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Galapagos's La Cumbre erupts = Don't go there now, but go there soon!
This weekend exploded with travel alerts -- namely from the hot destination of Thailand. Certainly the recent riots and political upheaval in Bangkok has cooled the tourist trail for a little while. But something else was erupting on the other side of the globe -- off the coast of Ecuador in the Galapagos Islands, to be exact: La Cumbre volcano.
The volcano on the uninhabited island of Fernandina Island has been inactive for nearly five years, but this Saturday activity arose in the form of lava, smoke, and toxic gases. While there is no threat to humans, this island chain has long been home to rare animal and plant life, and La Cumbre's recent activity could very likely affect the marine life and fauna on and around Fernandina.
What this means for travelers? Once the activity dies down, you should as soon as possible get your butt over to the Galapagos before it's too late.
Filed under: South America, Thailand, Ecuador, Ecotourism, News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Zuri Apr 14th 2009 7:56AM
The Galapagos Islands are the most incredible living museum of evolutionary changes, with a huge variety of exotic species (birds, land animals, plants) and landscapes not seen anywhere else.
Volcano eruptions are another attraction these Islands have to offer to its visitors. Hopefully this eruption on Fernandina Island will not affect its surrounding wildlife.
http://www.galapagos-islands-tourguide.com
Robin Slater Apr 15th 2009 8:53PM
Brenda Yun's article, in my humble opinion, is based on little knowledge or experience on volcanic activity in Galapagos. I focus on what Brenda states at the end, "What this means for travelers? Once the activity dies down, you should as soon as possible get your butt over to the Galapagos before it's too late.".
The Galapagos Islands are one of the most volcanic active regions on the planet (along with such geographic regions as Hawaii). There have been over 60 recorded volcanic eruptions in Galapagos this century, with La Cumbre last erupting in 1988, 1991, 1995 & 2005. Neighboring volcanoes on Isabela island have last erupted in 1978 & 1998 (Cerro Azul) and 1978, 2005 & 2007 (Sierra Negra).
Keep in mind that this is actually, in my humble opinion, an excellent oportunity to possibly witness Mother Nature at work from a safe distance (for those cruises that include the western islands of Isabela & Fernandina.
Sangay Apr 24th 2009 12:38PM
Up to date news and information on volcanic activity of La Cumbre volcano, along with geological information on Galapagos can be found at http://sangay.wordpress.com.