DAY 4
AM: Santa Fe
Santa Fe island has a beautiful and calm bay and a white sand beach, which is home to a large colony of sea lions. A trail will take us to the inner part of the island where we will observe the endemic land iguana (present only on this island) lounging around the giant prickly pear cacti.
The visit ends with some snorkeling in the bay to observe the imposing marine life present in the island´s waters.
PM: Santa Cruz Highlands & Charles Darwin Station
Reached by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green contrasting beautifully with much of the dry, lower islands. The dominant vegetation in the highlands is the forest of Scalesia trees creating the lush green color. The lava tubes, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience.
The Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center, located in the same premises as the Charles Darwin scientific station is one of the most visited sites of the Galapagos and the only place where is possible to see many different species of Giant tortoises at the same time.
The animals are found in large semi natural pens for their protection, but also to ensure an easy view for the visitors. The pens are divided according to four different stages: eggs, neonates, juveniles (held here until they are mature enough to be «repatriated»), and adults.