In the center of the Galapagos archipelago lies Santa Cruz, the second largest island in size (after Isabela). It is also the commercial capital of the region, with the largest human settlement of about 20,000 residents. Santa Cruz is home to the National Park and Charles Darwin Foundation headquarters, whose contributions to the welfare of local ecosystems is key. The highlands region of this island is highly productive for agriculture and farming. This is also the place to see the island’s giant tortoises — icons of the archipelago — in their natural state. Puerto Ayora is a large town where we see how people can live in harmony with nature and participate in commerce under the umbrella of tourism.