On Santa Cruz Island we visited the naturally formed sinkholes known as Los Gemelos (the twins) and a large lava tunnel. This can be walked through, but includes a narrow section to scramble through. We also visited giant tortoises at a private estate where they roam freely, including across roads and the 7km journey to nesting sites in the lowlands.
At the Charles Darwin Scientific Research Centre giant tortoises are hatched to help maintain the specific populations for each island. Older tortoises, which have been rescued worldwide from zoos and private homes, are also housed at the centre. In 1974 a giant tortoise from a species previously thought to be extinct was discovered on Pinta Island and moved to the centre. The last of his kind, he was known as Lonesome George. In 2012 he died (aged around 100) and his species was (again) declared extinct. His body has been preserved for posterity.
In Puerto Ayora, we visited the local shops, fish market and relaxed over a coffee with our guide, who was thankfully on hand to show us the quirks of the Galapagos ATM machine including the card being inserted sideways. Ecuador is the only South American country to use the US dollar as its currency, although with locally designed notes and coins.
Shilli-Fully Travels 