Our day on Santa Cruz Island began with a visit to one of the most iconic and important conservation sites in the Galápagos, the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center. Nestled just outside Puerto Ayora, this facility plays a crucial role in the ongoing effort to preserve the future of the Galápagos giant tortoise.
We were able to observe tortoises at various stages of development, from hatchlings no larger than a coconut to massive adults with shells that bore the weight of centuries. Our guides explained the breeding program’s history and the meticulous care involved in raising these gentle giants until they are strong enough to be released back into their native habitat.
In the afternoon, we journeyed into the highlands of Santa Cruz where the landscape shifted dramatically. Moist, green, and mist-laced, the highlands offered a stark contrast to the arid lowlands. It is here, in this lush environment, that we encountered giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. The experience of seeing these prehistoric creatures ambling through the grass, grazing calmly and occasionally soaking in muddy pools, was nothing short of awe-inspiring. We had time to walk among them, observe their slow but purposeful movements, and appreciate the grandeur of these ancient animals in the wild.
