Erosion topples “Darwin’s Arch” in Galapagos

ECUADOR / CNN — The ocean has taken its toll on of the most famous rock formations in the Galapagos Islands: Darwin’s Arch.

Located in the northern part of the archipelago, the top of the arch fell into the sea as “a consequence of natural erosion,” according to the Ministry of Environment for Ecuador.

Photos of the famous formation, which now consists of just two pillars, were posted to the ministry’s social media accounts on Monday alongside a statement confirming the news.

“The collapse of Darwin’s Arch, the attractive natural bridge found less than a kilometer from the main area of Darwin Island, was reported,” the ministry said in the statement. “Darwin’s Arch is made of natural stone that at one time would have been part of Darwin Island, which is not open to visits by land.”

A tour group shared a post to their Facebook account, claiming one of its tour groups saw the arch collapse.

Named after English biologist Charles Darwin, the arch is considered one of the best diving spots in the Pacific Ocean archipelago.

Darwin’s Arch, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its many endemic animal and plant species, famously inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution.

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