Santa Cruz Island & the Highlands
The Island's Top Spot
At the center of the Galápagos beats a green heart—Santa Cruz Island, where lush highlands rise from arid coasts and ancient tortoises roam freely through mist-draped forests. Though often seen as a gateway for travelers arriving to the archipelago, Santa Cruz holds wonders all its own: volcanic landscapes, endemic wildlife, and a rare blend of vibrant human life coexisting with fragile ecosystems.
In the highlands, just beyond the bustle of Puerto Ayora, the air turns cooler and moister. Here, giant tortoises lumber through pastures and guava groves, following instinctual migration routes between lowland beaches and highland feeding grounds. At private reserves like El Chato, you can observe these prehistoric creatures in their natural habitat, grazing, soaking in muddy wallows, and disappearing with surprising grace into the forest. It’s a humbling experience—like walking beside a living relic of the Earth’s distant past.
The highlands are also home to the Scalesia forest, a type of cloud forest unique to the Galápagos. These dense, green canopies drip with moss and shelter a cast of endemic species, including Darwin’s finches, short-eared owls, and the elusive Galápagos rail. Lava tunnels—natural tubes carved by molten rivers long ago—crisscross the landscape, inviting exploration into the island’s volcanic underworld. Walking these dark, echoing corridors offers a thrilling reminder of the archipelago’s fiery origins.
Down at the coast, Santa Cruz’s human community plays a critical role in the conservation of the islands. The Charles Darwin Research Station offers a chance to understand the pioneering science behind the protection of Galápagos wildlife. It’s also home to a breeding center for giant tortoises, where visitors can see hatchlings and juveniles before they’re released into the wild—part of a decades-long effort to restore tortoise populations across the islands.
Despite its accessibility, Santa Cruz remains a rich and layered destination in its own right. It offers a remarkable balance of wild nature and local culture, conservation science and immersive travel. Whether you’re hiking through misty forests, watching tortoises trudge through tall grass, or standing in awe within a lava tunnel, the island reveals itself not just as a waypoint—but as the living, breathing soul of the Galápagos.
