Today we arrived at Santa Cruz Island, the vibrant heart of the Galápagos archipelago. With its lush highlands, bustling town of Puerto Ayora, and blend of natural beauty and conservation efforts, Santa Cruz offers a unique window into both the human and wild sides of island life. As we walked among the rolling pastures and forest groves, we encountered many ancient, slow-moving giant tortoises. Some were grazing quietly in the grass, others resting in muddy pools. Their presence was humbling — living relics from another time, some over a century old.