DAY 5
AM: Galapaguera Natural
A brief excursion awaits you at the Galapaguera, an excellent spot for witnessing Galapagos tortoises in their natural environment. San Cristobal island boasts endemic creatures such as the Mockingbird (Nesomimus melanotis), lava lizard (Microlophus bivittatus), Chatham Leaf-toed Gecko (Phyllodactylus leei), and, of course, the iconic tortoises.
All these unique species can be observed in this area, where the expansive beach serves as a prime nesting ground for marine tortoises. From January to May, it’s not uncommon to spot the tracks left by female tortoises as they ascend the sand dunes to lay their eggs. Participating in this experience is truly unforgettable.
PM: Lobos Island
Lobos Island is located near San Cristobal, in the southern part of the Archipelago. This visitor site has a trail of 850 meters that crossed almost all of the island. There is a small population of blue-footed boobies and common frigate birds nesting at this site, that is also inhabited by the two species of sea lions present in the archipelago.
This is also a great site for snorkeling, as the waters are calm and not so deep, so it’s common to see juvenile sea lions, manta rays, and sea turtles.