History of the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean, have a rich history ranging from their geological formation to their ecological and cultural importance today. The following is a chronological summary of the most significant events in the history of these islands.

Geological Formation

5 million years ago: The Galapagos Islands were formed as a result of tectonic activity on the seafloor. This geological process has resulted in an archipelago that is one of the most active volcanic groups in the world.

Discovery

March 10, 1535: The bishop of Panama, Fray Tomás de Berlanga, discovered the islands accidentally during a voyage to Peru. His ship was diverted by ocean currents, and his account mentions giant tortoises and the inhospitable nature of the place.
1570: The islands began to appear on maps, being described as “Insulae de los Galopegos” (Turtle Islands) by cartographers such as Abraham Ortelius and Gerardus Mercator.

Outstanding explorations

1561: Although there is no clear record of explorations in this year, it is known that the islands began to be included in European maps. This period marks the beginning of the geographical recognition of the archipelago.
1620: The first Spanish map is registered with a configuration close to reality.
1692: The ship Almiranta Jesús, María, José, spends a whole month on reconnaissance cruises.
1794: Expedition of Alonso de Torres in the Fragata Gertrudis. Takes astronomical heights of several islands.

Charles Darwin's explorations

1835: Charles Darwin's arrival in the Galapagos Islands was a crucial event that influenced his development of the theory of evolution by natural selection.

One of the most important observations Darwin made was about the finches of the Galapagos. He noticed that each island had similar species, but with significant adaptive differences in their beaks, which led him to believe that these variations were the result of an evolutionary process. This had a significant impact on the science of that era.

Ecuador takes possession of Galapagos

1831-1832: José de Villamil organized an expedition to evaluate the natural resources, specifically the orchilla plant used for dyes. This marked the formal beginning of colonization.
February 12, 1832: Ecuador officially annexed the islands under the government of General Juan José Flores. Colonel Ignacio Hernández led an expedition to take possession of the Galapagos, naming them “Archipiélago de Colón”.

The Emperor of Galapagos

1879: Manuel J. Cobos settled on San Cristobal Island and became a central figure in the history of the Galapagos Islands, known as the “emperor” of the archipelago. His arrival marked a new chapter in the colonization and exploitation of the islands' natural resources.

Creation of the Galapagos National Park

July 4, 1959: The Ecuadorian State, under the presidency of Camilo Ponce Enriquez, officially declared the Galapagos National Park as the country's first protected area. This decree covered approximately 97% of the archipelago's land area, highlighting its ecological and cultural importance.

International Recognition

September 8, 1978: UNESCO declares the Galapagos Islands a Natural World Heritage Site, the first site to receive this designation. This recognition is based on four criteria that highlight its natural beauty, geological and biological importance, and ecological uniqueness.
1984: The “Galapagos Islands Conservation and Management Program” is established, a joint effort between the Ecuadorian government and international organizations to address environmental problems and promote sustainable conservation in the archipelago.
December 2, 2001: The Galapagos Marine Reserve is added to the World Heritage List, extending protection to the surrounding waters and its marine ecosystems.
2024: The Galapagos Islands were again recognized for their tourism appeal by winning the Gold Award at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2024 as the “Most Desirable Region for Visiting and Tourism.” This award highlights the uniqueness and beauty of the archipelago, consolidating its position as an outstanding tourist destination worldwide.

Ecological Importance

The Galapagos are known for their unique biodiversity and their crucial role in the theory of evolution. Charles Darwin's arrival in 1835 marked an important milestone in scientific history, as his observations of endemic species contributed to the development of his theory of natural selection.

Today, the Galapagos Islands are a major tourist destination and a protected area due to their unique ecosystem. Conservation remains a critical issue to preserve its biodiversity in the face of threats from tourism and climate change. The Galapagos Islands are not only a natural treasure but also a place with a rich and complex history that continues to evolve as they face new challenges.

Discover the wonders of the Galapagos Islands: a paradise where nature and evolution are found in every corner.
by Explorsierra Tourism Agency Ecuador