinghies), and rides in a glass-bottom boat, depending on your cruise. Life under the water is more diverse than that on shore and snorkeling with sea lions is frequently the highlight of the trip for many visitors.
 * Additional costs. Many tours do not include the $100 park entry fee or the cost of a flight from the mainland to the islands (about $500 from Quito), and a $20 INGALA Tourist Control Card. Less expensive boats may also charge for beverages, use of snorkel equipment, wetsuits and kayaks.
 * Time spent in the islands. The cruise length includes the day you arrive and the day you depart the Galapagos. Flights typically arrive the islands around noon time or in the early afternoon and leave the islands about the same time. On your first day you will typically have one excursion, and on the day you leave you may or may not have an excursion. In addition, all eight-day cruises are required to visit the town of Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz. Many itineraries will combine this day with a visit to see the tortoises in the wild in the highlands of Santa Cruz. Shorter cruises will take advantage of the close proximity of the Baltra airport to Puerto Ayora and let passengers who boarded the cruise in San Cristobal leave the cruise in Santa Cruz or vice versa.
 * Type of boat. Quality of boats varies widely. Less-expensive tours use boats that may not be capable of traveling as quickly between islands, be as comfortable, or be as well-maintained. You generally get what you pay for.

While the majority of the islands will be off-limits without a guide, it is possible to travel via speed boat between the towns on San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz and Isla Isabela. Trips to Floreana can also be arranged. Speed boats cost $30 one-way, or $50 both ways with an open return date. Each of these islands offers the possibility of joining organized local daytrips or of traveling on your own while within the town limits.

Hotels and hostels are available on each of these islands from $10–500, while hotels along the water are generally full especially in Santa Cruz. During peak season (Christmas & Easter weeks) as well as during special events, all hotels are frequently sold out well in advance. However, if you are traveling at other times of the year, you may be able to find availability by just showing up.

From Santa Cruz it is possible to book day trips to the uninhabited islands of North Seymour, South Plazas, Santa Fe and Bartolome. Advance reservations are normally required; however, on occasion you can find space due to a last-minute cancellation the night before.

Splurge

 * listing
 * Latin Trails Isla Espanola #144, San Rafael, Quito ☏+59322867377, travel@latintrails.com A small fleet of two 16 guest boats, 1 of them is a first class catamaran, the Galapagos Seaman Journey, oceanview cabins, private facilities indoor and outdoor dining, sun deck and value priced, cruises start at $2159 for 4 days. The other yacht the company runs is the Galapagos Sea Star Journey, a more upmarket yacht and 3 times winner of the World Travel Awards accolade as best boutique cruise in South America, the yacht has 8 suites, connecting cabins, 2 hot tubs and day beds on the sun deck, alfresco and indoor dining, only small yacht with a glass bottom zodiac, 8 twin kayaks for exploration, pricing is not exaggerated, starting at $3399 for 5 days. Between both yachts there is the possibility to choose from 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11 and 14 night cruises. Finally they operate a 12 passenger day trip boat called the Hopper, a small catamaran that offers day tours from San Cristobal island visiting Punta Pitt, Kicker Rock and Espanola island, the boat also has diving facilities.

Land-based tours
Ship-based trips to Galapagos are considered to be the optimal way of getting out and about in the archipelago, allowing you to maximize your exposure to what the islands are famous for. Land-based tours have grown dramatically since the early 1990s when very few tourists came to Galapagos without taking a cruise. In 2017 while approximately 72,000 people enjoyed a cruise every year, over 150,000 land-based visitors came to the islands on island-hopping trips. Land-based visitors trade off the opportunity to travel around to remote parts of the archipelago and the convenience of waking up at a new destination every day, for the cheaper cost. While ship-based tourism is strictly regulated, with a cap on the total number of ship-based beds available, land-based tourism is unregulated. Between 2009 and 2015, it grew at an annual rate of 14%. More and more agencies are offering organized island-hopping land-based trips - these are easily found on-line. Some visitors opt for a self-guided trip, booking their accommodations and day excursions directly.

See
At many national park locations and all uninhabited islands, the number of visitors are limited, and there are only a few official landing and visitor sites. You must follow the instructions of your guide to protect the wildlife and you are not allowed off the marked paths. This is not a problem as the animals are so tame they will sit right on the path or cross it without caring about mere tourists.

The Charles Darwin Foundation administers several research stations throughout the islands, including a large station in Puerto Ayora that is worth visiting for its animal and natural history exhibits, the Galapagos Interpretation Center in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and the Tortoise Breeding Center are the most interesting of the breeding centers in Puerto Villamil.

Cruises
Cruises are the only option to see the majority of remote islands. All cruise ships are required to have a certified naturalist guide. Each cruise ships has a fixed itinerary for the year which is set by the Galapagos National Park, with the purpose being to control the number of tourists arriving at any time on each island. Cruises are available in 2-, 4-, 5-, 8- and 15-day options. The following is a list of typical sights:
 * Climb the hill on Bartolome for the classic Galapagos view
 * Visit the Giant Tortoise breeding and rearing program at the Charles Darwin Research Center on Santa Cruz.
 * See the red neck sacks of the Magnificent Frigatebird on North Seymour or El Junco, San Cristobal.
 * Visit unique species like the Galapagos penguins on Isabela or Floreana.
 * Go snorkeling with sea lions and pacific sea turtles.

Snorkeling and scuba diving
Snorkeling and diving are very popular activities as the sea life is so rich and colourful.

Snorkeling equipment should be available from your tour operator (but check first) if you don't have your own. You may also want to bring a waterproof camera. Remember to wear at least a T-shirt and sunblock if you are snorkeling, as it's all too easy to get sunburnt in the strong sun. Snorkeling offers a way to be in the water with fish, sea turtles, sea lions, and other creatures and is a great option for those who don't have scuba certification. The islands that are older (further to the west) often have cold temperatures. Wetsuits can be rented at the same locations as snorkeling equipment.

Diving in the Galapagos is incredible, as noted by Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine. Darwin and Wolf Islands have been ranked as the best dive destination in the world for several years in the categories of healthiest marine environment, best big animal dive and best advanced diving. That said, the Galapagos is not necessarily the right place for beginners or novices. Currents, surge, cold water, and sometimes poor visibility and depths make this a challenge. Certification courses are available in both Santa Cruz and San Cristobal for those looking to learn, and there are several dive sites that are relatively beginner-friendly.

There are 2 ways to dive in the Galapagos Islands:

 * 1) Daily dives with a local tour operator from Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal.
 * 2) Galapagos liveaboards. Only liveaboards reach Darwin and Wolf.  These 2 sites are the reason most divers come to Galapagos.

Two of the world's premier diving destinations, Darwin Island and Wolf Island, are accessible only via live-aboard cruises. These islands present challenging currents and are not suitable for beginners, but offer amazing opportunities to see huge schools of hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, Silky sharks and whale sharks in season (July-Nov), in addition to other pelagic life like giant mantas, eagle rays, sting rays, huge schools of jack and tuna, sea turtles, sea lions and more.

Park regulations may change unexpectedly. In 2007, many divers were caught unaware as the National Park withdrew diving permits from quite a few cruise ships without notice, leaving many divers without dive cruises they had booked far in advance. For this reason, travellers are advised to get the most up-to-date information possible when planning a dive trip to the Galapagos Islands. In 2010, the National Park began regulating land-based diving, and few of the many shops operating had the necessary permits. It is best to ask if an operator has a dive permit, otherwise you may be turned back by Park Rangers and not permitted to dive. In 2011, the National Park stopped allowing dive live-aboards to offer land visits, except for the Highlands of Santa Cruz, which is on all itineraries.

