The Galápagos Islands is one of the few remaining places on earth that is relatively untouched. This is one of the archipelagos in the world where you can walk together with tortoises, interact with sea lions, and be in awe at the flora and fauna that you’ll never see from other places. A trip to these volcanic islands can make for a wonderful experience because of their rich wildlife and natural landscape that are unlike anything on the planet. So, if you’re planning a trip to the Galápagos Islands, you should better check out these top five must-see attractions.
Kicker Rock
One of the most popular places to visit in Galápagos is the Kicker Rock or locally known as León Dormido. The site is the remains of a volcanic cone that has been eroded by the sea for several hundred years. The eroded cone of the extinct volcano takes the shape of a sleeping lion, hence the name, León Dormido. The erosion has also caused a split which created a narrow channel allowing small boats to pass through. Hence, you can get an amazing view as you sail around this monolithic rock formation.
Kicker Rock is also popular among scuba divers because of the white-tipped reef sharks that are found in and around the area. Sea turtles and rays are also a common sight in the small channel. Just a quick reminder though that going to Kicker Rock on your own is not allowed as visits to the site are regulated by the Galapagos National Park which is Ecuador’s first national park. You must be accompanied by an authorized guide if you want to go snorkelling or scuba diving.
El Chato Tortoise Reserve Or Reserva El Chato
A trip to Galápagos won’t be complete if you don’t get to see a giant tortoise face-to-face. With that said, you must include the El Chato Tortoise Reserve on Santa Cruz Island in your itinerary. You can also find other endemic species on the reserve such as Darwin finches and short-eared owls.
The site is frequented by thousands of tourists all year round. Rangers are also in the area who work to conserve the area because it is one of the few places on earth where you can spot a giant tortoise in its natural habitat. Today, rangers are preserving the park by hunting predators and buildings wall around the reserve to prevent intruding animals from preying on the tortoises.
Visitors from other countries praise the beauty of this wildlife sanctuary. They also note how the reserve has a huge number of giant tortoises that’ll leave you in shock. Aside from that, the reserve also features an on-site restaurant and tunnels made from cooled and hardened lava.
Sierra Negra Volcano
Sierra Negra is one of the largest and most active volcanoes in the Galápagos Islands. It stands nearly 4,500 feet high on Isabela Island. Tourists from around the world are drawn to this majestic volcano because of its expansive caldera that is over six miles in diameter and the glowing fumaroles around the area. Although there has been no recorded volcanic activity since 2005, seismologists are still keeping an eye on it to ensure the safety of everyone there.
You’ll have the opportunity to explore different kinds of geologic features around this active geothermal area such as thermal vents and fresh lava fields. Guided tours are also available throughout the year. Just be sure to bring plenty of snacks and water with you since the trek is quite long and challenging. Moreover, there are no facilities available along the trail.
Tortuga Bay
Tortuga Bay makes for an excellent summer spot for you to enjoy usual beach activities such as sunbathing, swimming, or snorkelling. It’s important to note how swimming directly on the main beach at Tortuga is strictly forbidden for safety reasons because of the strong currents. Swimming is only allowed at the nearby cove, which is safer. You can even go kayaking there.
The site is not just popular because of its stunning beach, but also because it’s a wildlife sanctuary. This is where you can find thousands of marine iguanas, Galapagos crabs, and sea turtles which lay their nests on the white sand beach.
Birdwatching is also quite common in Tortuga Bay because of the interesting array of bird species residing in the area. You can find pelicans, finches, and flamingos around the area.
Isla Lobos
Lobos Island, locally called Isla Lobos, is an islet located nearly six miles from San Cristobal Island. It has a white sand beach and is also quite popular among tourists because of what it has to offer.
The island gets its name from the sea lions that have settled here. This is one of the few places on earth where you can see a very huge population of sea lions. You can find them on the white sand sunbathing, lying on the rugged rocks, or see more of them enjoying a swim in the water. Aside from sea lions, the island is also home to a couple of lava lizards, snakes, and marine iguanas. There are also some species of rays, tropical fish, crabs, and sea turtles that can be found around the area.
Any time of the year is good for visiting Lobos Island because the wildlife here is also present all year round. The place is also a good spot for snorkelling because the waters between San Cristobal and the island are relatively calm.
Conclusion
Astonishing landscapes, jaw-dropping geological features, and perhaps one of the most bizarre and fascinating creatures you can find on the planet, the Galápagos Islands can make you feel that it’s from another world. Its unique ecosystem has created an environment where a plethora of unusual species has thrived for thousands of years.
There’s an abundance of incredible wildlife and scenery that you’ll surely appreciate once you go on a trip to this volcanic archipelago. So, book your trip now and enjoy what the Galápagos Islands have to offer.
