The Archipélago de Colón consists of 18 main islands and three smaller islets. Located 900 kilometers west of the Ecuadorian coast, the islands are of volcanic origin and host 9 active volcanoes. The unique animals found on the islands were studied by Charles Darwin during his visit in 1835 aboard H.M.S. Beagle.
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Chelonoidis nigra - Giant tortoises existed on all continents except Australia and Antarctica, but are now restricted to the Archipiélago de Colón and Aladabra Island, an atoll in the Indian Ocean. They arrived on the Archipiélago de Colón by drifting over from South America. The distance is about 1,000 kilometers, but tortoises, although poor swimmers, are buoyant enough to survive such a long journey. Their long necks allowed them to breach the surface for air and they can live for extended periods without food or fresh water.