Fishing
You can fish in the Reserve, for marlin, tuna, wahoo and many other species but only if you are using an operator and boat that have the requisite Artisanal Vivencial Fishing licences issued by the Galapagos National Park. "Sport Fishing", as such, is prohibited. The Galapagos National Park publishes a list of Vivencial Fishing licence-holders and their boats, but they do not keep the list up to date.

When Vivencial Fishing, you can keep a limited quantity of fish for personal consumption but all marlin must be released unharmed.

Vivencial Fishing was conceived with the purpose of providing local fishermen with an ecologically sustainable alternative to commercial fishing. However, there is constant pressure, both political and commercial, to legalize sport fishing and open the market to better financed and better connected outsiders.

Hiking
Hiking is often included as part of organized cruises or tours of the highlands. Although you will often see fewer animals during these tours, you will often gain a greater understanding of the difference in terrain and vegetation as well as the formation of the islands. Hiking is restricted in all National Park land; however, several sights, like the Wall of Tears on Isabela and Cerro Tijeras on San Cristobal can be hiked independently. The rules are that a guide must accompany all groups of more than eight people in the National Park.

Biking
Biking provides quicker access to far sites from the ports. Bike rentals are available on Isabela, San Cristobal and Santa Cruz for around $15 per day.

Surfing
The Galapagos provides some good waves and many locals make it a daily activity. Boards can be rented by the day or month at port towns. In general sites are marked with a place to rest surf boards as to not damage the land. The following are beaches that allow surfing:
 * Punta Carola, San Cristobal
 * La Loberia, San Cristobal
 * Tongo Reef, San Cristobal
 * Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz
 * Playa Ratonera, Santa Cruz
 * Isabela has a more continuous sandy shoreline that provides open surfing, larger waves are at the end of the road that follows the beach in the opposite side of the port

Volunteering
To minimize the impact of sightseeing on the unique ecosystem and mitigate issues with introduced species, several organizations provide conservation-based volunteering.
 * Hacienda Tranquila works on environmental, community and social issues. Volunteers stay on the grounds and cook for themselves.  The hacienda is owned and managed by locals.
 * Hacienda Esperanza works to conserve the environment and promote sustainable technologies.  Volunteers are provided room and board as part of volunteering.  The hacienda is owned and managed by locals.
 * Jatun Sachu works to conserve the Galapagos and covers a larger area. Volunteers are provided room and board as part of volunteering.
 * Fundacion Bolivar Education has a conservation farm project on San Cristobal, as well as a habitat restoration project. Teaching programs in the islands include Alejandro Alvear School and Teaching Support at a local school.

Kayaking
Kayaking allows you to navigate more of the water without a boat. Kayaks can be rented at Tortuga Bay in Santa Cruz and the port at San Cristobal to navigate the nearby beaches. Fish and sea turtles can often be seen while kayaking; however, conditions should be checked before renting.

Horseback riding
Horseback riding can be organized to allow you to see the highlands in greater detail. Tours are roughly $50. Additional tours may be found through taxis or local tour agencies.

Sleep
There are hotels and other accommodation in the towns of Puerto Ayora, Puerto Villamil and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno; however, if you really want to see lots of good wildlife, you will need to combine your stay on these islands with daily boat tours to other islands.

Hotels and hostels are available on San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Isabela and Floreana from $25–500, while hotels along the water are generally full especially in Santa Cruz. During peak season (Christmas & Easter weeks) as well as during special events all hotels are frequently sold out well in advance. However, if you are traveling at other times of the year you may be able to find availability by just showing up.

Stay safe
In general, crime is not a problem in the Galapagos. Petty crime may occur in the towns, and occasionally fisherman will stage strikes or demonstrations that affect tourists, but for the most part there is little to be concerned about. Some items that have been reported missing have been found in the crews' quarters. As most boats do not have lockable cabins, it might be advisable to keep your items locked away in bags in your cabins.

The animal life in the islands is mostly docile with the exception of larger sea lions. Bulls, in particular, will vigorously protect their harems, and can inflict dangerous and potentially deadly bites. Do not snorkel close to sea lion colonies. If a bull sea lion approaches you, swim away from the nearest colony. While the bulls can be dangerous; swimming with juvenile sea lions can be one of the most exciting parts of a trip.

In addition to sea lions, there is a minimal danger from sharks. In general sharks will not attack unless provoked, although attacks can sometimes occur in murky water when sharks mistake humans for other animals. However, by exercising common sense, experiences will be almost always be positive.

Be careful with the tap water, especially in Puerto Ayora. It is not recommended to drink it or brush your teeth with it.

Connect
One notable place to put (non-important) mail is in the barrel at Post Office Bay. Mail will stay there until another traveler from your area picks it up. It's a great way to meet new people that have been to the Galápagos, since most of the mail there is addressed to the sender.

Respect
The park is strictly regulated. Outside of the towns visitors must be accompanied by guides, and visitors are only allowed on land from sunrise until sunset. Itineraries must be registered with the park prior to embarking on a trip, and animals should never be disturbed; while the wildlife in the Galapagos will usually ignore your presence, a general rule of thumb is that if an animal notices your presence, then you are too close. Two meters is generally given as a minimum distance to keep away from animals; you will find that if you are calm and respectful that many animals will walk right up to investigate you.

One of the greatest dangers to the islands is introduced species. The park service is trying to eliminate goats, rats, cats, dogs, and introduced plant species on many of the islands, but it is a difficult battle; after evolving for thousands of years without predators, the Galapagos wildlife is not adapted to handle these new species. When traveling to the islands, do not bring any plant or animal life with you, and be sure to always clean your footwear when traveling between islands to avoid accidentally transferring seeds.

Illegal fishing is another threat to the park. Although park officials may deny it, illegal fishing for sharks and sea cucumbers occurs on a massive scale. The number of fishermen has increased rapidly over the last few years, while the number of fish have plunged. Due to ongoing tensions between fisherman, tourism, and science, the level of enforcement of fishing laws can vary greatly, but even when policies are put in place to limit fishing, enforcement is difficult due to the resources required to patrol the vast park area.

Another big threat to the park is the growing population. Although new rules are supposed to make it impossible for people arriving from the mainland to live and work on the islands, the rules are poorly enforced, resulting in many people immigrating from the mainland to make quick money on the islands.

Rules
The codified park rules are:

 * 1) To visit the National Park you must always be accompanied by a certified Galapagos National Park guide.
 * 2) Galapagos is a unique and fragile environment.  Take only photographs and video.  Professional shooting needs authorization from the National Park.
 * 3) Stay within the limits of the walking trails, for your safety and that of the flora and fauna.
 * 4) To avoid affecting the wildlife's natural behavior, avoid getting closer than two meters to the animals.
 * 5) Camping is allowed only at specific sites.  If you wish to camp, you must first obtain a permit from the Galapagos National Park.
 * 6) Help conservation by cooperating with the authorities in their inspection, monitoring and control duties.  Report any anomalies to the National Park.
 * 7) Do not introduce foreign organisms to the islands, as these can have a negative impact on the ecosystem.
 * 8) Do not buy souvenirs which are made from black coral, sea shells, sea lion teeth, tortoise shell, volcanic rock or endemic woods.
 * 9) Galapagos animals have their own feeding behavior.  Never feed the animals.  Feeding them can be detrimental to their health.
 * 10) Galapagos landscapes are beautiful and unique.  Do not spoil them by writing or etching rocks or trees.
 * 11) Do not litter while on the islands.  Always dispose of rubbish in a safe and appropriate way.
 * 12) Smoking or making camp fires in the national park areas is forbidden and can cause devastating fires.
 * 13) Fishing is strictly forbidden, except on those boats specifically authorised by the Galapagos National Park.
 * 14) Jet skiing, submarines, water skiing, and aerial tourism are all forbidden.

title: Galapagos Islands


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Galapagos wildlife

The wildlife is the prime reason for visiting the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. The logistics of travelling to and around the islands as well as information on the islands is given in the Galapagos Islands article itself.

