DAY 3
AM: Tintoreras Islet
Tintoreras are a small group of islets located right off the coast of Isabela Island. Although the islets are not very big, this area concentrates a lot of marine life that is easy to spot from the dingy or kayak. These tranquil waters are home to sea turtles, sea lions, rays, blue-footed boobies and other marine species. This site is also famous for the channels formed by the lava and that are used as resting sites by the white tipped reef sharks, known locally as “Tintoreras.”
PM: Wetlands & Wall of Tears
Located just outside of Puerto Villamil, the wetlands are a group of swamps and lagoons surrounded by mangrove trees. This site is considered one of the best near Puerto Villamil for spotting migratory birds, as a path takes visitors through the wetlands, where is easy to see flamingoes, whimbrels, common stilts, and gallinules.
From 1945-1959, a penal colony hosted prisoners who were forced to build this wall, stone by stone, in isolation. This now historical site (El Muro de las Lagrimas), towering at 65 feet (25m) high, took the lives of hundreds during its construction.
Locals claim to hear cries emanating from the heavy energy surrounding the site.