Geography and Climate of the Galapagos

Geography

The Galapagos Islands are part of the country of Ecuador and are located on the equator about 600 miles west of the South American coast. The Galapagos are an archipelago of volcanic islands that includes 13 larger islands, 6 small islands, and over 100 islets.

Climate

Although the Galapagos are located on the equator, they are not exceedingly hot by tropical standards, with average daytime temperatures in the lowlands reaching about 85°F. The islands are usually quite dry and experience only a short rainy season. The climate is greatly influenced by the Pacific's Humbolt Current, which carries cool water from the Antarctic northward along the South American coast to the Galapagos.

Sources

For a list of sources used in the creation of this visual guide, please see the Recommended Reading page.