Understand
Lying 1000km west of Ecuador on the South American mainland, the volcanic Galapagos Islands' wildlife developed and remained relatively protected until the 1800s. Charles Darwin visited the islands in 1835 and his studies here helped form his Theory of Evolution. Since then, although the influence of mankind has increased, the islands isolation has kept them remarkably unspoilt with some of the tamest wildlife you will ever encounter.

The National Park
The land of the islands was declared a national park in 1959, and the surrounding seas a marine biosphere in 1986.

What to bring / hire

 * Binoculars
 * Snorkeling equipment
 * Camera
 * Seasickness pills

Shell shape
The giant tortoises (Geocheleone elephantopus) are justly the most famous residents of the islands, weighing up to 200kg and living for up to 150 years. Each island with tortoises tends to have its own sub-species (but with five on Isabela) which have evolved separately. Though several of the islands have tortoises in the wild, for their own protection the national park does not allow visitors in many of these areas. The best places to see Tortoises while in Galapagos are while visiting Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado on the island of San Cristobal, either the Tortoise Breeding Center or the Wall of Tears area on Isabela where 5 year old and 25 year old tortoises have been re-released into the wild. Or either in the highlands of Santa Cruz or at the famous Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto_Ayora where visitors can view tortoises from hatchlings to more distinguished individuals like Lonesome George (from Pinta) thought to be the last of his species.

Marine iguanas
The Marine Iguana' (Amblyrhyynchus cristatus) endemic to the Galapagos Islands can be seen sunning themselves (often on top of each other) on rocks at the sea edge of most of the islands. The world's only seagoing lizard, it feeds on seaweed. The iguanas are typically black but turn red during mating season - with the exception of on Espanola where they also appear green in color.

Land Iguanas
The Galapagos Land Iguana (Conolophus subscristatus) are another dinosaur like reptile which lives on most of the main islands. A grey-yellow colour, the move slowly - be careful not to walk on them. They eat the pads of the prickly pear cactus

The Santa Fe Land Iguana (Conolophus pallidus) lives only on Santa Fe and is slightly larger and chocolate brown in color.

Lizards
The Lava Lizard (Tropidurus) scurries around the rocky ground of the islands. There are seven species, which similarly to the Giant Tortoises are endemic to different islands.

Land Mammals
All animals that originally arrived in the islands came here either by swimming, flying or floating. Due to the long distance from the continent mammals were unable to make the journey making the giant tortoise the primary grazing animal in the Galapagos. Since the arrival of man to the Galapagos, many mammals have been introduced including goats, horses, cows, rats, cats and dogs. In many cases the introduction of these new species caused problems and has endangered the fragile eco-system and the plants and animals that live here.

Albatrosses
The Waved Albatross is considered endemic to the Galapagos Islands, these large birds with up to a 6 foot wingspan Albatross spend much of their life at sea, however from April to November they return to nest on the island of Espanola.

Boobies
There are three species of boobies found in the Galapagos the Black and White Nazca Booby, the Red Footed Booby and the popular Blue Footed Booby.

Red-footed boobies
Can be found nesting in bushes on the island of Genovesa or on the easternmost tip of the islands at Punta Pitt on San Cristobal

Blue-footed boobies
The blue-footed booby (Sula nebouxii) is a bird in the Sulidae family which comprises ten species of long-winged seabirds.

The average life-span of the carnivorous bird is 17 years. Known for their blue feet, their dances and also their unruffled attitude toward humans, the blue-footed booby is one of the most popular wildlife attractions on the Galapagos Islands.

Flightless cormorants
An endemic species of the Galapagos Islands the flightless cormorant can be found on the western side of Isabela and Fernandina

Darwin finches
There are 15 species of Darwin finch, 14 of which are found in the Galapagos Islands. These small noisy birds can be found throughout the islands. One of these species the mangrove finch, found only on the western coast of Isabela is extremely endangered there is thought to be less than 100 of the species left.

Brown Pelicans
Pelecanus occidentalis, with its sympathetic appearance and elegant flight abilities, is an ubiquitous presence on the islands, especially at harbors and fish markets.

Galapagos Penguins
The small endemic Galapagos Penguins (Spheniscus mendiculus) are the northernmost penguins in the world. Penguins can typically be seen on Fernandina, Floreana, Isabela, Bartolome and Sombrero Chino.

Sally Lightfoot Crabs
Born black to blend in with their environment the Sally Lightfoot crab turns red, orange and yellow with age. A favorite of photographers these crabs can be found throughout the islands near the shoreline.

Scalesia
Known as the Darwin Finch of the plant family, the Scalesia is a member of the daisy family. The Scalescia forests on Santa Cruz are home to both wild tortoises and a variety of birds like the colorful vermilion fly catcher, Darwin Finch and yellow warblers.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Galapagos wildlife


text:
Galena

As Galena is a lead sulfide ore, many of the multiple communities named "Galena" are former mining or resource towns.

United States of America

 * Galena (Alaska) - A town in Alaska.
 * Galena (Illinois) - A town in Illinois.
 * Galena (Kansas) - A town in Kansas.
 * Galena (Ohio) - A town in Ohio.

title: Galena


text:
Galena (Illinois)

Galena is a city in the Illinois Driftless Area 16 miles east of Dubuque, Iowa, and 163 miles west from Chicago. Galena is known as "The City that Time Forgot" for its rich 19th century heritage.

Named after the local lead deposits, the city was founded in 1826 and was a major port on the Mississippi River. Its fortunes changed in the 20th century as demand for lead dropped, but in the 1980s, the city reinvented itself as a tourist destination.

Today, 3,200 residents (as of 2018) form a community that is rich in history, claiming the home of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. More than a thousand buildings in Galena are listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Many of the elegantly restored homes are now bed & breakfasts or open to the public for tours. Galena has become the third largest tourist attraction in Illinois after Chicago and Springfield.

Understand
The name Galena comes from the word for lead sulfide, and indeed the very reason for the town's early growth was the abundant lead found in the area, mined since the times of the Native Americans. Galena grew to be the most important river port north of St. Louis (despite only being on a small tributary of the Mississippi) and in its heyday rivaled Chicago in size and importance. During the Age of Railroads, however, the town passed up a Chicago-Dubuque rail line in order to "keep the sanctity of the port", a decision that began Galena's decline. Floods and the Great Depression took their tolls as well, but soon enough people began to move back and restore the beautiful 19th century heritage. Now Galena has reinvented itself as a tourist destination, taking in its commercial and presidential history, beautiful setting among the hilly driftless region, and ample opportunity for outdoor recreation, becoming a popular weekend destination for Illinoisans, Iowans, and Wisconsinites.

By car
The vast majority of visitors to Galena arrive by car. Galena is intersected on the west end by US 20 (between East Dubuque and Chicago), which runs concurrently with IL 84. IL 84 branches off north of Galena to become WI 80 to Platteville. From Chicago, take I 90 west to Rockford and follow US 20 further west. From the south (such as Springfield or the Quad Cities), take IL 84 north along the Great River Road until it intersects US 20 north of Hanover.

There is ample free parking throughout the city.

By plane
There are no major airports near Galena. Dubuque Regional Airport is a small airport 23 miles west in Iowa, serving American Airlines flights from O'Hare International Airport in Chicago and charter services. You will need to rent a car or take a taxi to reach Galena.

Despite the city's prominence as a northern Illinois tourist destination, there are no interurban bus or train services.

