Sierra Negra Volcano and Puerto Villamil
Gratefully, today in the morning we saw that in spite of the presence of some heavy clouds, most of the sky was clean, and we were fortunate, for while climbing Sierra Negra Volcano we didn’t experience any rain. The view as usual was impressive, and it is possible to count as many as eight fumaroles that are smoking at the floor and rims of the volcano. It is not over, and we know we will have volcanic activity for a long while yet. During the hike, some birds were accompanying us, and it was possible to identify tree finches and ground finches. Also the Vermillion flycatchers were present as well as some whimbrels.
In the afternoon, we were able to enjoy the tortoise rearing center, where almost all the tortoises of Sierra Negra Volcano are held for protection. The project is going well, and the tortoises certainly have a future, for pretty soon they will start to be repatriated to their natural areas. Since the eradication program of introduced species is extremely successful, it is just a matter of time for the cycle to get close.
Our time in Puerto Villamil, the third largest human inhabitation in the Galápagos, couldn’t be any better. We shared with the locals and spent some time at the beach. It was real exchange time that allowed us to get involved with the existing culture. Tonight, we are being paid a visit by some kids, which are participants of the program “Friends of the Tortoises,” sponsored by Lindblad Expeditions. It was delightful.
Gratefully, today in the morning we saw that in spite of the presence of some heavy clouds, most of the sky was clean, and we were fortunate, for while climbing Sierra Negra Volcano we didn’t experience any rain. The view as usual was impressive, and it is possible to count as many as eight fumaroles that are smoking at the floor and rims of the volcano. It is not over, and we know we will have volcanic activity for a long while yet. During the hike, some birds were accompanying us, and it was possible to identify tree finches and ground finches. Also the Vermillion flycatchers were present as well as some whimbrels.
In the afternoon, we were able to enjoy the tortoise rearing center, where almost all the tortoises of Sierra Negra Volcano are held for protection. The project is going well, and the tortoises certainly have a future, for pretty soon they will start to be repatriated to their natural areas. Since the eradication program of introduced species is extremely successful, it is just a matter of time for the cycle to get close.
Our time in Puerto Villamil, the third largest human inhabitation in the Galápagos, couldn’t be any better. We shared with the locals and spent some time at the beach. It was real exchange time that allowed us to get involved with the existing culture. Tonight, we are being paid a visit by some kids, which are participants of the program “Friends of the Tortoises,” sponsored by Lindblad Expeditions. It was delightful.
