This is the island you first see as you fly into the Galapagos because it is the closest to the mainland and one of the oldest of the group. It has many attractions around it, beautiful beaches with different types of sand, interesting wildlife, and outstanding landscapes. Punta Pitt is the place where we spend our morning doing some activities. We hiked up a hill made entirely of volcanic ash, which forms as the ascending lava meets water. The trail is almost all naturally formed as the rain water runs downhill, especially during El Nino events. Two species of animals are found only here so they have the name of the island, San Cristobal lava lizard and San Cristobal mockingbird, also Darwin’s first sightings during his visit in 1835.
We reach the top of hill to enjoy an incredible view of the area and the beach. Birds fly around doing all sorts of calls, diving like crazy, collecting nesting material, and others just watching us.
The end of the trail is so spectacular due to mostly red-orange vegetation called Portulaca. Around the area we find the nesting of the red footed-boobies, some sitting on the nests, others just starting with their business. We were able to capture very good pictures of them, they are so beautiful.
As we returned to the beach we met the sea lions again, and again we were captivated by their friendliness, elegance, and beauty. Just being close to them is worth the trip. Experiencing them can change the way we see the animals all over the world where some are not given the respect they deserve.
In the afternoon we reached another location on this island, called Cerro Brujo, with a beautiful white sand beach and spectacular landscapes. Here we enjoyed sea lions lying under the trees for shade, pelicans and boobies diving for food in the most incredible synchronization. This, together with other attractions of the area, makes this visit a complete joy, like the perfect one to close a phenomenal week of innumerable encounters and activities and sharing.
It was a wonderful day in the Galapagos.