Get around
Galena is only two miles long, so the most convenient way to travel is to park and walk through town. However, there is a fairly steep bluff between Bench and Prospect streets, which may make northwest foot travel from downtown difficult. Most parking is free, although parking spaces in the downtown area (Bench, Main, and Commerce streets) fill up quickly. There is also a large pay lot on the south bank of the Galena river west of Grant Park. A few companies offer trolley services that stop at significant places in town, which can also be chartered.

See

 * Main Street is a beautiful collection of colorful stone and brick buildings occupied by restaurants and mom and pop stores.
 * Main Street is a beautiful collection of colorful stone and brick buildings occupied by restaurants and mom and pop stores.
 * Main Street is a beautiful collection of colorful stone and brick buildings occupied by restaurants and mom and pop stores.
 * Main Street is a beautiful collection of colorful stone and brick buildings occupied by restaurants and mom and pop stores.
 * Main Street is a beautiful collection of colorful stone and brick buildings occupied by restaurants and mom and pop stores.
 * Main Street is a beautiful collection of colorful stone and brick buildings occupied by restaurants and mom and pop stores.
 * Main Street is a beautiful collection of colorful stone and brick buildings occupied by restaurants and mom and pop stores.
 * Main Street is a beautiful collection of colorful stone and brick buildings occupied by restaurants and mom and pop stores.

Do

 * Galena Artists Guild hosts events like gallery walks throughout the year. The gallery on US Hwy 20 showcases local talent.
 * Galena Cellars, Winery, and Vineyard has two locations, a shop downtown and a vineyard 6 miles north of Galena. It's in a beautiful setting and worth the short drive.
 * The Galena Country Fair takes place in October every year, where more than 100 artists sell arts and crafts.
 * Linmar Gardens is a privately owned garden on a hill overlooking downtown. There's a waterfall, sunken garden, flagstone pathway, and sculptures.
 * Shenandoah Riding Center east of town, in the midst of the rolling hills, offers guided trail rides on over 40 mi (64 km) through hills, woods, and along creeks. The one-hour rides are offered daily year-round.
 * Shenandoah Riding Center east of town, in the midst of the rolling hills, offers guided trail rides on over 40 mi (64 km) through hills, woods, and along creeks. The one-hour rides are offered daily year-round.
 * Shenandoah Riding Center east of town, in the midst of the rolling hills, offers guided trail rides on over 40 mi (64 km) through hills, woods, and along creeks. The one-hour rides are offered daily year-round.

Eat
The region boasts a selection of intimate bistros, world-class steak and chophouses, eclectic cafés and traditional diners as well as specialties including Chicago-style pizza, fresh seafood and authentic ethnic cuisine, from Mexican and Italian to Greek.

 * Log Cabin.
 * Market House Restaurant.
 * Log Cabin.
 * Market House Restaurant.
 * Log Cabin.
 * Market House Restaurant.

Drink
Stop in for a tasting and a tour at one of Jo Daviess County’s award-winning wineries or stay a while with a bottle of your favorite and some cheese and crackers.

Sleep
Galena and Jo Daviess County’s unprecedented variety of quality lodging choices offer all the modern amenities expected by today’s traveler. Cozy, comfortable B&Bs; crisp, contemporary vacation rental homes; historic hotels, motels and nationally recognized resorts are all located in Illinois’ northwest corner.

Go next

 * Elizabeth is about 20 minutes,, southeast on US 20, featuring a replica of a fort used to repel natives in the Black Hawk War.
 * Stockton is about 35 minutes,, east on US 20, beyond Elizabeth, home to J.L. Kraft's first cheese plant.
 * Scales Mound is about 15 minutes,, northeast along the Old Stagecoach Trail. Ninety percent of the village is recognized as a historic district. Nearby is Charles Mound, the highest point in Illinois.
 * Dubuque is 25 min,, west on US 20, right across the Mississippi River in Iowa. It is the oldest city in Iowa and features the Smithsonian-affiliated National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.

title: Galena (Illinois)


text:
Galena (Kansas)

Galena, population 3000, is a city in Southeastern Kansas. This city is an old mining town which was named after its abundance of the mineral galena, a lead sulfide ore formerly extracted in the region.

Understand
While the first railway had come to the area in 1871, a spring 1877 discovery of lead ore was the impetus for a landrush which established Galena as an incorporated city in May 1877. At one point, two rival town sites (Empire City north of Short Creek and Galena south of the creek) were operated by rival mining companies. By 1904 there were over thirty mining companies; local population at the peak of the mining boom was between 10000-30000 people.

In 1897 three members of the Staffleback family, which operated a house of ill repute on Owl Creek on the west side of Galena, were imprisoned for robbing and murdering miner Frank Galbreath; his body had been found dumped into an abandoned mine shaft. Other murders on the property were long alleged but never proven. The case drew instant notoriety and parallels were drawn to the "Bloody Benders", a family of dishonest innkeepers 66 miles (110km) further west (in Cherryvale KS) who robbed and murdered travellers from 1871-1873. In 2012, an Arkansas-based paranormal group restored an abandoned Victorian house at 206 N. Main Street as the "Galena Murder Bordello" to sell tours as a haunted house; their claims were aggressively debunked by the local historical society. The murders had been widely covered by newspapers at the time; a mob of forty vigilantes with torches and kerosene had burned the original wooden structure on Owl Creek to the ground in 1897, nothing remained. The ghost tours eventually were discontinued; 206 N. Main St. was sold and became an antiquities store in 2016.

In 1910, African-American resident William Boston was arrested for killing Benjamin Jones of the Windle & Burr livery stable in a clumsily-executed robbery; as a 200-strong lynch mob was forming in front of the local jail, Galena police chief John Fitzgerald swiftly loaded the handcuffed prisoner into a motorcar at the back of the jail, which quickly departed to the county jail at Columbus. The mob left empty-handed.

In 1926, Route 66 came to town, initially crossing into Kansas from Joplin, Missouri on 7th Street. The route was moved slightly further south (onto the modern K-66 routing) in the early 1970s.

In 1935, the International Union of Mine, Mill, and Smelter Workers (CIO) went on strike in the Tri-State Lead and Zinc District; the mine owners attempted to break the strike by forcing workers to leave the CIO-backed union and join a bogus "Blue Card Union", controlled by the company. Thousands of workers refused and were sacked. Violent confrontations took place between the two rival groups of workers in 1935 and again in 1937; at one point Route 66 traffic was shut down and the Kansas National Guard called in. Eventually the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ordered the employers to stop encouraging membership in a company union, but the damage was done.

Lead and zinc mined in the region (Joplin MO to Galena KS to Picher OK) were vital to the war effort in two world wars. By the 1950s, the mineral deposits were depleted and mining companies began to close. Abandoned factories which once belonged to the Eagle-Picher mining company are still visible on the road from Joplin into Galena, but the town is a shadow of its former self. Picher fared worse; abandoned as an environmental disaster ghost town, its last business closed in 2015.

Route 66 was bypassed by Interstate 44, which does not enter the state, instead running from Missouri directly into Oklahoma. East Galena's historic business district was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

Route 66 people and landmarks were the basis for the cartoon village in "Cars" (2006 film). Galena was part of a Radiator Springs research tour in which Oklahoma Route 66 historian Michael Wallis led Pixar crews through every little town from Baxter Springs to Peach Springs and a little beyond. In Galena, late Pixar artist Joe Ranft had spotted an old "boom truck" which had been used to lower equipment into mine shafts; in nearby Riverton, Pixar met Kansas Route 66 Association president Dean Walker, who twisted his feet 180° and started walking backward. Walker told the Pixar folks tales of the spooklight, a local Route 66 legend which appears as the "Ghostlight" in the trailers for the film.

