Isla Isabela (Caleta Tagus + Punta Espinoza) This morning we went to Caleta Tagus (Tagus Cove). Caleta Tagus is a historic sheltered bay on the west coast of Isla Isabela, west of the Darwin volcano. It is known as a favorite spot and former anchorage for pirates and whalers. There is also a trail that leads to the salt lake Laguna Darwin with views of volcanoes. We walked the trail. The entire distance of the trail is about 1800 meters. At the beginning of the walk, going up and passing the staircase, is a small cave where you will find inscriptions dating to the 1800s. ...

Isla Isabela (Punta Moreno + Bahía Elizabeth) After a long boat trip we arrived this morning at Punta Moreno on the west coast of Isla Isabela. Punta Moreno is known for its vast black lava fields and unique adapted flora. We went ashore on a lava field. The vegetation found in this area is sparse and is mainly concentrated in the mangrove area and around the lakes. However there are 3 kinds of cacti found here: • Lava cactus (Brachycereus nesioticus): a pioneer species that grows directly on lava fields • Opuntia cactus (prickly pear): recognizable by its disc-shaped segments • Jasminocereus thouarsii (candelabra cactus): a large columnar cactus ...

Isla Isabela Today we visited Isla Isabela. Isla Isabela is the largest island in the Galápagos archipelago. The island was formed by 6 volcanoes that grew together. First we went to Puerto Villamil. This is the largest town on Isabela with approximately 2000 inhabitants. Puerto Villamil is located right in front of a white sand beach and is one of the most beautiful spots in the islands. After that went to the Humedales. Humedales is the Spanish word for “wetlands”. This is an area with mangroves, swamps, and lakes just outside the town of Puerto Villamil. The small brackish water lagoons create the perfect environment for a small type of shrimp that serves as the food for the island’s flamingos. ...

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. 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. ...

Isla Sante Fé en Isla Plazas After breakfast we visited Isla Santa Fé. Isla Santa Fé is located southeast of Isla Santa Cruz. The island is uninhabited. Tourists are allowed to go ashore at Barrington Bay. The island has the greatest variety of native animal species of all the Galapagos Islands. When we arrived on the island, we were treated to a noisy welcome from the local sea lion colony. With our guide we walked along the paths on the island. The main attraction of Isla Santa Fé is a towering forest of giant cacti. ...