What did the name Galapagos come from?

Answer 1

Legend has it that the Incas first discovered the Galapagos Islands in the 15th century, but since they did not have a written language and no ruins have been discovered, the legend cannot be substantiated. It wasn't until during the 16th century when the Spanish had created a lucrative shipping route along the pacific coast of Ecuador that the Galapagos were officially 'discovered'.

Inca gold was being shipped up the coast to Panama where it was unloaded onto mules for the journey across the isthmus. Upon reaching the Atlantic coast, the treasures were again put on a ship and sent to Spain. The journey between Panama and Peru became a frequent route. In 1535, Tom s de Berlanga, the Bishop of Panama was in route to Peru . His ship, drifting without wind, went off course due to the currents. It was quite by accident that he "discovered" the Galapagos Islands . In a letter to the King of Spain, the bishop described the islands by saying: "I do not think this is a place where one might sow a bushel of corn because most of it is full of very big stones and the earth is much like dross, worthless, because it has not the power of raising a little grass".

The bishop and the crew, like many early visitors, arrived in the islands thirsty and were less then impressed by the lack of water. He didn't even bother to give the islands a name. It wasn't until 1574 when the name "Galapagos Islands" first appeared on a map and has remained ever since. "Galapago" is an old Spanish word, meaning saddle. The large Galapagos Tortoises on some of the islands had a shell that resembled an old Spanish saddle, thus the name.