We were anchored since early in the morning at Academy Bay in Puerto Ayora. This picturesque town, located at the southern part of Santa Cruz Island, is the economical capital of the archipelago.
After breakfast we disembarked at the Galapagos National Park dock. During the short walk that leads to the Charles Darwin Research Station’s Tortoise Breeding Center we observed several plants and bird species. Once at the station we admired the many juvenile little tortoises that, as adults, will repopulate the islands with their descendants. Our guests learnt about the history and all the technical and behind-the-scenes details of the reproduction and repatriation of the giant tortoises. After visiting the Darwin Center we had the delight to stroll along the colorful streets of Puerto Ayora enjoying and taking part in the routine activities of the community.
After exploring the streets of Puerto Ayora we gathered at a local restaurant where we boarded buses that took us to the highlands of Santa Cruz. Before having lunch we visited a local farm where we witnessed how a local family makes a living cultivating coffee and sugar cane. The Cabrera Family constitutes a living museum. They are still using traditional and manual methods to process coffee and sugar cane. They showed us that there are innovative alternatives to improve the quality of life and economy of the Galapagos inhabitants. As soon as we finished a cold glass of sugar cane juice and a coffee cup we headed to a local ranch named “El Chato.” In this location we had our lunch prepared by another local family, the Arias.
After lunch we went to a nearby Giant Tortoise Reserve to observe these gentle giant animals in their natural habitat. We had a great time searching, photographing and observing several individuals that we found in the area. During the walk we had the thrill to cross a beautiful lava tunnel as well.
We had a great day that combined magical moments with giant tortoises in the wild, conservation efforts and precious time with many Galapagos inhabitants. The golden finale of an outstanding day in paradise was a show with live music and spectacular dancing performed by a professional local band. Joy and laughter made us feel that we spent a memorable day in the enchanted Galapagos Islands.
