:: GALAMOUNTAIN Tour Operation

DAY 6

SANTA CRUZ

Santa Cruz Island, also known as Indefatigable, is located near the center of the archipelago. Its land area is about 985 square kilometers, and it is the island with the largest human population in the Galapagos--about 15,000 residents. 90% of this island is included in the Galapagos National Park. The coastal areas include several beautiful beaches and bays with marine turtles and birds. From the coast, one can travel through several different vegetation zones and territories of the Galapagos tortoise to Cerro Crocker (870 m), with its amazing views.

CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION

We will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, which has been working to help in the recovery of native Galapagos species in danger of extinction and in programs to eradicate introduced species. The station has also collaborated in the training of Galapagos guides and scientists involved in tourism, and has worked to develop environmental education for the population of the islands. It operates stations on Isabela and San Cristobal islands in addition to Santa Cruz, and coordinates its activities with Galapagos National Park, making it a model of cooperative work between a private and public institution with the common goal of preserving and protecting the ecosystems of the islands. The visitors center here offers an excellent insight into the work of the Station, as well as the history and challenges faced in the islands today.

LAVA TUNNELS (trekking, adventure)

A walk around these enormous lava tunnels provides further insight into the formation of these incredible islands. Formed by the solidification of the surface of a lava flow, the insides of these formations are hollow due to the continuing flow of hot lava on the inside of the tunnels when the outer shell had solidified. North of Puerto Ayora, a place called Rancho Las Primicias has a small partially collapsed lava tunnel just a few meters off of the road. Surrounded by native vegetation of the arid zone, this place offers the chance to see a lava tunnel surrounded by native flora and fauna of the area. Return to Puerto Ayora to enjoy a good lunch, and leave for Bahia Tortuga.

TORTUGA BAY (Kayaking, beach)

This is one of the most extensive white sand beaches of the islands, a great place to swim, kayak or just walk on the beach. We walk through a diverse forest for about 45 minutes, where a variety of species can be observed, then spend about 45 minutes in our sea kayaks. Marine iguanas, sharks and marine turtles can all be seen here along with watching a variety of marine birds. After our kayaking, we can walk about 2.5 km to a small, calm beach surrounded by mangroves, including an area of dunes perfect for the breeding of sea turtles.

Camping backpackers

camping galapagos

backpacker to galapagos

Economic Galapagos

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GALAPAGOS ISLAND HOPPING

galapagos yacht cruises

Galamountain Address: Juan León Mera N24-220 y Lizardo García - Quito - Ecuador
Phone: (593-2) 2502-318 Fax: (593-2) 2238-312 Skype: galamountain1
E-mail: galamountain@gmail.com |

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Formed by volcanic eruptions over millions of years, they are located a very remote 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. These islands remain shockingly unspoilt and are where Charles Darwin invented the theory of evolution after studying the islands' many different species of Finches. Thus, the islands remain of high scientific importance. e fact they are located so far from the coast and weren't inhabited by humans until 150 years ago, has helped the hundreds of species of animals develop over 1000's of years without the slightest fear of human beings.This fearless wildlife is unmistakably one of the biggest reasons to visit as truly no where else on the planet will one encounter animals in their original, natural, wild habitat that are absolutely not bothered in the least by the presence of humans. In fact, in the case of land iguana, you have to be careful not to step on them because many just refuse to move!The species found on Galapagos are often endemic, meaning they cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Some of these include land tortoises, the Galapagos Penguin (the 2nd smallest in the world), land and marine iguanas, Darwin Finches, the famous Blue-footed Booby and it's cousin the Red-footed Booby.harks (Galapagos shark, white tipped shark and the extremely rare and fascinating Hammerhead, among others). For birds, a small sample include Frigates and its similar cousin the Cormorant, Flamingos, Pelicans, the enormous Albatross. The water is of course crystal clear and the snorkeling and diving there is among the best in the world (ask any expert!).