We started our expedition exploring Santa Cruz Island. In the morning we visited the Charles Darwin Research Station. During this visit we had the opportunity to learn the different aspects of the conservation work carried out by two institutions: the Galápagos National Park Service and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
The highlights of this place are the giant tortoises. These enormous 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 such as Santiago, Pinzon, and Española.
Once we concluded our visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station we had a bus ride to the highlands of Santa Cruz for lunch and more exploration.
In the afternoon we spent time at the tortoises’ reserve. This place is an amazing spot! The green vegetation, the fresh grass, and the ponds are the perfect habitat for giant tortoises. They do not need to go elsewhere for food, water, or shelter. They have everything on this land. We also visited a lava tube. These formations are very popular on the islands. Lava tubes are formed during volcanic eruptions as lava flows downhill.
It was a great day!
