Galapagos Islands
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The Galapagos Islands are a small archipelago located off the western coast of South America. While being separated from the mainland by approximately six hundred miles, the Galapagos are still a part of Ecuador. The range of animal and plant life found here is unlike anywhere else on earth, with many species being unique to the islands. Despite the fact that outsiders may only sleep in designated areas or on boats, the economy consists mostly of tourism. This small group of islands has been the center of a great deal of controversy, ranging from the religious to the physical realm.
The Galapagos Islands were formed from lava piles and dotted with volcanoes, many of which are still active. The terrain of the rugged landscape is accentuated by high volcanic mountains, craters, and cliffs. The largest of the islands is Isabela, also known as Albemarle, and is approximately 82 miles long and makes up more than half of the total land area of the island chain. Isabela also contains Mount Azul, which at 5,541 feet is the highest point of the Galapagos Islands. The islands were discovered in 1535 by the bishop of Panama, Tomas de Berlanga, whose ship had drifted off course while en route to Peru...