What secrets does this seemingly barren island hold? Baltra Island, often referred to as the gateway to the Galapagos, might appear unassuming at first glance. But beneath its arid surface lies a captivating history intertwined with military strategy and remarkable conservation efforts.
Baltra Island wasn’t always a hub for travelers. In fact, before the 1930s, this small, flat island was practically off the map. Its significance changed drastically during World War II. As the United States sought to safeguard the Panama Canal, their eyes fell on the strategic location of the Galapagos Islands. Baltra Island, with its flat topography, was the perfect spot for an airbase.
Construction began in February 1942, and within an astonishing two months, a mile-long airstrip was operational. The island transformed into a bustling military base, home to over 200 buildings, including barracks for 1,000 soldiers, hangars, offices, and even leisure facilities like a beer garden, a cinema, and a bowling alley. The latter, interestingly, came about after Eleanor Roosevelt, finding the soldiers’ living conditions “deplorable” during her visit, urged for improvements.
The end of the war saw the base handed over to the Ecuadorian government. It eventually became Seymour Airport, the main entry point for many visitors to the Galapagos. While you won’t find remnants of the bowling alley, you can still see faint outlines of the base’s foundations from the air, a subtle reminder of Baltra Island’s intriguing past.
Today, Baltra Island is a symbol of successful conservation. The island was once home to land iguanas, but their population was tragically wiped out by introduced predators, a side-effect of the military presence. Thankfully, a relocation effort in the 1930s, transferring some iguanas to North Seymour Island, proved crucial. These relocated iguanas flourished, and in the 1990s, their descendants were brought back to Baltra Island. The program was a resounding success. Over 400 land iguanas now roam freely on the island. Their presence is a testament to the power of dedicated conservation.