The archipelago spreads out over 50,000 sq km (19,500 sq mi) of the Pacific Ocean some 1000km (620mi) west of Ecuador and is comprised of 13 main islands and six smaller ones. The highest point in the chain is the 1707m (5600ft) Volcano Wolf on Isla Isabela.

Situated in the Pacific Ocean some 1,000 km from the South American continent, these nineteen islands and the surrounding marine reserve have been called a unique 'living museum and showcase of evolution'. Located at the confluence of three ocean currents, the Galapagos are a 'melting pot' of marine species. Ongoing seismic and volcanic activity reflect the processes that formed the islands. These processes, together with the extreme isolation of the islands, led to the development of unusual animal life such as the land iguana, the giant tortoise and the many types of finch. That inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution following his visit in 1835.

The Galapagos Islands were formed by magma, which erupted from the seabed. The Islands are in the Pacific Ocean completely isolated from the South American continent. Covered with lava rock, the ecosystem here is unique. There are animal species that are only found in the Galapagos. There is little vegetation. It’s mainly cactus. The Galapagos are home for the land iguana. They live mainly on cactus leaves and flowers. Unable to climb trees, securing food is a struggle. But the absence of any natural enemy has allowed the creatures to survive. Poor pickings on land eventually made the Land Iguanas seek food in the ocean. Land Iguana evolved into Marine Iguana, adept at swimming in the sea. Their round tails became flat so they could swim. The warm waters around the Galapagos provide a good breeding environment for algae, good food for the marine iguana. Claws developed enabling them to grasp rocks in the strong current. Environmental changes such as El Niño provided more vegetation for Land Iguanas. But in the ocean, temperatures rose to nearly 30 degrees, resulting in a significant decrease in algae and plankton. That forced Marine Iguanas to explore on land in search of food. They began to eat grass, something they don’t usually feed on. Black and white patterned iguanas, never seen before, appeared. They are a crossbreed of Marine and Land Iguanas. The new iguana inherited the claws of Marine Iguana, which meant they could climb trees to find its favourite food, cactus. The Iguanas have always been able to adapt to their harsh environment. The Galapagos Islands are a cradle of evolution.