Get in
Access is by motorcar on Route 66; Galena is eight miles west of Joplin, Missouri.

This road is marked as state highway 66 from Joplin through Galena. Interstate 44 diverges from Route 66 in Duenweg (a Joplin suburb), bypassing Kansas entirely. There is no public transit of any kind in Galena.

title: Galena (Kansas)


text:
Galesburg

Galesburg is a city in Illinois.

By car

 * Interstate 74 links Galesburg with the Quad Cities to the north and Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, and Champaign-Urbana to the southeast. US Highways 34 and 150 also run through Galesburg.

By bus

 * Galesburg Transit (309 342-4242) provides service Monday through Saturday, with most buses running from 7AM. to 6PM.

See

 * Knox College, site of a Lincoln - Douglas debate
 * Galesburg Railroad Museum, 211 S Seminary St. Lots of rail exhibits including locomotives on display in a city closely tied to the rail industry. F-Su Noon-4PM. Adults $6, Children 8-16 $3. +1 309-342-9400.
 * Galesburg Railroad Museum, 211 S Seminary St. Lots of rail exhibits including locomotives on display in a city closely tied to the rail industry. F-Su Noon-4PM. Adults $6, Children 8-16 $3. +1 309-342-9400.

title: Galesburg


text:
Galeton

Galeton is a borough in Potter County in the state of Pennsylvania. The community lies within the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Sleep
Pine Creek Inn

title: Galeton


text:
Galiano Island

Galiano Island lies to the northeast of Saltspring Island off the east coast of Vancouver Island.

By boat
Galiano Island is the closest and most convenient to Vancouver. Galiano is the perfect island for "island hopping." Visitors can stay on Galiano, and use BC Ferries (or a summer water taxi) for visits to other islands, returning to Galiano at the end of the day.

By ferry

 * If traveling with a car, reservations are advisable and there is no additional charge for reserving on the Gulf Islands Route. If you want to, it is very feasible to leave your car behind on the mainland, and travel as a foot passenger to see Galiano. There are several sailings a day from Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal, ranging from direct 1 hour and 10 minute crossings, to multi-stop "island-hopper" ferries.
 * If traveling with a car, reservations are advisable and there is no additional charge for reserving on the Gulf Islands Route. If you want to, it is very feasible to leave your car behind on the mainland, and travel as a foot passenger to see Galiano. There are several sailings a day from Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal, ranging from direct 1 hour and 10 minute crossings, to multi-stop "island-hopper" ferries.

By water taxi
In the summer months only (July and August), a water taxi operates on Saturdays between the dock beside the ferry terminal on Galiano Island and the Village of Ganges on Salt Spring Island. The remainder of the year, the same boat provides school transportation between Galiano Island and Salt Spring Island from Monday to Thursday. Space permitting, non-school passengers can ride the school trips.

By charter boat
Private charter boats are also available at the discretion and timing of the passengers which affords guests the convenience of their own time table as well as privacy. These are reservable and can fit parties of almost any size, though they are more expensive than taking BC ferries.

By private boat
Visitors and residents arriving by boat can certainly find lots of moorage space.

 * A dock at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa (see listing under Sleep) is available by the day or overnight (moorage is limited and reservable).
 * Government docks at Sturdies Bay (beside BC Ferries terminal) and Whalers Bay, are walking distance to the shops in the Village of Sturdies Bay; all allow transient boaters for a minimal charge, on a first come, first served basis.

By plane
There is an "airport" in Montague Harbour, for float plane service, including regular scheduled service from the dock near Vancouver International Airport, with a connecting shuttle and complimentary parking.

Regularly scheduled service:

 * Flights to Galiano Island from Vancouver International Airport.

Charter service:

Get around
Galiano is the second largest of the Southern Gulf Islands: approximately 27 kilometers long and very narrow. While hiking can take you to many beautiful places on Galiano, it also helps to have a little assistance with transportation.

By car
Roads cross the length of the island.

By public transit
There is no public transit on the island. The closest thing the public transit is a free bus for transport to and from the Hummingbird Pub, see Eat section.

Rentals
Mopeds, eBikes, and smart cars can be rented on Galiano Island and companies offering those are listed below. For boating and kayaking rental options, see the Do section.

Maps of the island are available on BC Ferries or at the Chamber of Commerce Information booth, near the ferry terminal.

Hiking trails are not well marked on Galiano, nor is there adequate signage. But local people are friendly, and exploration is fun and easy and quite safe. Maps of the Island are available at the Chamber of Commerce Tourism booth at Sturdies Bay and at the "bus shelter" at the Marina.

See

Galiano Island is the most accessible to Vancouver, yet has the most rustic, seemingly untouched places. It is very undeveloped, having had most of its land left as either forest lands or as residential home sites. It is the one island of the Southern Gulf Islands that has beautiful beaches.

Do
Galiano Island has as many amenities as larger centres, but they are smaller, more one-of-a-kind. There is as much to do on the island (and its surrounding waters) than other vacation places in British Columbia, but without the crowds or signs of urbanization. Many world-class artists make their home on the Gulf Islands, and Galiano is no exception. Be sure to combine the outdoor activities with a visit to an artist's studio, a visit to the spa, and a glass of wine with some live music at a local watering hole.

 * Island-hopping - Galiano is the Gateway to the Gulf Islands, with easy first-stop ferry access from Vancouver, and many travel options via inter-island ferries to explore the other islands.
 * Spa
 * Art Tour - Take a tour around the island (pick up an Art Tour guide at the Tourism Information Booth or one of the local businesses) and visit some of the great art studios in the forest homes of the artists, or see several of them at Art and Soul Gallery in the Village. Many are walking distance from the ferry, in the Village. Or take a drive to visit artists in their studio galleries throughout the island. See the Buy section for some locations.
 * Hiking - Hiking trails are everywhere, and the vantage points atop Mount Galiano, Bodega Ridge and Bluffs Park present spectacular views across the other Gulf Islands, all the way to the mountains of Washington state. You can also walk along Mathews Park Beach. Depending on where you hike, may be able to see Orcas in ocean, Bald Eagles in air, and wandering deer.
 * Whale watching - The beautiful Orca (killer) whales are at home in the waters off Galiano Island, following the food source (salmon and other fish) in pods through Active Pass.
 * Cycling - Bicycle and mountain biking trails are definitely strenuous, but well worth it. Just ensure that you stock up on water and supplies when leaving the village of Sturdies Bay, or at the Corner Store just 3 kilometers further but still on the South End, as there are no shops or services traveling north on the island. You will need to bring your own bicycle as there are no bicycle rentals on the island. See the Get Around section for eBike rental options.
 * Boating, kayaking, and fishing
 * Kayaking - See the islands as they should be seen, from the water. The waters of the Island and the islets that surround Galiano are relatively sheltered. Explore the islets and inlets. See seabird cliffside colonies, seals and whales. Or pack a picnic lunch and paddle to nearby James Bay (Prevost Island), part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. There are no services at James Bay (Prevost Island) so bring plenty of drinking water with you.
 * Boating - Explore hidden bays and beaches that are to be found in Trincomali Channel or spend an afternoon at Ganges on Saltspring Island or a shell beach for a picnic. A trip to Wallace Island for an afternoon is a must. Whales such as J Pod can often be seen as they pass through Active Pass, or view the seal colonies on Collinson Reef or Gossip Island
 * Rentals and tours
 * Wildlife viewing - All the wildlife on Galiano is of the mostly friendly variety (no bears or cougars or wolves here); deer abound in the forests, seals and whales offshore, and the bird life brings birdwatching enthusiasts from around the world (over 150 species of birds have been sighted);
 * Music - In summertime especially, Galiano's pub and restaurants feature some great music by local and international musicians. Venues include:
 * Atrevida Restaurant (see listing under Eat)
 * Hummingbird Pub (see listing under Eat)
 * Wildlife viewing - All the wildlife on Galiano is of the mostly friendly variety (no bears or cougars or wolves here); deer abound in the forests, seals and whales offshore, and the bird life brings birdwatching enthusiasts from around the world (over 150 species of birds have been sighted);
 * Music - In summertime especially, Galiano's pub and restaurants feature some great music by local and international musicians. Venues include:
 * Atrevida Restaurant (see listing under Eat)
 * Hummingbird Pub (see listing under Eat)
 * Atrevida Restaurant (see listing under Eat)
 * Hummingbird Pub (see listing under Eat)

