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GALAPAGOS ISLANDS HIGHLIGHTS
Map

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SAN CRISTOBAL
(Chatham)

Also known as Chatham,
San Cristobal is the easternmost island in the Galapagos and one of the oldest.

This is where Darwin first went ashore in 1835.

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VISITOR SITE WHAT TO SEE

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
with 4,000 inhabitants, located on the southeast coast, is the Capital of the Province of Galapagos. Another small town, El Progreso, is the oldest surviving settlement in the Galapagos, established in 1869. The Interpretation Center,  inaugurated in 1998, consists of various exhibits including human history, natural history and conservation. It is located in a natural setting with the express purpose to enhance the educational experience.

Interpretation Center
Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock)
a spectacular rock formation and important nesting site for Tropic Birds, Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies and Frigate Birds.

Tropic Birds
Blue-footed Boobies

 Nazca Boobies
Frigate Birds

Cerro Brujo
A long beautiful white, powder-sand beach and short trail. Wet landing.

sea lions
pelicans

 blue-footed boobies
marine iguanas

Playa Ochoa
An easy wet landing with a short trail leading to an inviting white coral beach, with an area of approximately 160 meters.

Galapagos sea lion colonies
semi terrestrial hermit crab
Chatham mockingbird
magnificent frigate bird
marine iguana
brown pelican

 candelabra cactus
Galapagos croton
poisons apple
matazarno
salt bush
incense tree
Galapaguera
With one of the longest hikes (4 miles), the trail goes up the slopes of San Cristobal’s well eroded shield volcano, taking guests through the arid zone. Along the way, one can spot some of the last individuals of the San Cristobal giant tortoise population living in the wild – here they were hunted almost to extinction during the late 19th century. After the invigorating hike, enjoy a swim to cool off.

San Cristobal giant tortoise
Darwin finches

 other land birds including the endemic Chatham mockingbirds
Punta Pitt
Located on the northeastern side of San Cristobal Island. Pitt Point is an eroded tuff cone with a trail ascending from the beach that provides spectacular views of the shoreline. This is the only site in the Galapagos where the three species of boobies can be found together.

Blue-footed boobies
red-footed boobies
Nazca booby

 two frigate species
colony of bachelor sea lions
Cerro Colorado
A 45 minute bus ride from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, takes you to the highlands of San Cristobal and the Tortoise Reserve at Cerro Colorado. The Natural Park Service has created this site to preserve and re-establish the population of giant tortoises of San Cristobal Island, affected due to hunting by early colonizers. Hike through a transition forest.

San Cristobal giant tortoise

 terrestrial birds such as finches, mockingbirds and doves

ISLA LOBOS (near San Cristobal):
This small island is separated from the main island by a narrow stretch of calm waters.The atmosphere is one of tranquility and scenic primitve beauty.

Blue footed boobies
sea lions

 endemic lava lizards
palo santo