Santa Cruz Island
Early in the morning we arrived at Santa Cruz Island, the second largest island in the archipelago and home of its most emblematic creature: the giant tortoises. From early in the morning until late in the afternoon the day was filled with chances to see and learn about these incredible reptiles.
After breakfast, we headed to the Charles Darwin Research Station where we learned about the repatriation programs carried out to protect the giant tortoises, and we were able to see the baby tortoises born at the station and the adults kept there for breeding purposes. After meeting the two most famous tortoises, Diego and Lonesome George, and seeing the baby tortoises, which someday will be repatriated back to their home islands, we headed up the evergreen highlands of Santa Cruz where we found pretty much everything we wanted, and even more.
As soon as we arrived at the farm of Mr. Miguel Angel Arias, a local farmer, our guests entered a lava tunnel. Inside the tunnel, they were able to observe the geological features of these incredible formations and imagine how this archipelago was created a long time ago.
Then, after lunch, we headed to “El Chato” in the search of the giant tortoises in wild; many were found but most males.
After seeing these giant creatures, we ascended by bus to one of the highest points of the Island: “Los Gemelos” or Pitt Craters, two similar geological formations located at both sides of the road. We walked through a forest of “Scalesia Pedunculata” a species endemic to Galápagos, which in appearance is similar to an umbrella, as the branches are located on the top of the tree. Here we had the opportunity to observe several species of Darwin finches, Galápagos doves and many other species of plants.
After this incredible adventure, we finished the day exhausted, but very, very happy.
