San Cristobal Island
As we approached the beach at Punta Pitt this morning, we already knew it was going to be an incredible hike; the olivine or green, incredibly soft sandy little beach transported us to an enchanted kingdom which was completely surreal. The glittered sparkles of diminutive crystals that have made this particular place are the eroded particles of the hardest crystals and minerals that make up lava flows. Punta Pitt is a tuff formation that has been eroded through time; Cristobal one of the oldest islands of the Galápagos group.
As we walked up throughout the canyon we could not be more amazed at how these islands keep us wondering up to the last walk of the voyage… We find again an incredible diversity of beings; the species that survived here despite the harsh conditions gives this place an incredible beauty or perfection that is hard to understand.
A small colony of red-footed boobies surprised us at the end of the trail, even though they were young and their feet were not red yet, it was extremely interesting to understand their behavior in comparison with their closest relatives, the blue-foots. We found one adult perching by itself on a solitary branch, with red feet that had to be photographed!
Snorkeling and kayaking was adventurous and fun!!!
Our time is ending in the enchanted archipelago… But, as we got into the water around Leon Dormido or Kicker Rock, a school of Galápagos sharks welcomed us for our very last snorkel of the week. Sea turtles, sea Lions and many different species of Galápagos reef fish kept us actively swimming around these spectacular lava formations that are Cristobal’s signature.
What a day, what an incredible week we have all had in this living laboratory of evolution. We go home having witnessed why humankind needs to preserve this place: it is one of the last paradises on earth, and future generations have the right to see it too.
