Galapagos Islands Travel Guide

6) Espanola Island

Espanola (or Hood) Island, is one of the oldest and most secluded of the Galapagos Islands. Because of this, the wildlife’s species are also the most unique and prolific. The Hood mockingbird is the only carnivorous of the mockingbird species. The island also has the only marine iguana specie that changes color during the mating season. The cliff in the western tip, called Punta Suarez, is the nesting place for the waved albatross, Galapagos doves and hawks. This is also where one can have some of the best views of Galapagos wildlife. Scuba divers find the small inlets ideal for diving and watching the display of tropical fish, turtles, and sharks.

Address: Espanola

7) Floreana Island

This island is one of the smallest and has the oldest settlement in Galapagos with its famous Post Office barrel. Today, around 100 people inhabit the island. Its rich soils produce a rainbow of native Galapagos flora. There are diverse features, too, like the olivine crystal sands that line the landing beach, the carbonate beach which is home to green sea turtles, a lagoon where flamingos and pintails proliferate, and a the volcanic cone called Devil’s Crown where pelicans and frigates roost and divers commune with fish and sea lions.

Address: Floreana

8) Santiago Island

Santiago (or James, or San Salvador) Island is the fourth largest island in the Galapagos. It is a curiously-shaped island that underwent intense land formations due to volcanic activities. The island has a dormant volcano, called Sugarloaf Volcano, which has become a habitat for Darwin’s finches, Galapagos doves, and lava lizards. On the western coast are blackened beaches, lava pools, cliff crevices, and inlets which are habitats for marine iguanas, crabs, fur seals, sharks, octopuses, moray eels, and a variety of birds.

Address: Santiago

9) Rabida Island

Rabida (Jervis) Island is one of the islands with the most varied geologic formations. Multi-color rocks are splattered all over deep maroon beaches and turquoise waves strike dark steep rocky cliffs. Marine mammals find home in this island, and so do flamingos, finches, pelicans and mocking birds. Tropical fish dance to snorkelers delight at the east fringe of the island.

Address: Rabida

10) Bartolome Island

Just off Santiago Island, there is a small island. Bartolome (Bartholomew) is one island with a desolate and dramatic seascape. It looks like a scene straight from a movie where volcanic lava leave an island barren and quiet. Tourists go to Pinnacle Rock, an odd protuberance which leads to a 327-step climb to an extinct volcano. Lava cacti and lizards will lead you up the walkway. Great views reward a climber at the top. Cruises anchor at the Pinnacle Rock because of Bartolome’s submerged base which has some of the best underwater locations for sighting white-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles and stingrays. Galapagos penguins populate this area and they are often spotted by snorkelers attacking schools of fish.

Address: Bartolome

Where to Eat

The food and dishes served in Galapagos are mainly Ecuadorian treat. Take a plunge and taste the Ecuadorian’s distinct palate and enjoy a cuisine that is different from the usual. There are also places that serve international cuisines, but try the native food and you will find it is as interesting as the Galapagos.

1) Garrapata Restaurant

This is an outdoor restaurant that serves Ecuadorian and Italian cuisines. The place is breezy and ideal for dinner. The price of main course ranges from USD4 to USD9.

Address: Ave. Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz

2) Angermeyer Point

This is a rustic place which should be an interesting location for a romantic dinner. This over-the-water restaurant serves delicious seafood and international dishes. Main course starts at USD11.

Address: Central Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz

3) Restaurant Tintorera

This outdoor restaurant at the northern end of the town serves burgers, lasagna, lobster, Cajun blackened fish, and deserts. Price starts from USD5 to USD15.

Address: Ave. Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz.

4) Rock

This Equadorian restaurant is a hit among tourists and big groups. Their linguini with coconut sauce and lobster is most unforgettable. A serving costs USD12.

Address: Ave. Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz

5) Casa de Lago Café Cultural

Choose a balcony table for a nice view from this cafe. They serve refreshing homemade fruit drinks, empanadas, and homemade ice cream. Price starts at USD5.

Address: Corner of Moises Brito & Juan Montalvo

Where to Stay

You will be out on an adventure most of the day, so choose a hotel that will provide you with a comfortable bed and bath at night, and a warm breakfast in the morning.

1) Hotel Silberstein

Hotel Silberstein
Photo credit: www.hotelsilberstein.com

Hotel Silberstein is a three-star hotel located to Galapagos National Park and the Tortuga Beach. Room rate starts at USD226.

Address: Ave. Charles Darwin y Piqueros, Puerto Ayora

2) Hotel Solymar

The hotel has a restaurant, pool and spa, bar and lounge, and a garden. Wi-Fi access is provided every room. Buffet breakfast is served every morning. Room Rate starts at USD 191.

Address: Ave. Charles Darwin y Tomas de Berlanga, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz

3) Hotel Casa Natura Galapagos

This three-star hotel is close to the sights and beaches of Santa Cruz. The hotel has a pool, lounge, and WiFi access. Rooms are air-conditioned with a city, pool or garden view. Room rate starts at USD 160 per night, including breakfast.

Address: Petrel St y Floreana, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz

4) Galapagos Suites

This hotel is centrally located, near several points of interest. Air-conditioned suites are complete with amenities including WiFi access. Continental breakfast is included in the room rate that starts from USD 152.

Address: Cucuve y Floreana, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz

5) El Castillo Galapagos

This is a beautiful mansion in the center of Santa Cruz where several tourist destinations can be found. Room rate starts at USD 34.

Address: Calle Albatros, Barrio Pampas Coloradas, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz

You may have been to the tallest, biggest, highest, or widest structures, and couldn’t be more enthralled by what you’ve seen. But wait till you set foot on the Galapagos, and be awed and humbled by the beauty of nature. Come close to a primeval paradise, where iguanas stand proud and sea lions laze with droopy eyes. Charles Darwin was a 22-year old young man when he sailed to Galapagos in 1835. Inspired by what he discovered, he eventually came up with his theory of evolution. Come to the Galapagos Islands and see what you, too, will discover!

 

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