For the first time on our expedition in the Galápagos, we had the opportunity to visit a populated island. Santa Cruz, the second largest Island in the archipelago, has the biggest population but also many natural areas where it is possible to find wildlife.
After breakfast, we visited the Galápagos National Park’s headquarters to see the breeding program for giant tortoises, the symbol of the Galápagos. Walking through the center, we came across baby tortoises, the size of small bread loaves. These are going to become true giants, many reaching 600 pounds after nearly 100 years.
After learning all about the park’s efforts to restore the population and ecosystem of giant tortoises, our guests explored the town, visiting local shops and mingling with the Galápagos inhabitants. Shortly after, we boarded buses and stopped at a sugarcane mill. This was a local business run by a local family, who were very friendly, showing us around their farm and letting us try some of the different products they produced out of sugarcane juice.
Lunch took place in the Santa Cruz highlands at a very nice restaurant immersed in a cloud forest. After lunch we explored the highlands with the mission of finding the endemic Santa Cruz giant tortoise. Our mission was very successful. The giant tortoises were everywhere and we lost count! Our day ended with a nice sunset. We had a great experience on Santa Cruz Island, observing the two sides of the Galápagos National Park—the populated areas and the natural reserves.
