Early on the morning, we were already anchored at Academy Bay, located at the southern end of Santa Cruz Island. We disembarked at the Galapagos National Park Dock, where we spotted several fiberglass speedboats that serve to patrol the Galapagos Marine Reserve, which happens to be the third largest in the world.
We disembarked and headed to the Giant Tortoises Breeding Center, where we learned about how the Darwin Research Station scientists and park rangers breed these emblematic chelonians in captivity. We were lucky to have the chance to visit the most successful reproducer from Espanola Island, Diego. After our morning visit, we had some free time to wander around Puerto Ayora and do some shopping to support the local economy of the islands.
Later in the day, on our way to the Santa Cruz’s highlands, we stopped at the Trapiche farm sugar mill. There we learned how the Cabrera family processes the sugar cane to get molasses, raw sugar and the very popular sugar cane firewater. They also grow and roast their own Galapagos organic coffee. We got the chance to taste all of these local delicacies. Shortly after, we gathered for lunch at the restaurant Aquelarre, which means Covent; a mythical place where the witches gather for their meetings.
After lunch we went to the El Manzanillo ranch, which is private land left as reserve for the giant tortoise to roam in the wild. There we spotted several giant tortoises walking freely around the farms located in the highlands. We had the opportunity to take great pictures of these reptiles.
At the end of the afternoon, we headed back to town for some last minute shopping before heading back to the National Geographic Endeavour. It was another exceptional day in the enchanted islands!
