Situated in the central part, Santa Cruz is the second largest island of Galapagos archipelago. It is the home of Puerto Ayora which is the most populated town and is at the head of Academy bay and the Centre of the tourism industry. It is also home of the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station. These institutions work together protecting the islands, leading different projects in order to protect endemic species such as giant tortoises and land iguanas.
Early in the morning we arrived at Santa Cruz Island. The harbor was full of boats, the highlands were cloudy and the lowlands were especially green as a result of the rainfall a few days ago. After disembarking at the main dock and a short bus ride, we arrived to the Tortoise Breeding Center. Inside we observed many baby tortoises from the different islands. We saw the famous tortoise, Diego. This tortoise lived in the San Diego Zoo for many years and is now back in the Galapagos with the mission of saving his fading race. He became the father of hundreds of new tortoises and saved his race from extinction. His island’s tortoise population was not more than 14 during late 1960’s.
After enjoying this informative visit our guests had the opportunity to explore the colorful streets of Puerto Ayora, which was named in honor President Isidro Ayora. The fish market was one of the most interesting places to visit because Galapagos sea lions, herons, frigate birds and Brown pelicans were hovering around the fishermen, who were cutting and cleaning fish, in the hopes of winning a morsel. After we visited the town we went by bus to the highlands to visit “El Trapiche”, a local farm where we observed the complete processes of making alcohol, brown sugar and roasted coffee. These delicious treats were produced the same way they were fifty years ago, when farmers didn’t have electricity and used donkeys instead.
After lunch, our guests finally had a chance to observe the gigantic and emblematic Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat. By bus we arrived to “El Chato” farm where we had a great time photographing and observing several gentle giants that were wandering among us. Afterward we had chance to walk inside a lava tunnel, observing the geology and talking about its formation millions of years ago. After a complete day visiting Santa Cruz Island we finally came back to the National Geographic Islander tired, but with happy memories of this natural paradise with incredible and innocent creatures.
