San Cristobal Island Galapagos | Natural History and visitor information for San Cristobal and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

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San Cristobal

San Cristobal or Chatham the easternmost island of Galapagos is also one of the oldest. Eroded volcanic peaks in the northern part of the island and rich vegetation in the southern portion characterize the island. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the principal town is the provincial capital and the second largest settlement area in the islands.

Home to one of the Galapagos Islands' two airports many visitors will begin and end their tour here. With a relatively good infrastructure including hotels, restaurants, buses, taxis and visitor information it is one of the easiest islands for people interested in exploring the islands on their own.

An easy walk from town Frigatebird Hill offers a fantastic vista. San Cristobal's highlands are sprinkled with farms, the island's first settlement El Progresso and El Junco, the only freshwater lake in Galapagos.

Red-Footed, Blue-Footed and Masked Boobies make their home on the eastern side of the island at Punta Pitt. A two-hour hike down shore from Punta Pitt wild tortoises can be seen at La Galapaguera.

Cruise to spectacular Kicker Rock, or Leon Dormido, the jagged remains of an old tuff cone whose flanks are covered with seabirds.

Staying on San Cristobal

Visits on San Cristobal

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the provincial capital of the Galapagos and the second largest settlement area in the islands and home to one of the island's two main airports. It originated as a penal colony more than a hundred years ago. Now a sleepy town overlooking the harbor known for its relaxed attitude. The beaches near town are one of the few places where visitors are allowed to camp in the islands, the National Park Information Site located just outside of town is happy to provide information. There are a number of hotels and restaurants available for those interested in staying a few extra days in the area to explore some of the local visitor sites.

In 1998 the Galapagos National Park Visitor Center was opened in Puerto Bacquerizo. The new buildings, lush gardens and sweeping ocean views are a strong contrast to the 1960's style buildings at the Charles Darwin Center, exhibits include the island's natural history, human interaction, ecosystems and flora and fauna.

It is also the place where cultural activities take place, including theatre, exhibitions and workshops. From the Visitor Center it is a short walk to Frigatebird Hill.

Frigate Bird Hill

A short hike from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno it is a nice way to spend the afternoon. To reach Frigate bird Hill the trail begins starts just on the road beyond Cabañas Don Jorge. At the end of the road there are two paths one leading through the woods and the along Playa Mann Beach and the other up a rocky path. A pleasant journey goes up one way and returns along the other path.

The trip to the Hill takes approximately 20-40 minutes. Once there visitors are treated to a spectacular view of the white beaches on one side and the roofs of Puerto Baquerizo on the other. The hill is often visited by Frigate birds, giving it its name. Both Magnificent Frigate birds and Great Frigate birds can be seen. The birds are not always present, making it is best to ask park officials as to the best times to see the birds when planning your trip.

Highlands

San Cristobal's Highlands are normally only visited by locals and those visitors who extend their stay in Puerto Baquerizo.

Though local guides are available in town, the Highlands are one of the few areas within the islands where visitors are not required to travel with a guide. It is possible to do your own exploration either by foot or by hiring a truck in town.

The route from Puerto Baquerizo follows the signs marked for El Progresso. This small town was established as a penal colony in 1888 by Manuel Cobos. The prisoners were treated a slaves and developed a sugar cane and coffee plantation.

The steep road narrows as it climbs the sides of the extinct volcano. At the summit visitors are treated to a spectacular view of the El Junco Lagoon. Rainwater and condensation have collected in the caldera for hundreds of years creating this haven for Frigatebirds. The lake supplies water both for the people of the island and for many of the tourist boats. Hiking around the lake offers views of practically the entire island including San Joaquin Hill the island's highest point.

Traveling to San Joaquin Hill is best done by bus or by truck. It is important to remember to bring rain gear with you just in case. The journey offers visitors a glimpse of the island's many zones and their eco-systems. The summit at nearly 2400 feet (720 m) brings visitors above the tree line.

Isla Lobos

Heading up the coast from Wreck Bay and Puerto Baquerizo, you will see Isla Lobos across a small channel off the coast of San Cristobal. The basalt island outcropping lives up to its name of "Sea Lion Island" with a noisy population of frolicking and barking beasts. It is also a nesting place for blue-footed boobies and an excellent spot for snorkeling.

Kicker Rock

Kicker Rock (León Dormido), is located of the coast of San Cristobal. The remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea, the two vertical rocks rising 500 feet from the ocean form a small channel that is navigable by small boats. This natural monument has become a favorite sight for cruises due to the many Tropicbirds, Frigates and boobies that fill the surrounding air.

Beneath the sea the nearly crystal waters offer a brilliant show of colorful tropical fish and invertebrates.

Due to the sheer vertical pitch of the rock face, landings are not possible however many cruises do spend 45 minutes to an hour allowing you to enjoy the full experience.

La Loberia

A short 10 minute bus ride from Puerto Baquerizo is La Lobería. Traveler's frequently not the unusual color of the plants as they near the beach.

La Lobería home to a large sea lion colony and nursery. There are frequently dozens of sea lions visible at any time. Low tide is one of the best times to visit however, since it is when the mother's bring the pups into the tide pools for swimming lessons.