Isla Santa Cruz

After breakfast we have visited Puerto Ayora (on Isla Santa Cruz). On Isla Santa Cruz is the world famous Charles Darwin Research Station as well as the giant tortoises rearing center “Fausto LLerena “. We were going to the Charles Darwin Research Station. On our way we came across the local fishmarket. Especially fun to see, were the pelicans and sealions begging for fish. Vismarkt-1 Vismarkt-2

After this we walked to the Charles Darwin Research Station. This is one of the best places to see giant tortoises, including the place where Lonesome George used to live.

Charles Darwin visited the Galápagos Islands aboard the research vessel Beagle in September 1835. He spent approximately five weeks studying the geology and biology of four of the islands. His findings during this visit to the archipelago contributed to Darwin’s development of his ideas about the evolution of species: the theory of evolution.

We visited the Charles Darwin Research Station. Darwin

At the Charles Darwin Research Station you can find baby tortoises the size of a hand, between the ages of one and five years old and marvel at how they achieve such large sizes as adults (500 lbs. or more!). Galápagos tortoises are believed to have a lifespan of over 100 years, so the young ones have a long life ahead of them as long as they receive the protection they need. Schildpad-1 Schildpad-2 Schildpad-3 Schildpad-4

Puerto Ayora is the largest town on Isla Santa Cruz and the economic center of the Galápagos. In this portside town you can find shops and the local market where you can buy the unique Galápagos handicrafts.

After shopping in Puerto Ayora we had lunch on the boat. Then we explored the highlands or “ parte alta ” of the island. This is a moisture-rich area with fertile volcanic soils. The guide todl about the vegetation and animal life of this zone, which often differs strikingly from that found at lower elevations.

Darwin’s Finches, yellow warblers, and bright red Vermillion flycatchers flew in and out of the moss-covered trees.

From this high vantage point we were treated to beautiful views of the surrounding archipelago.