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Quick Facts
Home » Ecuador » Galapagos Islands Overview and History » Quick FactsLocation: The Galapagos Islands straddle the Equator in the Pacific Ocean. They lie 600 miles from mainland Ecuador.
Capital: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal is capital of the Galapagos Province.
Principal City: Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island is considered the commercial heart of the Galapagos Islands.
Area: There are 19 islands along with dozens of islets and volcanic rocks making a total land area of 3,086 square miles. This total land area is spread over an area of sea covering some 20,000 square miles.
Population: There are around 17,000 people residing on four of the islands: San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Floreana.
Language: Spanish is the official language, although English is spoken by the guides and travel staffs.
Time Zone: The Galapagos Islands are on Central Standard Time.
Travel Requirements: U.S. citizens must present a valid passport for entry; currently no visa or vaccines are required.
Currency: U.S. dollars are now the standard currency in Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands.
Highest Point: Wolf Volcano on Isabela, 5,600 feet high.
Largest Island: Isabella, 85 miles long / 1,800 square miles, has over half the Galapagos total land area.
Government: The Galapagos Islands are under Ecuador’s democracy, which has an elected president.
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