Española Island
Española, or Hood Island, is the oldest among the Galápagos Islands.
It is a mandatory stop for guests who come to Galápagos intent on having an exceptional encounter with the best that nature can offer. I understand why, because even though I’ve been doing this for a decade, returning to this place is always gratifying and makes me so proud to be a part of it.
After a difficult landing due to the equinox’s effect on the seas, we set foot on the island. It welcomed us with its best: sea lions watched us try to keep our shoes dry, iguanas did their best to keep their bodies away from the water since it wasn’t time to feed on algae, and inquisitive mockingbirds inspected us as if they were trying to figure out who we were and what we were doing.
During our hike on the island other forms of life began popping up in their characteristically friendly manner: lizards, finches, doves, just to mention a few. To get shots of this wildlife you don’t have to be a professional photographer – an amateur can get incredible results with the wildlife so close.
The rain that comes from December to May has painted the island with a beautiful green, encouraging the marine iguanas to breed. Females were busy digging here and there making the nests, and Nazca boobies were busy raising their young.
The day ended at a fantastic natural formation known as the Blow Hole. It was at its best due to the strong waves crashing onto the rocks.
Another great day in a wonderful, natural place…