Buy
Galiano is home to world-class artists and artisans. You can view their work year-round at the galleries or in the artists' studio homes. A map and guide to the Art is available through the various galleries. Most shops and galleries are in the Village, most artist's studios are in the interior of the island) Highlights of any visit should include a walk to the local galleries near the village, a drive to mid-way up the island, where there are three great galleries together:

Artist's Studios

Artisan Shops and Retail Gift Stores

Mid-range

Splurge

 * Galiano Oceanfront Inn & Spa evening dining.jpg

Drink
Galiano has only one pub on the island:

British Columbia’s relaxed liquor laws mean you can also have a drink at these restaurants: La Leña Pizza Patio at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn an outdoor summer terrace with drinks and a view of boat traffic; The Golf Course has a relaxed atmosphere and outdoor patio for a few rounds before or after a round.

Sleep
Galiano has a wide range of accommodation for any style of travel:

Bed and breakfast
Galiano has lots of lovely Bed and Breakfast homes, most are in the true tradition of a B and B: the bedrooms are part of the living area for the hosting family. There used to be many more, but over time the owners have discovered the island lifestyle and chosen to just rent out cottages. Some best bets

Stay safe

 * If you are boating or kayaking, be aware of the busy waters on the east side of the Galiano island between Galiano and Mayne Islands. This area of water is known as Active Pass.  Active Pass is relatively constricted, especially given that the largest of BC Ferries' vessels travel through here at frequencies of up to multiple times per hour in the summer.  Stay closer to the shores and consider spending more of your time on other areas, which will be less busy.

 * Roadways on the island are narrow with no shoulders, so bicyclists and hikers need to take care.

Go next

 * Salt Spring Island

title: Galiano Island


text:
Galičica National Park

Galičica National Park is in the Galičica mountains in the southwestern corner of North Macedonia. It occupies pretty much the entire area between Ohrid and Prespa Lakes, from Ohrid in the north to the Albanian border in the south.

Landscape
A map of the park, published by Trimaks, is available in Trimaks stores in Skopje (200 denars, as of 2017) and at book vendors in Ohrid as well (often at a slightly higher price). The same map was at some point displayed at information board at some park entrances, although as of 2017, many of these may have become illegible.

The map shows the system of hiking and mountain bicycle trails existing in the park.

The following villages are inside the Galičica National Park:
 * Elšani - spread across the western slopes of the park.

Flora and fauna
Galičica National Park has over 1000 species of flora and fauna, of which 40 are endemic.

Fees and permits
In principle, an entry fee exists, but in practice there seem to be no ticket booths at any of the entrances to the park.

See
For information on sights on the Ohrid side of Galičica, see the Ohrid guide. For the Prespa side, see Prespa.
 * Sv. Bogorodica Zahumska the church can be reached only by boat from Trpejca or Ljubanishta villages ask on the beach or in one of the restaurants. It was built on a stunning location among the rocks on a small beach by the lake in 1361. The architecture is exquisite, but the main reason to come here is to see the fresco of St.Anna breastfeeding Virgin Mary.
 * Sv. Naum At the other end of the lake and is accessible by bus, taxi or boat. It is on the Albanian border so make sure you don't wander off into the military zone. If you take a taxi, it may be worth asking the driver to veer off into one of the picturesque mountain villages overlooking the lake to stop for a cheap lunch of grilled meat and cheese. One of the most beautiful monasteries in North Macedonia and an important pilgrimage place. Breathtaking setting on a plateau over Ohrid Lake and Galicica mountain towering from behind. It was founded in the 910 by St. Naum, but the present-day church was built in the 16th century. Of the original church just the side chapel with the grave of St. Naum still stands. The frescoes were painted in 1806 (the side chapel frescoes depict the life and miracles of St. Naum); in the first chamber of the church look for the fresco of St. Cyril and Methody and their students including St.Klement and St. Naum. The icon screen was made in 1711 and it is the oldest completely preserved wooden high icon screen in North Macedonia. In the side chamber it is popular to get down on your knees and try to listen the heart of St. Naum. Around the church look for the peacocks including a rare albino one. Bigger part of the dormitories of the monastery are turned into a hotel now. Near the monastery there is a chapel with holy water and before are the springs of Drim river with a lovely cafe on a small island inside the springs. It is possible (and a great experience) to take a boat tour of the springs (available only in summer) 50 denars, but skip the short boat tour offered to see the monastery from the water. Next to the monastery the river enters the lake, goes through it and it comes out in Struga. Around the monastery there is a pleasant sandy beach.
 * Island of Golem Grad, western side of Lake Prespa. May-Oct. Many species of birds and also unusual plants can be found on the island.

Do

 * Hiking
 * Mountbike
 * Mountbike

Private accommodation

 * Villa Germanoff, Ohrid old town, on the lake shore, near cathedral church St. Sofia and National Museum (email: [mailto:tunte@mezzoforte.com.mk tunte@mezzoforte.com.mk]), . Exclusive private accommodation facility in Ohrid, with more than a fair price (~€15 per person). Contact: Zoran Tuntev, +389 70 261 301; +389 46 266 831

Another form of accommodation is simply staying with a family. For an average price of around €10 per night, you should be able to sleep in a bed and have access to bathing facilities. To get a host, the best solution is simply ask at the nearest Tourist Information Bureau (at the bus station, for example).

Accommodations are available at Ohrid.

Camping

 * Gradište campsite (about 30 minutes south of Ohrid by the lake). Offers cheaper rates, but the toilet facilities are old-fashioned stand-up toilets.

Go next
Elšani -village in North Macedonia

Pogradec - city of Albania

Prespa (North Macedonia) - region in Southeastern Europe

Ohrid - city in North Macedonia

Prespa (Greece) - lake in Southeastern Europe

title: Galičica National Park


text:
Galicia

Galicia (Galician: Galicia or Galiza) is both an autonomous community (Spanish equivalent of region) and a historical nation in northwestern Spain. The capital is Santiago de Compostela. Galicia is a coastal region well known for its mild climate and distinct geography, with many peninsulas and rías (fjord-like inlets) giving the region a long coastline and a strong relationship to the sea.

