Vacationers who set sail for Galapagos Island tours are heading for a part of the world that has been largely untouched by man. Located several hundred miles west of Ecuador, this island chain draws visitors for a number of reasons.
2. Galapagos Travel Comes With a Few DistinctGalapagos Travel Comes With a Few Distinct
RulesRules
Vacationers who set sail for Galapagos Island tours are heading for a part of the world that has beenVacationers who set sail for Galapagos Island tours are heading for a part of the world that has been
largely untouched by man. Located several hundred miles west of Ecuador, this island chain drawslargely untouched by man. Located several hundred miles west of Ecuador, this island chain draws
visitors for a number of reasons. The region was made famous courtesy of Sir Charles Darwin whovisitors for a number of reasons. The region was made famous courtesy of Sir Charles Darwin who
landed there on his trip aboard the Beagle. Noted for its distinct geographical formations and unusuallanded there on his trip aboard the Beagle. Noted for its distinct geographical formations and unusual
flora and fauna, the Galapagos remains pristine in many regards, which is why locals work so hard toflora and fauna, the Galapagos remains pristine in many regards, which is why locals work so hard to
preserve it.preserve it.
Considering the number of sights and creatures found only in the region, visitors who book GalapagosConsidering the number of sights and creatures found only in the region, visitors who book Galapagos
travel will discover they aren’t quite as free to explore some major attractions as they might betravel will discover they aren’t quite as free to explore some major attractions as they might be
elsewhere in the world. The rules are put into place to ensure visitors and creatures, such aselsewhere in the world. The rules are put into place to ensure visitors and creatures, such as
Galapagos tortoises, are kept safe.Galapagos tortoises, are kept safe.
One of the region’s biggest attractions, Galapagos National Park, has some rather rigid rules in placeOne of the region’s biggest attractions, Galapagos National Park, has some rather rigid rules in place
to protect everyone and the beauty of the park. Some of the things those on Galapagos Island toursto protect everyone and the beauty of the park. Some of the things those on Galapagos Island tours
need to be mindful of include:need to be mindful of include:
•• Guides – Visitors to Galapagos National Park must always been in the company of a certifiedGuides – Visitors to Galapagos National Park must always been in the company of a certified
park guide. This is because the park has a rather fragile environment that must be protected forpark guide. This is because the park has a rather fragile environment that must be protected for
generations to come.generations to come.
•• Don’t wander off the beaten path – Visitors to the park will find they are asked to stick to theDon’t wander off the beaten path – Visitors to the park will find they are asked to stick to the
marked walking trails and not to wander off. This is for guest safety and that of the fauna and flora.marked walking trails and not to wander off. This is for guest safety and that of the fauna and flora.
3. •• Stay away from the animals – The Galapagos is home to many creatures thatStay away from the animals – The Galapagos is home to many creatures that
are only found here. To protect them and visitors, the park has rules that restrictare only found here. To protect them and visitors, the park has rules that restrict
visitors from coming within two meters of the animals. It is also against the rulesvisitors from coming within two meters of the animals. It is also against the rules
to feed the animals.to feed the animals.
•• Keep the landscape beautiful – While camping is allowed in some placesKeep the landscape beautiful – While camping is allowed in some places
within the park, fires and smoking are off limits. So is etching or writing on rocks orwithin the park, fires and smoking are off limits. So is etching or writing on rocks or
trees. The idea behind the rules is to prevent devastating permanent damage totrees. The idea behind the rules is to prevent devastating permanent damage to
the unusual landscapes.the unusual landscapes.
Vacationers who embark on Galapagos travel are likely to encounter some of theVacationers who embark on Galapagos travel are likely to encounter some of the
most unique, amazing sights found anywhere in the world. Travel here, however,most unique, amazing sights found anywhere in the world. Travel here, however,
does come along with some rules. Visitors are asked to follow them to protect thedoes come along with some rules. Visitors are asked to follow them to protect the
islands’ beauty now and in the future.islands’ beauty now and in the future.
