Today our expedition started with exploring Santa Cruz Island. 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 about the different aspects of the conservation programs carried out by this institution on the different islands.
The icons of Santa Cruz are the Galápagos 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 Galápagos National Park Service, eventually all these little creatures will be repatriated to their home islands including Santiago, Pinzon, Española, and Santa Cruz.
Once we ended our visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, we explored the little vibrant town of Puerto Ayora. Later on we took a bus ride to the cool misty highlands of Santa Cruz for lunch and more exploration. Here we explored a lava tube. This is a type of geological formation present on most of the islands due to the volcanic origin of the archipelago.
Moments later we reached the tortoises’ reserve. This place is astonishing! 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. The have everything in this land!
It was indeed a very enriching moment seeing giant tortoises in the forest and grasslands. The landscape is dotted with these reptiles. Some of them walk on the roads! And you can see them in their natural habitat!
