Santa Cruz

Center of the archipelago is Santa Cruz island where the volcanic activity has long ceased. It is the islands with the biggest human population, mostly centered in the port city of Puerto Ayora. On the south shore of Santa Cruz, Puerto Ayora is a pretty little oceanside community with many hotels, hostels, restaurants, dive shops, art galleries, and gift shops. There are a few ATM machines located by the main habor, Academy Bay, and further east along Av Charles Darwin on the way to the Charles Darwin Center.

Puerto Ayora is where the administratif center of the Galalapagos National Park and Charles Darwin Station are located. To get to Santa Cruz you must cross the canal of Itibaca on a ferry. The cost is about .80 cents. Then from the ferry you can take a taxi (15$) or a bus (1.80$) to Puerto Ayora, approximatly a 40 minute journey across the island

The airport is located on Baltra Island. This was the site of a US Air Force Base during World War II. After the war the facilities were given to the government of Ecuador. Today the island continues as an official military base, but more importantly Baltra serves at the principle airport to the Galapagos Islands with daily flights to and from. Upon arrival passengers must show their passport, INGALA Visitor Control Card and pay their Galapagos Park Fees.

Charles Darwin Research Station, by visiting the facilities of the Darwin Station and National Park it is hoped that the visitors will begin to realize that not only scientists, but also professional administrators and park wardens must exert an enormous cost in an effort to maintain the islands ecosystems. The money goes to preserving the endangered species which exist on the islands and maintaining their natural state, so people may enjoy seeing them for many years to come.

Other destinations to visit on your own on Santa Cruz are Tortuga Bay with baby powder white sand, magic blue waters, and marine iguanas. It is only 2.5 Km from Puerto Ayora on a nice brick path. Las Grietas is a fantastic place to see. It is rock gorge with crystal clear pool which is great for swimming or jumping of the sides of the gorge into the water which is about 10 meters deep and you can see the bottom. Wear shoes though, the path is over rough lava boulders, but worth the trip. There are Lava Tubes at El Mirador (3 km from Pto. Ayora) where you can go into the earth at one place and come out 30 minutes later at another place.

Intact stands of vegetation zones, including dense scalesia forest and miconia, are some of the homes of unique Galapagos wildlife. The archipelago's most accessible population of giant tortoises can be found in this region of the Highlands. There are some of some 85 species of birds here, including nine Darwin's finches, rarities such as Galapagos rails, breeding dar-rumped petrels, and many other vagrant species.

The trail to the highlands leaves Bellavista and passes through the agricultural zone and then, near the National Park boundary, the Miconia zone and the "pampa" or zone of low vegetation typical of the high areas of Galapagos. With clear weather (unpredictable) this area affords beautiful scenes of rolling hills and extinct volcanic cones covered with grass and lush greenery all rear round. Highlands feature giant tortoises, vermilion flycatchers, woodpecker finches, Galapagos rails and short eared owls.

Turtle Cove (Caleta Tortuga), one of the impressive Galapagos marine sites, consists of a deep maze of sea water inlets among the Mangrove trees. The tranquil lagoon of Caleta Tortuga supports golden and spotted eagle rays, small sharks, and sea turtles resting and sometimes mating. You will find birds like herons, wader, Blue Footed Boobies, Pelicans, and Brown Nottys. Playa Bachas supports greater flamingos and waders. You will also see some marine igunas and sea turtle nest.

Cerro Dragon is a newly opened visitor site located on the north end of Santa Cruz Island. This is one of the best places in the islands to see the land iguana. Here you will trek inland to see the large Land Igunas of the Galapagos. You will also see finches, warblers, and mockingbirds. There is a saltwater lagoon where lucky visitors may see Pintail Ducks or Flamingos.

Los Gemelos is located in the Santa Cruz highlands, Los Gemelos (“the Twins”) refers to two large sinkholes which were formed by collapsing underground lava tunnels. The big attraction here is the Scalasia forest. Scalasia is a sort of tree endemic to Galapagos. Many endemic and native species call it home. Los Gemelos is the best place in Galapagos to see the dazzling, elusive Vermillion Flycatcher. Darwin finches are also commonly sighted there. There are hiking opportunites here; the trail conditions can be varied and you should use caution.

Mosquera is a small island located between North Seymour and Baltra islands.This island consists of a long narrow stretch of white sand beach with rocks, and tide pools. Mosquera was created by a geological uplift. The island looks flat in comparsion to the conical shape of the volcanically formed islands.

Mosquera is a great place for visitors to wander without the typical restrictions of the other islands. It's ideal for snorkeling, strolling on the beach, and enjoying the animal life!