Santa Cruz Island
Today we aimed to see the tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station, and learn about the reproduction and repatriation programs that over the years have restored the populations of these magnificent animals. We met the baby tortoises, as well as the colossal four hundred pounds adults, and our guests learned everything about them.
The town of Puerto Ayora was another highlight, as everybody had the chance to stroll around and enjoy the Galápagos flavor…until we met to travel to the top of our day: lunch. And the highlands of Santa Cruz. We arrived to Miguel Angel Arias Farm, bordering the Galápagos National Park, and we met the very thrilling tunnel of lava. Our groups went underground for an endless hike in the darkness. All holding hands, we learned about geology, pirates and ghosts…and luckily, all made it out at the foot of our restaurant!
After eating enormously, our eyes focused on the giant tortoise and the giant daisy forest. What lush vegetation everywhere! There was a pond and bushes all over the place and among them, the giant tortoises, this time in the wild. Then we visited the crater area with Grand Canyon like views and clouds sweeping along the volcanic cones all around us! There we found the small but cute Galápagos orchid.
What a wonderful day in paradise!
