Santa Cruz Island
Considered one of the largest islands in the Galápagos, Santa Cruz is also one of the most important ones. Besides its natural beauty, this island was chosen long ago to become the tourism capital of the Galápagos archipelago.
Our first destination this morning was the famous Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS). It was here where we observed and learned the whole process of repatriation that endangered species, such as tortoises and land iguanas, have to go through.
One of the stops was at the corral inhabited by the famous Lonesome George, a tortoise found on the island of Pinta, later on confirmed to be the last one of its subspecies. When we continued our excursion at the Station, we saw the corral where male giant tortoises are kept in captivity, all of this in benefit to their protection.
For the afternoon we explored the highlands, discovering many more tortoises, this time in the wild. It was here where a great birding activity took place, as the green and lush area attracts many of the famous Darwin finches.
The later part of the afternoon was dedicated to explore the town of Puerto Ayora and their endless selections of stores.
Considered one of the largest islands in the Galápagos, Santa Cruz is also one of the most important ones. Besides its natural beauty, this island was chosen long ago to become the tourism capital of the Galápagos archipelago.
Our first destination this morning was the famous Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS). It was here where we observed and learned the whole process of repatriation that endangered species, such as tortoises and land iguanas, have to go through.
One of the stops was at the corral inhabited by the famous Lonesome George, a tortoise found on the island of Pinta, later on confirmed to be the last one of its subspecies. When we continued our excursion at the Station, we saw the corral where male giant tortoises are kept in captivity, all of this in benefit to their protection.
For the afternoon we explored the highlands, discovering many more tortoises, this time in the wild. It was here where a great birding activity took place, as the green and lush area attracts many of the famous Darwin finches.
The later part of the afternoon was dedicated to explore the town of Puerto Ayora and their endless selections of stores.
