LA GALAPAGUERA DE CERRO COLORADO (TORTOISE RESERVE)
The Galápagos National Park established the La Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado on San Cristóbal Island in 2003, and the human-run breeding program for Galápagos giant tortoises has been a success. The reserve maintains a semi-natural habitat, protects the creatures and their defenseless hatchlings from predators, and educates visitors as to the natural history, biology, and conservation efforts regarding the giant tortoises.
CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION
Perhaps one of the most iconic sites of the Galápagos National Park, the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) serves as a biological research station and active breeding center for Galápagos giant tortoises. Though the CDRS works in partnership with many organizations to help conserve the biodiversity of the Galápagos in a variety of ways, the main draw for many visitors who stop by the research station are the giant tortoises.
At the CDRS, visitors can see the Galápagos giant tortoises in every stage of development—from unhatched, incubating eggs to full-grown adults. There’s something endearing about seeing the massive creatures as vulnerable, cute babies and later witness the colossus size of the adults. Visitors can find the CDRS in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz.
LA LOBERÍA
The coral sand beach known as La Lobería lies a short distance from the San Cristóbal airport, and its just teeming with Galápagos sea lions. The National Park protects the large sea lion community inhabiting La Lobería, and visitors can usually catch sight of a dominant male, about 30 females, and of course the adorable sea lion pups that create the harem.
Yellow warblers, Galápagos/Darwin’s finches, and frigatebirds can also be seen at La Lobería flitting through the air or wobbling along the beach. Galápagos marine iguanas also enjoy sun-bathing in the hot sand. Of course, sand isn’t all La Lobería offers. Button and white mangrove, palo santo, morning glory, and other types of littoral zone flora can be found decorating the region as well.
To more fully emerge yourself in the wildlife of Galápagos, consider an active Galapagos Islands tour. Contact us at info@unbound.travel or (800) 214-0579.