M/C Alya_Itinerario_A_Day4

DAY 4

AM: Chinese Hat

This islet, located near Santiago Island, gets its name from its shape, which resembles a Chinese hat. The islet has a volcanic origin and was formed in one of the many eruptions of Santiago, and was then separated from the main Island by the sea water erosion. The trail starts on the beautiful beach for the islet to then ascend a bit through the lava fields and formations, which are very new in geological terms.

This is a very good place to see how the pioneer vegetation starts to grow directly from the lava, preparing the soil for other plant species. The beach is populated by Sally Lightfoot crabs, American Oystercatcher, marine iguanas and a colony of endemic Galapagos sea lions.

PM: Mosquera Islet

Located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour, this reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) is only 160 meters across at its narrowest width. This island has one of the largest populations of sea lions and is home to many shorebirds. There have been occasional reports at this site of orcas feeding on sea lions.