After several days visiting the most remote areas of the Enchanted Isles, early today we dropped anchor at Academy Bay, Santa Cruz. In the heart of the archipelago, this island is the home to the largest human population of Galápagos, with Puerto Ayora being the busiest town. This is the location of the Charles Darwin Research Station, established in 1964; this scientific station has provided key information regarding the natural history of the islands, without which the management of such a fragile place would not be possible. This is where the Galápagos National Park Service operates its Giant Tortoise Rearing Centre, which has been vital in the restoration of the tortoise dynasty on various islands, amongst other projects. Today we disembarked and made our way to visit both centers, and get a chance to learn more about this emblematic species of the Galapagos Islands.
After this visit we had the opportunity to walk towards colorful Puerto Ayora; with its fishermen’s wharf and its souvenir shops, this is certainly a buzzing town. Once the shopping frenzy was over, several buses took us to the highlands of Santa Cruz. One group of guests decided to visit the Tomas de Berlanga School, a school that we strongly support, which aims to educate the future leaders of the islands. Others decided to visit a family-run farm called El Trapiche; its owners cultivate both coffee and sugar cane, and they were happy to explain the artisanal processes they use in order to obtain various products that they sell locally.
After a delicious lunch at Aquelarre, a restaurant set in the middle of some beautiful gardens, we took our buses up to a different farm, right in the transition zone of vegetation of Santa Cruz. The lucky owner of this farm is happy to welcome the migratory wild giant tortoises that travel across his property, wandering around between their natural foraging grounds and their reproductive grounds. Of course, tortoises are not interested in boundaries and fences, and depending on the weather temperature and rainfall of the year they move between higher and lower grounds, or the protected and the farming areas of the island. We found many individuals of several sizes at El Manzanillo ranch, most of which were totally oblivious to our presence. Such gigantic and gentle creatures certainly inspire a lot of respect, and we were happy to learn that their status in the islands is so optimistic.
After such a busy day, it was time to return back to the ship, where we could have some rest and learn what to expect tomorrow, the last day of our expedition. But one more surprise awaited us after dinner: the show presented by local musicians and dancers with beautiful dresses and choreographies.
It was a wonderfully varied and intense day... it is certain that every day is different and exciting in the Enchanted Isles!
