Galapagos Islands Landscapes
At first glance, the land of the Galapagos seems arid and lifeless. Yes, the islands are for the most part arid (indeed, settlement of the islands was slow because of the lack of fresh water), but they are far from lifeless.
The plant life varies greatly from island to island. Left: Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp) is one of 14 types found in the Galapagos. This specimen is on South Plaza Island. The red plant is known as Sesuvium.
Darwin's Lake, close by Tagus Cove on Isabela Island, is really a saltwater lagoon.
Above: Resembling ocean waves, these waves of lava were frozen in time following a 1995 volcanic eruption on Fernandina Island.
Left: These mangrove roots on the Fernandina Island lava resemble bird claws.
Photographed at the end of the dry season, the bare branches of palo santo trees create an interesting pattern near Darwin Lake at Tagus Cove on Isabela Island.
The "post office" at Post Office Bay, Floreana Island, has been in operation since early nineteenth century whaling days. How does it work? You stick your letter in the barrel and the next person who comes along may or may not mail it for you, depending on where you're sending it.
Some of the larger islands seem to have summits that are permanently swathed in mists. This view is near the top of Santa Cruz Island north of Puerto Ayora.
