The first experiences in Galapagos were a success so our first full day could not disappoint us. We visited two different islands located in the center of the archipelago.
Just before breakfast, early in the morning, the activities started with Bartolome Island. It was formed by some explosive volcanic eruptions that turned the magma into ash and cinder. Later, after age began doing its job eroding the tuff cones, the famous Pinnacle Rock was formed. We used the stairs built to help the visitors climb the island to enjoy the amazing landscape on top. Later there were some more options like walking along a sea turtle nesting beach and learning a little more about their ecosystem or snorkeling. The second option offered many kinds of tropical fish, stars and white tipped sharks, and even an elusive Galapagos penguin.
After the amazing morning, everyone needed more energy and a special Ecuadorian buffet was the reward.
The second island visited was Rabida. It attracts many people by its colors, it literally is all red. The lava flows turned out to have a high concentration of iron that later was oxidized because of its proximity to the ocean.
The place where we landed is called red beach, which is the only one in the Galapagos. Baby sea lions left by their mothers while they fish out in the sea welcomed us, curious like no other species. Some more birds like oystercatchers and mockingbirds decorated the landscape as we walked along the beach.
When we finally had to leave the island we were disappointed, but we could not stay forever in a place so similar to paradise. The trip has to continue and as we head towards the western islands more surprises await us.
