Our destination today was the Charles Darwin Research Station at Santa Cruz Island, the second largest island in the archipelago.
On our way to the rearing center for giant tortoises we walked through a very green area full of local vegetation, like the gigantic prickly pear cactus which has a large trunk like a tree.
At the Research Station we were able to observe first-hand the steps that are taken to make this center so successful. We had the chance to get close to the giant tortoises which will, we believe, bring back Lonesome George’s gene from extinction. We also had close encounters with the now famous tortoise, mighty Diego, the proud father of over 2,000 babies from Espanola Island.
Later in the morning we took buses into the highlands of Santa Cruz to a local farm where sugar cane is harvested and converted into different products like juice, molasses, and even rum! We also observed our local organic coffee being processed—harvested, dried, roasted and grinded. We had the opportunity to taste other local products as well. Some guests had coffee and many also had rum.
After our visit we enjoyed a tasty, well-deserved meal at a local restaurant located about 900 feet from the farm. Soon after some of us took a bus ride in search of Geochelone porteri, Santa Cruz Island’s endemic species of giant tortoise. We had a great time walking in the grass and seeing tortoises in their natural habitat. We found some that weighed over 400 pounds with a majestic shell, simply staring at us as they munched away at the vegetation. Many guests continued exploring the area, while some of us opted to have a cool drink and relax back to the town of Puerto Ayora.
Today’s visit was outstanding and our expedition is about to reach its peak. We are already a big family bonded together by the mystical magic of the Galápagos Islands.
