10 activities on San Cristóbal, Galápagos

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The great thing about San Cristóbal is that there are so many sights within walking distance of the main town Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Many of them offer plenty of opportunities for wild animals that (normally) do not cost a cent.

We spent three days to explore the many natural wonders of the island and did not have to blow up the bank. If you are lucky enough to visit the Galapagos Islands, take the time to go to San Cristóbal and to visit these less well -known but never overwhelming sights.

1. Centro de interpretación

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This is the best information center on the Galapagos Islands and far exceeds the more popular Charles-Darwin research station on Santa Cruz. Only a 15 -minute walk from our Hotel Casa Opuntia, the exhibitions concentrate on nature conservation, climate and geology as well as the history of the Galápagos that stimulates thinking.

2. Cerro Tijeretas

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Go from the Centro de Interpretación on a small path that leads upwards. This brings you to one of the best prospects on Galápagos.

There is a network around the viewpoint, including one that leads down to Tijeretas Bay, where you can snorkel in crystal clear, turquoise-colored water.

3. Punta Carola and Playa Cabo de Horno

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These two idyllic beaches are exactly what you expect from Galápagos. Unaffected white sandy beaches meet a quiet Pacific root. Sea lions play in the water, while sea lizers continue to catch rays from the beach.

4. La Loberia

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A 30-minute walk in the other direction takes you to La Lobería, a small beach that is frequented by surfers due to the larger waves that break on this side of the island.

There is not much to see while snorkeling, but continue until the beach turns into rocky black lava and start counting the sea lizards. There seem to be hundreds.

5. El Junco-See

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To do this, you have to get a few bikes - at least two. The Laguna El Junco is located about 16 km from the city. The small lake is located in a crater in the highlands of the island.

The lake offers protection for a large bird world. Reaching the lake requires a short climb from the road and offers a worthwhile panoramic view of the island.

6. Habitat of the Galapaguera turtle

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A little further along the main street, the islands cross the most natural feeling of giant turtle areas on the Galápagos Islands. There is no guarantee that you can see adult turtles here because you can move freely through the thicket of the protected area.

However, this is also a breeding center, so that you will definitely see the younger and "middle -aged" turtles - if up to 100 years old can be classified as medium!

7. Puertochino

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Another nine kilometers along the street is a breathtaking small beach that is very popular with the locals. If you come on weekdays, you will enjoy a more peaceful experience. On the weekends, however, you get an impression of how the islanders like to switch off.

As always, there are many wild animals on the Galápagos Islands, including sea lions, sea lips and plenty of coastal birds. I think I let everything get a little bit of my head when I tried to shoot a David Hasselhoff-like shot into my shorts!

8. Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock)

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If you do an expensive tour, do this. Make a 1.5-hour boat trip north around the island to a dramatic rock island called Leon Dormido. There is no beach, but you can snorkel and dive off the coast.

On the dizzying cliffs upstairs you will see fregatt birds, red-scrub-tropic birds and blue-footed oil.

9. Island Lobos

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Some companies combine visiting this tiny rock island and her coast covered with lava with a visit to Leon Dormido. Isla Lobos is teeming with sea lions and birds, including Blaufussötkelpel and Fregattvögel.

Opposite, on the banks of San Cristóbal, Playa Ochoa, a large white sandy beach with a tidal lagoon that houses flamingos and Chatham pickled thrush.

10. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

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Do not ignore the administrative capital of The Galápagos. Strolling through the city during the day and at night, watching the sea lions that settle on the benches by the sea, the marine leguane that capture the sun's rays on the bank wall, and the many red rock crabs that scurry over the rocks.

Break it up with an ice-cold Batido de Mora (berry milk shake) and a rich cake by Mary’s Cakes & Coffee.

The essentials

What: The Galapagos Islands are 960 km west of the Ecuadorian mainland. San Cristóbal is the administrative capital of the archipelago and next to Baltra (Santa Cruz) the only other island that has an airport with international connections. Santa Cruz is a chopped 2.5-hour boat trip ($ 30 per person).

Where: We stayed in the Casa Opuntia, which is located directly on the water and offers a fantastic view of the harbor and its glittering turquoise water. From here you can easily reach the many nearby sights on the island on foot.

For further distant sights, ask Alex to organize incredibly helpful receptionists and miracle offenders, taxis, tours and ferry tickets. There are two pools that are perfect for cooling after a hot day on the island. The hotel serves a good breakfast where they are accompanied by Finken on the terrace, and there is tea, coffee and cold water all day.

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When: The Galapagos Islands have two seasons. The islands are relatively dry all year round, but between January and June the temperatures are hot (30 ° C) and there are regular downpours. From July to December, the temperatures are cooler (22 ° C) and generally drier, but the oceans are more restless and less ideal for diving.

Like: If you fly from the Ecuadorian mainland, there are two options: Guayaquil or Quito. Flights end up on the island of Baltra (Santa Cruz) or on San Cristóbal. The prices fluctuate, but we got a return trip from Guayaquil to Baltra for $ 400 per person. Most flights from Quito hold in both directions in Guayaquil and a flight to San Cristóbal is more expensive than to Baltra. Book flights via skyscanner.net.

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