Santa Cruz Island
Galapagos giant tortoises represent for us Ecuadorians, in some ways an inimitable symbol of our country. These magnificent reptiles are so famous that they are the namesake to the archipelago. It is surprising for us to learn that many visitors have not heard about Ecuador before coming to the islands. In some ways, these giants have helped to put Ecuador on the map. The Galapagos Islands were annexed to Ecuador in the year 1832, before anybody showed interest in this remote archipelago. The inner richness of the Galapagos is the beauty of their geographical isolation and the ecological naiveté of their wildlife. The latter values are so precious nowadays, that many visitors come to the islands looking for this tonic: a peaceful world where they can experience nature at its most.
The majesty and uniqueness of the giant tortoises are certainly important factors that attract many visitors to Galapagos, and consequently to Ecuador. I am writing these short paragraphs inspired by some moving commentaries I heard today. One guest in particular told me that coming to Galapagos to see the giant tortoises was a dream come true for her. After years of hearing similar commentaries I can not help to feel proud to observe people from all over the world visiting us with the hope to see the famous tortoises in their natural habitat. In simple words it is great for me to have the opportunity week after week to express my genuine love for the tortoises. The Galapagos giant tortoises are without any doubt the most representative and emblematic animal species of Ecuador.
Galapagos giant tortoises represent for us Ecuadorians, in some ways an inimitable symbol of our country. These magnificent reptiles are so famous that they are the namesake to the archipelago. It is surprising for us to learn that many visitors have not heard about Ecuador before coming to the islands. In some ways, these giants have helped to put Ecuador on the map. The Galapagos Islands were annexed to Ecuador in the year 1832, before anybody showed interest in this remote archipelago. The inner richness of the Galapagos is the beauty of their geographical isolation and the ecological naiveté of their wildlife. The latter values are so precious nowadays, that many visitors come to the islands looking for this tonic: a peaceful world where they can experience nature at its most.
The majesty and uniqueness of the giant tortoises are certainly important factors that attract many visitors to Galapagos, and consequently to Ecuador. I am writing these short paragraphs inspired by some moving commentaries I heard today. One guest in particular told me that coming to Galapagos to see the giant tortoises was a dream come true for her. After years of hearing similar commentaries I can not help to feel proud to observe people from all over the world visiting us with the hope to see the famous tortoises in their natural habitat. In simple words it is great for me to have the opportunity week after week to express my genuine love for the tortoises. The Galapagos giant tortoises are without any doubt the most representative and emblematic animal species of Ecuador.
