Dream place to go for all nature and animal lovers, the Galapagos Islands are unique for many reasons. Located about 650 miles from the coast of Ecuador, the archipelago comprises 16 larger islands and over 40 smaller islets, most of which inhabited and others only populated by wildlife.
What makes the Galapagos stand out is the unique eco-system which led unique evolution of animal species. Because the islands were uninhabited before the 16th century, animals never have learned to fear humans and so have remained virtually fearless. Giant turtles, iguanas, birds and other exotic species live tranquilly alongside with humans. To obtain the most comprehensive Galapagos experience, travelers usually go on a cruise that takes them to various sites on the number of islands. However, it is also possible to things to do in Santa Cruz go to the archipelago by doing island hopping.
Santa Cruz is the archipelago's main island, with all the region capital, Puerto Ayora. It is the perfect destination to start your island hopping experience, nevertheless there is much to see. what is there to do in Santa Cruz Most of the island's 10,000 inhabitants are now living in or around Puerto Ayora, but there's also farm settlements inland. Santa Cruz will be the economic center with the archipelago plus an inevitable stop on any vacation to the Galapagos.
The center of attention around the island may be the Darwin Research Center. The center was established in 1959 through the government of Ecuador and also the International Charles Darwin Foundation, about Twenty or so minutes from Puerto Ayora. The guts provides visitors using a comprehensive summary of the history, geology, geography and wildlife from the Galapagos. Visitors can also admire a colony of rare sub-species of tortoise maintained on the station.
There are a variety of noteworthy sites to see on the island. Boasting over 5 different eco systems with various forms of vegetation, Santa Cruz is most beneficial seen when hiking inland. One must-see site is Los Gemelos, a set of twin sinkholes formed by way of a collapsed ground over a fault. There is also several lava tubes scattered inside the islands. Travelers can hike in the tunnels and admire the ceilings filled with stalactites.
An excellent excursion on Santa Cruz would be to the El Chato Tortoise Reserve that features a 7-km hike along a trail. If you aren't interested in walking, you can also go ahead and take trip on horseback. Near the tortoise reserve can be a beautiful Butterfly Ranch where giant tortoises generally roam free (during the dry season only).