Santa Cruz Island was our destination for today. In the morning we explored the Charles Darwin Research Station, The Breeding Center and the giant tortoises’ corrals. During this visit we had the opportunity to learn about the different strategies of the conservation work carried out by this institution.
Some of the tortoises we saw at the breeding center are tiny babies born here 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 such as: Santiago, Pinzon, Española and Santa Cruz.
In the late morning we headed to the highlands of Santa Cruz. Here, the highlights of the place are the Galápagos giant tortoises. These large, gentle reptiles have made a great comeback since conservation work started.
In the afternoon we explored the forest and grasslands under the classic mists of the season. This region is green throughout the year and it is home to many of the endemic species that inhabit the Galapagos, such as: Darwin’s finches, mockingbirds, pintail ducks and giant tortoises.
The landscape is dotted with these giant reptiles, you can see them everywhere!
