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San Cristobal
Although it is not the largest nor the most populated island, San Cristóbal is the capital of the Galapagos Islands and provides a lot of activities and excursions.
It is the easternmost island in the Galapagos Archipelago, and one of the oldest geologically.
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the capital of the archipelago, and is located at the south-western end of the island.
You can search for cheap flightshere.
Two airlines fly directly to San Cristóbal airport from Guayaquil, while flights from Quito make a stop in Guayaquil to refuel. Of all the archipelago, San Cristóbal offers the best waves for surfing. They have heights of 3 to 10 feet, are fast and hollow. If you are passionate about this sport, you cannot miss visiting the beaches of Punta Carola, La Lobería, Manglecito and Puerto Chino.
As for diving, in San Cristóbal you will find several of the most important diving spots in the Galapagos, such as León Dormido, where you can easily find hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, manta rays or turtles, among others.
On all the beaches of San Cristóbal you can find sea lions.
The town offers a modern information center where you can delve into the interesting evolution, history and unique flora and fauna of the archipelago.
You can get to the downtown area of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno from the airport on foot (just 10-15 minutes depending on where your hotel is), or take a taxi for only 2-3 dollars.
ANA GOMEZ
Galapagos Islands Specialist
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It can be your first stop in the Galapagos, since San Cristóbal has an international airport. It also offers ferries and internal flights to Santa Cruz and Isabela through Emetebe and FlyGalapagos airlines, making it a mandatory stop on your vacation to the islands.
You can search for cheap flightshere.
What to do in San Cristobal:
There are numerous activities that you can do on the island on your own and many are completely free. We tell you some of them:
To start with something simple, in the port or promenade area there are very good restaurants where you can eat or have a drink while relaxing watching the sunset or enjoying the sea lions playing or resting in their habitat.
What to do for FREE in San Cristóbal:
MANN BEACH
White sand beach formed by the fragmentation of shells, where you can snorkel and bathe with sea lions. It is located 10 minutes walk from the center. Here you will also find bars and beach bars with sea views. You can alsois to practice kayaking.
LOBERÍA BEACH
It is accessed by taxi, for just $3, or if you prefer, with a walk of about 35 minutes from the center of town. If you want to access it by bicycle, you should know that access by bicycle The beach is prohibited, however, you can park in a parking lot at the entrance to the trail and walk for 10 minutes to access the beach.
As its name indicates, it is a large 2.5km beach of coral sand where you will find a large colony of sea lions. Ideal for surfing and snorkeling.
GIANNI ARISMENDY INTERPRETATION CENTER
Built with the cooperation of the Spanish Science Center, located on the outskirts of Puerto Baquerizo, which provides a very good introduction to the Galapagos Islands, their marine and terrestrial life, fauna and flora.
It is reached by taking Avenida Nortia, heading north, passing Mann Beach, about 15 minutes walk from the center. It can be visited from Monday to Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Additionally, admission is free.
TIJERE HILLTAS
One of my favorite places in the Galapagos.
The trip to the hill is around 1.5 km from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, it takes approximately 15 minutes from the interpretation center to the Tijeretas pier, and another 15-20 minutes to climb the hill.
The name "Earwigs" comes from of the birds known as frigates, due to the shape of their tail. These birds are found in this area in large numbers.
This hill offers a stunning panoramic view of the bay and ocean, with its steep cliffs and turquoise sea. From the top of the hill, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view and watch seabirds fly and dive into the water in search of fish.
Panoramic views of the northwest of the island, where we will see the islet of León Dormido, Isla Lobos, Cerro Brujo, Puerto Baquerizo, Naufragio Bay, Punta Carola Beach and Santa Fe Island.
The area around Cerro Tijeretas is rich in biodiversity and offers the opportunity to observe a wide variety of birds and marine life. In addition to the blue-footed boobies, it is possible to spot fracats, pelicans, Galapagos gulls and other species of seabirds. It is also common to see marine iguanas resting on the rocks and sea lions playing in the water.
Tijeretas Hill offers 4 viewpoints, in one you will find the statue of Charles Darwin, which commemorates his arrival to the Enchanted Islands, since it was the first place he visited in the Enchanted Islands; in another, a US Army cannon; and, in all of them, spectacular views of the Enchanted Islands.
At this wonderful pier you can swim with turtles and sea lions, who will come curiously to swim with you. If you go barefoot, be careful where you put your feet in the areas that do not cover too much, as we observed the presence of some pretty but poisonous stonefish, as well as quite a few sea urchins, so I recommend slippers for swimming here.
Additionally, on Cerro Tijeretas there is the so-called "Tijeretas Staircase", a series of steps that lead to a beautiful bay known as Punta Carola. This beach is a popular place to relax, sunbathe and enjoy the natural surroundings.
San Cristobal Gallery
San Cristóbal Galápagos
San Cristóbal Galápagos
San Cristóbal Galápagos
San Cristóbal Galápagos
And here I leave you a fun video of my friends the wolves in Cerro Tijeretas :)
