8 octubre, 2019

San Cristóbal, the best to know the Galapagos Islands

San Cristóbal is the capital of the Galapagos Islands. Next to Santa Cruz Island, it is the most visited since most commercial flights from the mainland land at its airport.

It is not the largest (that is Isabela) nor the most populated (which is Santa Cruz) but we can say that it is the favorite island of sea lions. There are so many that you will find them on the pier, in the playgrounds, in the restaurants and even sunbathing in a hammock.

San Cristóbal is also the favorite island to surf in Galapagos for its wonderful beaches where you can take a great wave accompanied by turtles, sea lions or rays.

¿Where is San Cristóbal Island located?

San Cristóbal is located on the easternmost side of the Galapagos Islands, to the right of Santa Cruz Island
The island was named in honor of San Cristóbal, because it is the patron of sailors. The capital of the island, and of the archipelago is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and is located on the southwest coast.

Free and low cost activities on San Cristobal Island

Tijeretas Hill

It is called earwigs since this is the name by which they commonly refer to frigates. You can get here after a 30-minute walk from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. On the way there are several viewpoints and when you go down, you can snorkel for free and see a variety of marine species, including turtles and wolves.

It is a magnificent excursion to enjoy a quiet morning and disconnect from the world. Enjoy relaxing strolling, take the opportunity to take a bath in the enabled points, and open your eyes well to not miss any of the species that you will find on your way.

Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center

In this place of free visit you can take a tour of the history of the Galapagos Islands. Here you will find a lot of information about everything you are going to visit on the islands, and it will help you to better understand the reality of Galapagos, its ecosystem and its people.

You will be able to know everything about the hard work done by the park guides to inform and educate tourists, as well as the work that has been done by the institutions to maintain the Islands as we know them today.

If you decide to plan an excursion to Tijeretas, you can make a stop at this center before continuing your walk.

The Junco

The main objective of Galapagos Low Cost is to offer plans that save you money. Without doubt, an ideal plan in San Cristóbal, and very economical is to visit the following three places that we propose.

In Puerto Baquerizo, you can take a taxi that takes you to the beach of Puerto Chino, and you can make two stops that are worth making:

The lagoon of El Junco and the galapaguera of Cerro Colorado.

Cerro Colorado Parenting Center

A few kilometers from the El Junco lagoon, and on your way to the beach of Puerto Chino you will find this giant turtle or Galapagueras breeding center, which is as they are commonly known.

This area of the island is one of the few areas where you can find the Galapagos Calandrina, flower of beautiful petals and long stamens.

In this center, in addition to having numerous specimens of the giant tortoise of San Cristóbal, they will tell you more about the endemic species of this island, and their differences with those of the other islands of the archipelago.

Surf in Punta Carola, La Loberia and Tongo Reef

If your passion is surfing, or you just want to try the experience, San Cristobal offers an extensive offer for surfing, and in general, water sports.

¿How to get to San Cristobal Island in Galapagos?

Direct flight from the Continent

If you arrive at the San Cristóbal airport, you must take a taxi to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where the island’s commerce is concentrated. The price of the trip is usually $ 1 (yes, one dollar) since it is very close to the city.

From Santa Cruz by boat

In the main populated islands of Galapagos there is a daily boat service that costs approximately $ 30 between islands.