Today we started our day anchored at Academy Bay. This area was named after an expedition made by the California Academy of Science in the early 1900’s on Santa Cruz, located in the central part of the archipelago.
After a short “panga ride” we disembarked in Puerto Ayora; the largest town in the Galápagos. Shortly after our disembarkation we headed to the giant tortoises breeding center run by the Galápagos National Park and the Darwin Research Station. There we learned how they breed tortoises in captivity, which is one of the most successful conservation programs in the world. Later on, our guests had some free time to explore the town, and right afterwards we took buses to have lunch in the highlands. On our way to the Santa Cruz’s highlands we stopped by a locally own sugar mill. There we learned how the Cabrera’s family processes the sugar cane to get molasses, raw sugar, and the very popular sugar cane firewater. They also grow and roast their own Galápagos organic coffee. We got the chance to taste all of these local delicacies.
In the afternoon we took the buses to continue to the highlands to visit the giant tortoise’s territory, which is a privately owned farm located on the migrating route of these reptiles. On the farm we did interesting hikes around the property where we found a lava tube and many giant tortoises wandering in the area, which was a great experience. Shortly after our visit we headed back to town and back to the National Geographic Islander. Finally we finished our day with the presentation of a local band of musicians from town on board. What a nice way to finish another day in paradise.
