The morning looks a bit overcast, but the energy of the explorers on board is intense. By the time we hear the breakfast announcement we are ready, knowing that soon we will be able to land on the pier of the island of Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz is the second largest island in Galapagos archipelago, the economic capitol of the province, and where Puerto Ayora is located. This port is named after an Ecuadorian president and has the largest human settlement of the islands, its population close to twenty five thousand Ecuadorians. Tourism is the number one economic activity. There is also local fishing, which is highly regulated by the national park and at the higher elevation there is farming, which consist of agriculture and raising cattle.
Our first destination, the Darwin Station, is located in Puerto Ayora and to get there by bus takes only five minutes. The walk there introduced us to the rich conservation achievements of the Republic of Ecuador, a pioneer of conservation in Central and South America in Galapagos. Through the National Park Service we Ecuadorians have demonstrated that is possible to protect places of importance. The walk begins with a stop at the tortoise enclosures and of course there was a chance to learn more about the antediluvian reptile that has impressed and attracted people from around the world. We shared all about the breeding program, so far the only successful mechanism used to recover the threatened tortoise populations.
The afternoon is filled with different the options including biking to a farm which showed us what locals do to make a living, in addition to tourism. Others arrive at the farm using buses, but all adventurers have a blast learning about the farmers and their important activities in the past. Our lunch was at a beautiful restaurant surrounded by greenery with finches everywhere and a great climate typical of the highlands. After our lunch we made our way to our last destination, another farm where the expectation is to see tortoises in the wild. They walk the path they have had use for centuries, from the breeding ground and then back home. Once we arrive we see the giant tortoises of the island of Santa Cruz, the largest tortoises in the world are everywhere and we have the chance to see so many, so close! It is the highlight of the day.
