Galapagos History Unveiled

The Galapagos Islands have a complex history that began with archaeological digs revealing evidence of ancient artifacts, suggesting brief human presence. Over the next two centuries, the islands were largely ignored until British whalers recognized their potential as a base, leading to the unsustainable hunting of giant tortoises, which drastically impacted their populations. The islands were officially annexed by Ecuador in 1832, marking a significant shift in their historical trajectory.