Galapagos Islands! The islands that inspired Charles Darwin to develop the theory of evolution—making them one of the world’s most significant wildlife sites. I went with no expectations… it was actually an unpredictable decision to travel there as I extended my South America journey to pass through Ecuador. In the most unbelievable way, the islands became a deeply personal journey for me, leading to childhood revelations and a stronger connection with nature.
Not only did I witness the incredible diversity of life that Darwin first observed, but I also found myself immersed in a world where nature spoke in a way I couldn’t ignore. I was surrounded by animals I had only dreamed of seeing, and in their presence, something deep inside me began to shift.
It wasn’t just the animals that left an impact on me. It was as I started seeing the world through a different lens. Childhood dreams that I had long forgotten were suddenly alive again, and with that, something bigger moved within me.
There was something about those moments—something beyond explanation—that made me realize I was witnessing pieces of a larger purpose I had never truly understood before. The emotions I went through, the profound connection to the Earth and its creatures, are beyond description, yet they have shaped me in ways that continue to unfold.
I can’t properly put into words what I felt in the Galapagos, but I know it was a turning point. It was a silent awakening, one that continues to reveal itself long after I left the islands.
The Unique Wildlife of the Galapagos Islands
The volcanic archipelago lies at the meeting point of four ocean currents, which nourish the production of primary food that supports thousands of marine and terrestrial species, making the islands their exclusive home and refuge. As I explored, I realized that this isolated place isn’t just a scientific marvel, but a living testament to nature’s resilience and beauty.
What struck me most was how these animals evolved and developed in isolation. Without large land predators, they lost their fear of humans, creating a unique and intimate experience with wildlife. The Galapagos is home to over 80% of the land birds, 20% of marine species, and 97% of reptiles and land mammals found nowhere else on Earth. And as I stood among them, my curiosity grew deeper with each step, with each encounter.
One of the most iconic creatures here is the Galapagos Giant Tortoise, a magnificent species that can live up to 150 years and weigh up to 250 kg. I also had the chance to see the Galapagos penguin, the only penguin species in the world to thrive in a warm climate and the northern hemisphere. And the marine iguana, which is remarkable not only for being the only swimming iguana species on Earth but for its ability to feed underwater. These were no longer creatures I had read about or seen in documentaries—they were alive, in front of me, in their natural habitats.
Sally Lightfoot Crabs are agile rock climbers I could see everywhere on the rocky beaches of Galapagos. Their bright red, orange, and blue shells contrast sharply with the dark volcanic rocks and they play a crucial role in the ecosystem by feeding on algae and carrion. They can dodge predators with ninja-like speed and can even leap to escape predators like birds and moray eels!
Darwin’s Finches played a crucial role in the development of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, particularly his ideas on natural selection. During his visit to the Galápagos Islands, Darwin observed several species of finches that had adapted to different environmental conditions.
The beak of Darwin’s finches is a pivotal example in understanding natural selection and adaptation. The variations in beak shape and size among the different species of finches are closely linked to their feeding habits and the types of food available in their environments.
Different finch species evolved beaks suited to specific diets. For instance, some have large, strong beaks for cracking seeds, while others have slender beaks for probing flowers. This adaptation illustrates how physical traits can evolve based on environmental factors.
But it wasn’t just the animals that left a lasting impact. What impressed me most was the way these islands and their ecosystems are cared for. Strict rules for tourists—such as not touching or feeding the animals and maintaining a 2-meter distance (unless they come closer to you)—are respected by everyone, ensuring that the animals continue to thrive. I was truly touched by how much care and priority is given to preserving the Galapagos, and it made me wonder why this attitude isn’t adopted everywhere else in the world.
What’s even more amazing is that I didn’t need to take special tours to witness this incredible wildlife. The Galapagos is so rich in biodiversity that even a simple hike or snorkeling adventure reveals astonishing encounters with creatures I had only dreamed of seeing.
Leaving the Galapagos, I felt a deep sense of awe and gratitude. This place isn’t just a wildlife haven—it’s a glimpse into a world where nature thrives undisturbed. Seeing these creatures up close, in their own rhythm of life, awakened something in me. It made me realize how powerful and delicate our planet is, and how much we can learn when we truly observe. The islands may be remote, but the impact they leave is lasting—one that changes the way you see the world.
The Galapagos is a living testament to the importance of preservation, and it serves as a reminder of how much more we must do to protect the unique ecosystems and wildlife that share our planet.
For more photos with these amazing animals, check out my album.