Cities & towns

 * is a magificent historic city and UNESCO World Heritage site, with the cathedral as its crown. It's the culmination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, but you don't need to hike here clacking a scallop to appreciate it.
 * is a sleepy old town with a fortified cathedral overlooking the bridge across the Miño river to Valença in Portugal. It's an intra-Schengen border with no formalities but adjust your watch if you've crossed.
 * is a resort popular with pilgrims on the Portuguese branch of the Camino de Santiago. On 1 March 1493 this town was the first to hear of Columbus' crossing of the Atlantic, as the Pinta limped into port. There's a replica of the ship.
 * is a mix of old and modern industrial. This is where Laurie Lee first "walked out one midsummer morning" in 1934, to document a pre-war Spain that was rapidly disappearing.
 * is the picturesque capital of Pontevedra province and of Rias Baixas region. The city is an internationally recognized model of urbanism for its pedestrianization and quality of life. At the mouth of the ria is the isle of Ons.
 * on the coast just west of Pontevedra has a picturesque old town, and inland are dozens of hórreos: grain stores on stone stilts to keep the rats at bay, characteristic of rural Galicia.
 * is a coastal town with good beaches and seafood. Inland is the heart of the Rias Baixas wine region.
 * is a village on the north coast of Ria de Muros e Noia. It has a nice old centre, a bustling port and fresh seafood. Come this way to reach Monte e Lagoa de Louro nature reserve.
 * is better known by its Castilian Spanish name of Finisterre, "land's end", as in the shipping forecasts. The name applies both to the fishing village and rugged headland, with a restless Atlantic slapping against the boulders. Pilgrims to Santiago often add the 100 km trail to reach here.
 * is a provincial capital, with an old quarter and medieval cathedral. A scenic drive goes down the river canyon to Ribadavia.
 * is a quaint old town with a dilapidated castle and a beautiful old centre, with the Plaza Mayor and 1000 year old Jewish quarter.
 * is enclosed by a remarkably intact 2 km Roman wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 * is Galicia's largest city, with the world's oldest functioning Roman lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules. Across the ria north is the port of Ferrol.
 * is the easternmost town along the Galician coast, a small resort where the river marks the border with Asturias. It's a good place to take a break while travelling between Ferrol and Oviedo.

Other destinations

 * The Rías Baixas (lower rivers) is the collective name for the four deep river valleys flowing into the Atlantic along the Galician west coast, and their surrounding countryside. From south to north these are Ría de Vigo, Ría de Pontevedra, Ría de Arousa and Ría de Muros e Noia. Geographically a "ria" is a river valley that has sunk and become inundated by the sea. (So these rías don't include the River Minho further south, marking the border with Portugal.) The attractive rugged coastline supports fishing and tourism, while inland is the Rías Baixas Denominación de Origen winegrowing region. Its best known product is Albariño white wine, dry & crisp, going well with fish, shellfish and chicken.
 * Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park (Parque Nacional de las Islas Atlánticas de Galicia) includes the islands of Cíes in the Ría de Vigo, Ons off Pontevedra, Sálvora off Arousa, and Cortegada just offshore from Carril near Arousa.
 * The Rías Altas (upper rivers) are similar valleys flowing out on the northern Bay of Biscay coast. They're smaller and less touristy (though with good surf in parts), but with a series of fishing ports, from A Coruña through Ferrol east to O Barqueiro, Viverio and Ribadeo.

Understand
Galicia was one of the central points for Western European Megalithic Culture (8000-2000 BC), and physical remains are still visible today. Nonetheless, Galicians trace their cultural ancestry back to Celtic tribes which began to settle around 1000 BC. Celtic Civilization in Galicia had its heyday between 600 and 25 BC, up to when Galicia fell under the power of the Roman Empire. Still, a weak Romanization meant the consolidation of a hybrid culture, bearing strong Celtic traits.

Galicia is considered "the first country in Europe", following the establishment of the Swabian Kingdom in 411 AD. The Swabian dynasty lasted until 585, when it was replaced by the Visigoth dynasty. With the Muslim occupation of southern Iberia from 711 and the subsequent dismantlement of the Visigoth Empire, Galicia began to consolidate itself as one of the main Christian Kingdoms in Medieval Iberia, namely thanks to the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.

Galicia was annexed to Castile (Spain) in 1486; this was the beginning of the so-called "Dark Centuries" (Séculos Escuros). Since then, Galicia has attempted to regain its independence or achieve greater autonomy up to this day. Galicia only lost its formal denomination of "kingdom" in 1833. There was a failed attempt to proclaim a Galician Republic in 1931.

Since 1981, the 'Galician Statute of Autonomy' grants Galicia extended autonomy within the framework of the Spanish State. Galicia has its own national parliament, president and symbols, although it is curtailed from international representation. Many Galicians claim for a greater autonomy or even independence; others are happy with the current arrangements.

Galicians take great pride in their cultural heritage and architecture. You will find plenty of good examples of this by just 'getting lost' in any Galician city, town or village. Santiago de Compostela is a must, but it is also a good idea to wonder off the tourist track, as this is safe, unexpensive and highly rewarding. Furthermore, Galicia is well-known for its splendid landscapes, ranging from spectacular sea views to mountain areas.

Spain is divided into provinces; those within Galicia are A Coruña, Lugo, Ourense and Pontevedra. Attractions within each province are listed under their main city. It is worth travelling some distance to avoid hearing a Galician expound on the distinction between its 137 concellos, 53 comarcas or bisbarras, and innumerable parroquias (parishes) further divided into lugares or settlements.

Talk
The local language is Galician. Galician shares similiarities with Portuguese and Spanish, but is a separate language with a great history. Galician has a somewhat different accent from standard Portuguese and has unique colloquialisms and traces of former cultures, using a number of pre-Indo-European, Celtic and Germanic words not found in standard Portuguese.

Galician (or Galego) is Galicia's own language. Both Galician and Spanish are official in Galicia, as recognized by the Spanish Constitution and the Galician Statute of Autonomy. Galician is understood by the vast majority of the population, and Spanish can be spoken by virtually everyone (although it is heavily influenced by the Galician accent and vocabulary). Travellers should have no problems communicating in Spanish or in standard Portuguese.

After the arrival of the Castilian nobility towards the end of the Middle Ages, Galician disappeared from the public eye and was preserved only privately. It was only in the 19th century that Galician started to be reclaimed in all areas of everyday life. Today, children are taught both Spanish and Galician in school, and the majority of the population speaks Galician normally, although that varies very much depending on the location.

Young people study English at school, so they should have at least some basic knowledge of that language, and French is an optional subject for young people. The odd person may speak some German.

By plane
Galicia has three airports: Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña  and Vigo.

Santiago de Compostela (aka Lavacolla) is the best connected, with budget flights from several European cities including London Stansted STN, Dublin, Frankfurt, Liverpool, Istanbul and Rome.

A Coruña and Vigo have flights by Iberia to Madrid, and by the budget airline Vueling to Barcelona.

By car
Road communications from and to Galicia are quite good, with plenty of motorways connecting Galicia with Spain and Portugal.

By train
There are routes from Portugal and cities in Spain (including overnight sleeper cars to Madrid and Barcelona), with domestic routes in the process of being upgraded to high speed tracks. Service from Vigo to Porto takes just over two hours, while the fastest train to Santiago to Madrid takes about 5½ hours. When high-speed trains are launched, there will be fast connections to and from Madrid and intermediate points. High speed connections to Lisbon and Porto have been discussed but no work has begun. There is a narrow gauge link between Ferrol and Asturias, operated by FEVE.

By ferry
The closest ferry connection from the UK is from Plymouth to Santander in Cantabria, by Brittany Ferries taking 22 hours twice a week. They also operate the route from Portsmouth to Bilbao further east.

Get around
RENFE runs trains in and out of Galicia's major cities and many smaller ones. The RENFE website provides all travel times, and tickets can be purchased online. There may not be many trains each day, but the speed of travel improved in the 2010s. For internal trips in Galicia, the A Coruña-Vigo line (north to south along the Atlantic coast) is the fastest and most efficient. The new high speed link (AVANT) connecting Ourense, Santiago and A Coruña has been partially completed. FEVE's narrow gauge line covers the north coast from Ferrol to the border with Asturias.

There are bus companies that will take you to virtually anywhere in Galicia, and indeed in and out of Galicia. You will have to get yourself acquainted with these at the local bus station (there is one in each city and town), as there is a large number of possible routes and combinations. To the uninitiated, this can be confusing in the beginning.

