Today we are anchored at Santa Cruz Island on our first full day of exploration, with a planned visit to the giant tortoises in the highlands. We started by visiting a very interesting geological formation at the top of the volcano. We entered a huge lava tube and had the chance to walk deep underground to understand the forces and elements that created this volcanic archipelago.
After an immersive first excursion, we went to a small farm where we were received by a family who grows some of the most important products of the Galapagos: coffee, cacao, and sugar cane. Our third adventure of the morning took us to the very top of the volcano that constitutes Santa Cruz Island. This is a beautiful forest, mainly comprised of a unique plant species named Scalesia.
In the afternoon, we visited the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galápagos National Park Headquarters to see the breeding center of the giant tortoises and the conservation projects that are being carried out in the Galapagos.
In the evening, scientists and artisans visited National Geographic Islander II and the day ended with traditional music and dancers from the Galapagos.
