Galapagos

San Cristobal’s main city is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the archipelago and the second most visited destination during

Galapagos Islands Excursions

. Besides having all the basic touristic facilities, this island is the perfect balance between the remoteness of Isabela and the vibrancy of Santa Cruz.

Choosing

San Cristobal

as a destination for your

Galapagos Islands vacation

, will give you the chance to do and see the most amazing things, while you enjoy the comfort and quality of

Galapagos hotels

and restaurants. Activities like horseback riding, surfing,

hiking

,

snorkeling

,

diving

and boat trips, are available the whole year and can be adapted to almost all ages. You can explore the most astonishing beaches, spend the night camping outdoors, and even visit the biggest fresh water lagoon of the archipelago, as you get closer to the unique

Galapagos Islands animals and plants

.

Don’t miss the Natural Giant Tortoise Reserve, where you will learn more about the amazing Galapagos islands turtles and other endemic Galapagos species. And if you’re the kind of person whose heart melts at the sight of baby sea lions, you’ll probably want to spend one whole day at some of the beaches that are full of them. And wherever you are close to the see, be sure that you’ll be sharing with some emblematic Galapagos islands birds, like

blue-footed boobies

, pelicans and common frigates.

Santa Cruz is the most populated and visited destination of the Galapagos Islands, as it offers the perfect balance between adventures in nature and some urban fun. You will first arrive to the Galapagos Airport located in the small island of Baltra, and after crossing the crystalline waters of the Itabaca Channel, a bus will take you to the city of Puerto Ayora

Once there, you’ll immediately be amazed by the diversity that flaps around in the air. People from all over the world – living there or as part of a Galapagos Tour –; big pelicans, blue-footed Bobbies and

sea lions

passing by you at the pier; and delicious and varied restaurants with amazing menus, are some of the first things your eyes will spot. One of the best things of Santa Cruz, is that you’ll be lucky enough to observe great moments of the

Galapagos Islands wildlife

, without having to do much effort. For something more specialized, the Charles Darwin Research Station is the best place to go. They’ve been working along with the Galapagos National Park for decades, supporting research and promoting conservation projects in the archipelago. When visiting them, you’ll get a much clearer idea of the importance of Galapagos species and its ecosystem, as you learn about the passionate history of the Islands. Furthermore, you’ll get a closer look to some of the biggest and oldest Galapagos tortoises, and the not that famous – but still unique –

Galapagos iguana

If you’re planning to explore the Galapagos and its best destinations, the seahorse shaped island of Isabela is a must do. It’s the biggest one of the archipelago, and most of its territory is formed by volcanoes and protected areas, which is why it’s not that highly populated.

Galapagos Airports are located in Baltra and San Cristobal Islands, and from there you’ll have to sail to Isabela. Once you arrive, you’ll notice some differences from the main touristic cities of the archipelago, like there are no big Galapagos Islands Resorts and not that much vibrancy in the atmosphere, but the authenticity of paradise is guaranteed.

Snorkeling around Puerto Villamil, the main village of Isabela, is one of the best activities to do here and suitable for almost all ages. Natural and breathtaking scenarios, surrounded by mangrove, make amazing spots both for humans as for some of the famous representatives of Galapagos Islands wildlife. If you go for this plan, expect to swim next to sea lions, mantas, sea stars, sharks and even Galapagos Islands penguins!

Another place that’s worth the visit, is the Wall of Tears. This historical place, surrounded by natural beauty, used to be a military base from the USA and then an Ecuadorian prison. For years, the convicts were forced to build a wall out of volcanic rocks with their bare hands, and under the tough conditions of the Galapagos weather, which is why the attractions has this symbolic name. The quietness of the place, only interrupted by the signing of Galapagos finches and the sound of Galapagos Islands lizards running around, we’ll surely take you to a peaceful and contemplative state.

The remarkable Galapagos Islands never cease to amaze us, and if you’re the kind of plant lover traveler, some of the more than 500 hundred native Galapagos species of

flora

will surely leave a trace in your memory.
It’s said that many of these plants came to the islands carried by the wind, the feet of migratory birds or even their feces. Over the centuries –as with everything in the archipelago– they adapted to the tough conditions of the Galapagos weather and a completely unique, marvelous and delicate ecosystem was created.

During your hikes around the islands, pay close attention to species like the Darwin’s Cotton Plant – an endemic type of Gossypium with a gorgeous, tropical-sized yellow flower; the Tuna Cactus with its own Galapagos specie and widely spread through the archipelago; the shrub Galapagos Lantana with its tiny white flower bouquets, or the tall and beautiful Scalecia trees that form breathtaking forests, among many others. It’s just a matter of showing interest in the subject, and a whole new world of unexpected beauty will be added to your Galapagos Islands travel.
Sadly, Galapagos native flora is endangered due to factors like the uncontrollable presence of invasive animals and plants, as well as the unrestrained increase of unconscious tourism. This affects directly the survival of Galapagos wildlife, which is why many conservation efforts are being done for some years now, through local and international foundations in coordination with the Galapagos National Park. You can learn more about it in the

Charles Darwin Foundation

.

If you’re reading this while planning your long-desired Galapagos travel, you’ve probably been dreaming about seeing closely the amazing animals shown in postcards, worldwide TV programs and awarded photographs. Galapagos giant tortoise, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos birds, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos iguana… there are so many endemic animals! And seeing them can be so easy, that coming on an adventure to these magical islands will likely be one of the best choices of your life.

Regardless of the island you choose as a base, it will surely welcome you with the sight of some beautiful animals wondering around people´s daily life. In Santa Cruz or San Cristobal, where the main Galapagos Islands airports are located, you just have to go to the pier to get near some sweet sea lion’s families, or watch the silhouette of sharks, fishes and mantas swimming together in the aquamarine ocean. And for something more specialized, find a tour that fits your needs and desires, and spend your days exploring deeply the fauna of Galapagos, Ecuador.

You can visit rescue centers for giant turtles and iguanas, take some hikes through nature to see nice little creatures like the Galapagos Island lizards and the famous Galapagos finches, or dive inside the crystalline waters to encounter all kinds of exotic and breathtaking marine species.

What’s very important for you to have always in mind, is that none of these animals can be touched, no matter how beautiful or sweet you think they are. Keep your distance and remember that the Galapagos National Park is a protected area, and that your respectful visit has the power to support the conservation of this awesome destination.