Renting a car is always a good option. Since it is not that common in Galicia, this keeps the price of renting relatively low. Diesel fuel is cheaper than gasoline, and the few toll roads can be relatively expensive but avoidable if traveling short distances. Roads are generally in good condition, though small mountain towns may have narrow, unmarked roads. Motorway driving might be fast but not vicious. Radar ticketing machines are common along motorways but are signaled in advance. Indications in rural areas may be scarce, and the Galician settlement pattern and method to name places can be confusing. A GPS will help to solve all these problems.

See

 * Entroido - The origins of the Galician Entroido has long been debated. The events date back to pre-Christian times. Some have related the celebration to ceremonies the ancient Romans would perform for the god, Saturn. Today it is strongly Christian. Each year, in February or March, major cities in each region began the festivities. There are similarities and differences in each regions celebrations. People from the different villages surrounding the city come together to eat the freshly cured jamon from the recent matanzas. There is often a procession through the cities. Representatives from each of the area villages will follow each other down the streets, playing a percussion rhythm that identifies their town. Children and adults dress in costume for this event. The kind of costume, and the behavior of the character, varies from region to region. These characters usually dance through the crowd hauntingly, trying to scare the bystanders. The characters include the Cigarróns, Pantallas, Peliqueiros, Xenerais, and Correos. The Xenerais are known for their singing, and often go door to door. The Peliqueiros carry whips and are recognizable for their large and ornate masks, representing different animals such as a cow, donkey, or rooster. You can also expect to find different kinds of performances, including satires of things that had happened over the previous year.

 * Visit the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in Galicia
 * Terras de Miño
 * Área de Allariz
 * Os Ancares Lucenses y Montes de Cervantes, Navya y Becerra
 * Rio Eo, Oscos y Terras de Buron
 * Geres/Xures
 * Mariñas Coruñesas e Terras do Mandeo
 * Ribeira Sacra e Serras do Oribio e Courel Biosphere Reserve

Itineraries
Way of St. James - a pilgrimage (with various routes) to Santiago de Compostela, where it is said that Saint James is buried within the cathedral.
 * French Way

Eat

If you like eating, maybe you'll never come back from Galicia. You will find seafood and a wide range of products made from pork-- the whole animal is eaten, even the blood. Galicia is definitely the place to go if you like seafood and fish, since Galicia is by itself a world fishing power (for example, almost half the mussels in the world are 'harvested' in Galicia).
 * Marisco The best seafood in Spain is served in Galicia. Don't miss the "centollo", "nécoras," and "percebes". The mussels are superb, and various types of shrimp and prawns can be found at any seafood restaurant or seafood market.
 * Almeixas a Mariñeira or Almejas a la Marinera – Clams prepared with wine, olive oil, and "pimentón" (paprika).
 * Empanada - a mixture between a pizza and a meatcake. Empanadas have a wide variety of fillings from tuna fish to beef to octopus.
 * Polbo á feira – octopus prepared with oil, salt and hot paprika - surely the best octopus you'll ever find.
 * Caldo galego is a "poor mans stew" from Galicia. It's not extravagant, but extremely satisfying and useful for combating the cool dampness of the region.
 * Bacallau ao alvariño is a fabulous cod dish that is worth trying.
 * Pimientos de Padrón are green chili peppers, picked early so that only a few in each batch are spicy; these are eaten sautéed with salt (see drink section)
 * Raxo – stewed meat pieces, generally made of pork loin which might have been stewed with onions or red pepper or in cream.

Aside from the typical Spanish three-course menu it's quite usual to take raciones of food. Keep in mind that raciones might be quite big and sometimes they were thought to serve two persons, so you might want a smaller one – these are announced as tapas or media raciones. In many bars in Galicia you will get a small tapa for your drink, too. Thus, bar hopping can also be an alternative for taking a series of small meals.

Galicia also has a lot of good desserts. The various bakeries and pastry shops throughout the region have delicious pastries and cookies. Churros are common throughout the region. While in Santiago de Compostela, look out for a tarta de Santiago, an almond cake with the Galician Cross (also known as the Cross of Santiago) drawn into the icing. Also look out for "filloas," which are similar to crepes and often filled with sugar or custard cream.

Drink
The main drink is locally produced wine, often homemade, but Licor Café (coffee liquor) is a main choice for those who want something stronger. Be careful, although Galician people are very friendly, severe ingestions of this liquid could cause a problem. Also try Queimada, a drink traditionally made by mixing aguardiente (a strong liquor made from grapes), coffee beans, lemon rinds, and sugar and then setting it on fire. Usually, the person who makes the drink says a spell in the Galician language that wards away evil spirits.

Estrella Galicia is the local beer. It's not bad for the price, but the real "estrella" (star) is their Special 1906 batch. Try it with a plate of "pimientos de padron" (lightly fried peppers...most of them are mild and very flavorful, but even though all look the same, some are extremely hot! It's like Russian Roulette for your taste buds). Keep your drink handy and partake with a few friends.

The most famous wine in Galicia is Albariño, one of the best, if not the best, white wines in Spain. Also readily available are Ribeiro (white), Godello (white), and mencía (red).

Stay safe
Galicia is in general a safe place to visit. Observe the usual caution in larger towns and cities. Of all larger cities, Lugo, Pontevedra and the capital - Santiago de Compostela - are probably the safest. Having said that, you will be perfectly ok in any Galician city just by using your common sense, and you will probably feel safer than in most Western European cities.

Drug trafficking and drug-related activities and crime are not uncommon. However, this seldom transpires beyond some areas and rarely affects the occasional tourist.

For all emergencies (ambulance, fire brigade and police) dial 112.

Respect
Galician people are normally welcoming and like to have the occasional chat with visitors but, paradoxically, they also have a reputation for being reserved people. Indeed, their confidence may be hard to earn in the beginning, but if that is achieved, they will be open and honest with you. Address people politely, even in a formal way if necessary, as this will always cause a first good impression and will open many doors. Also, remember that your word is your reputation (especially in rural areas). Do not promise anything or do not 'give your word' if you are not intending to fulfill it. Spoken agreements may be as binding as written ones for everyday issues to the eyes of a Galician (namely, in rural areas).

Galicians often like to exchange stories, where you may find yourself doing most of the talking. Yet, locals will indeed enjoy that with some amusement. Do not expect to master the Galician conversational code in just a few days. There is an intricate combination of idioms, gestures, and silences, too. The fact that you don’t know it, or that you use a different one, is what Galicians often find interesting in visitors.

If offered a gift of similar, you are not to accept it straight away. A polite refusal is expected. Take it, eventually, if insisted upon; you are not necessarily expected to give anything back. Do not decline invitations for food or drink after a first of second polite refusal, especially in rural areas, as this may be considered rude. If you absolutely do not wish to eat or drink what you are offered state medical reasons (a white lie), as that will indeed be respected by your Galician host. If you produce a gift do not expect something in exchange immediately; the 'favour/gift-trade' in Galicia also has its own code and you may be retributed in time, or if you ever go back.

Do not openly discuss financial issues in public gatherings as a general rule. Try to avoid talking about money or ask about money or finances, unless you are conducting a specific business. Avoid talking about politics even if you think you know Spanish politics. Party and personal loyalties in Galicia work in a completely different way. The issue of Galician and Portuguese being one language should also be avoided unless you know very well the person you are talking to and have some background knowledge. The Galician situation is radically different to the one in the Basque Country or Catalonia for that matter; it is full of grey areas.

Respect local customs and traditions; do not mock superstitions regardless how strange they may seem to you. Galicians may tell you it is all "nonsense", but they still will not like you judging them.

Go next
In Spain, Asturias, a principality; Zamora, Salamanca

In Northern Portugal: Porto, Braga, Guimarães

title: Galicia