ISLA SAN CRISTOBAL

Isla San Cristobal is the fifth largest island in the archipelago. It has the only permanent stream and is the most easterly of the islands. It is made up of two coalesced volcanoes. San Cristobal is the first island that Charles Darwin visited and the sight where he first set foot is a small beach at the foot of Frigate Bird Hill.



Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the second largest town in the archipelago on the southwest coast is the main town of San Cristobal and the provincial capital, boasting hotels, bars, restaurants, and shops, food stores, clothes and souvenirs. Banco del Pacifico with money exchange service, a post office and telephone service (take a packed lunch!). There is a hospital here but anything they use you have to buy from the pharmacy. Although to be fair things are still improving, slowly but surely.

Must-sees include El Progresso, which is the oldest surviving settlement on the islands established in 1869.
Kicker Rock and Leon Dormido are spectacular rock formations. Small boats can go underneath.
El Junco Lagoon, the only freshwater lake in Galapagos can be reached by bus through the highland farms.
Hobbs Bay, where you can sunbathe whilst watching Green Turtles nesting in the warm season.
Los Galapagos Visitor site where you can see giant tortoises in the wild.
Frigate Bird hill, its name speaks for itself, apart from the nesting sites here you will see awe-inspiring scenery
.

La Lobería is not far away from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, which you can get to by bus in just 10 minutes. Next to the road is an abundance of vegetation full of colour and diversity. Lobería beach is full of sea lions, which use its sand and rocks to rest and breed. Generally, there are dozens of them, and at low tide, tide pools and the low waters, give the puppies the chance to train fishing, and swimming.

Marine iguanas can also be seen here in abundance.

The small lava lizards here belong to species that is only found on this Island.