| DAY 5
HUMEDALES (Wetlands, Hiking)
The beautiful landscape along this route offers one of the richest displays of the flora of the Galapagos archipelago. Thanks to its diversity of soils, Isabella is perhaps the only place in the world where 4 species of mangroves can be seen (red, white, black and button), not individually but growing together, each species practically growing because of another. This hike allows us to see another contrast--life in totally arid zones of volcanic rock, where plants such as escobilla (brush) and palo santo (Incense tree, Lignum-vitae) grow, and in more fertile areas, large carob trees flourish. Prickly Pear and Candelabra cactus are common in the area as well. We will learn about the formation and growth of these plants in these areas. We should also see a young Galapagos tortoise on our walk which was released in the area from the breeding center. Other animals we might see include finches, marine iguanas, boobies, flamingoes, the common morhen, the white-cheeked pintail, and the black-necked stilt.
POZA DE FLAMINGOES. A short walk to visit this place where flocks of flamingoes can nearly always be seen.
LAS TINTORERAS (panga ride, snorkeling, hiking)
This small islet, not far from Puerto Villamil, is named for its small bay filled with transparent and tranquil waters where the white tipped shark, known as the “tintorera”, come to rest. These sharks are carnivores, but are not aggressive towards man. We will view these animals here from a close viewpoint, then later we will be able to snorkel in another area where the sharks can be seen in their natural habitat. Frequently sea lions can be seen relaxing on a small white sand beach nearby, which is also a breeding area for the marine iguana. Recently, a few colonies of Galapagos penguins have located here; this is the second smallest species of penguin in the world measuring only up to 35 cm. in height. The climate in this area is favorable to their feeding and reproduction, and these amazing birds can often be seen here.
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