Santa Cruz Island
Today we started our day exploring Santa Cruz. In the morning we visited the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise corrals. During this visit we had the opportunity to learn the different aspects of the conservation work carried out by this institution in the different fields of biological research.
The highlights of this place are the Galápagos giant tortoises. These large gentle reptiles have made a great comeback since conservation work started. Some of them are tiny babies born here at the breeding center as part of the restoration programs carried out by the Galápagos National Park Service. Eventually all these little creatures will be repatriated to their home islands, such as Santiago, Pinzon, Española, and Santa Cruz.
After visiting the Darwin Research Station we took a bus ride to the cool misty highlands of Santa Cruz for lunch and more exploration. This time we walked through a lava tube. This is a typical type of formation due to the volcanic origin of this archipelago.
In the afternoon we spent time at the tortoises’ reserve. This place is just amazing! The green vegetation, the fresh grass and the ponds are the perfect habitat for all the giant tortoises. They do not need to go elsewhere for food, water or shelter. The have everything in this land.
It was indeed a great surprise to see giant tortoises in the forest and grasslands. The landscape is dotted with these reptiles - you can see them by the dozens!
