Today we started our day exploring Santa Cruz. In the morning we visited the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise breeding center. During this visit we had the opportunity to learn the different aspects of the conservation work carried out by this institution on the different Islands.
The icons of Santa Cruz are the Galapagos giant tortoises. These large, gentle reptiles have made a great comeback since conservation work started. Some of them are tiny babies born here at the breeding center as part of the restoration programs carried out by the Galapagos National Park Service. Eventually all of these little creatures will be repatriated to their home islands of Santiago, Pinzon, Espanola, and Santa Cruz.
After our visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station we took a bus ride to the cool, misty highlands of Santa Cruz for lunch and more exploration. Here we walked in a lava tube. This is a typical type of geological formation on most of the islands due to the volcanic origin of the archipelago.
In the afternoon we spent time at the tortoise reserve. This place was just amazing! The green vegetation, the fresh grass, and the ponds are the perfect habitat for the giant tortoises. They do not need to go elsewhere for food, water, or shelter. They have everything on this land.
It was indeed a great surprise to see giant tortoises in the forest and grasslands. The landscape is dotted with these reptiles. Some of them walk on the roads! You can see them by the dozens
