Santa Cruz is the second-largest island in the Galápagos and has the largest population, about 12,000 people, mostly in the town of Puerto Ayora.

During the rainy season the highlands in the center of the island receive enough rain to support a fair amount of agriculture.




This crater resulted from a large bubble that formed in the lava and hardened. Later the roof of the bubble collapsed.

“Las Primicias” is a ranch with two tourist attractions: giant tortoises and a lava tunnel.

The lava tunnel formed because the top and sides of the lava flow hardened first, allowing the hot lava in the center to flow out. This tunnel is about 1 kilometer long. We didn’t try to walk the whole length.

The ranch doesn’t raise giant tortoises. They are wild and just wander in, attracted by the two small fresh-water ponds. Farmers used to try to discourage tortoises but this one just charges an admission fee.


A finch.

An egret.


Unafraid of the annoying humans, a tortoise makes its way to the pond.

All posts from this trip.