Our destination today was the Charles Darwin Research Station at Santa Cruz Island, the second largest island in the archipelago.
On our way to the rearing center for giant tortoises, we walked through a very green area full of local vegetation like the gigantic prickly pear cactus with a trunk like a tree.
At the research station, we were able to observe, first-hand, the steps taken that have made this center so successful. We had the chance to be very close to the giant tortoises and their babies’ as well as the famous tortoise, the mighty Diego.
Later in the morning, we took buses into the highlands of Santa Cruz for lunch. Many other options were offered, like riding bikes or riding a bus to a local farm where sugar cane is harvested and converted in different products like juice, melasa, and of course as the basis of rum, its fermentation and distillation. There we also learned the process of making organic coffee - harvesting, drying, roasting, and grinding. We had a taste of all products, so some of us had coffee but many had rum…we sure learned the word “fiesta” today!
Afterwards, we had a well-deserved and tasty meal at a local restaurant located about 900 feet away. Some of us continued exploring the area while others opted to have a cool drink and relax.
Soon after, some of us headed to a bus ride searching for Geochelone porteri, Santa Cruz Island’s endemic species of giant tortoise. We had a great time walking in the grass finding tortoises in the area in their natural habitat. We found some that were over 400 pounds with a majestic shell simply staring at us.
Today’s visit was outstanding, and our expedition is about to reach its peak. We are already a big family bounded by the mystical magic called the Galápagos Islands.
