Day 8: Tijeretas at Ensenada de Cerro

We were scheduled to visit the Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center as our final activity with our guides. This site is part of an environment project. The tour of this center explores the natural history of the islands including human interaction and conservation efforts. The Museum of Natural History explains the volcanic origin of the archipelago, ocean currents, climate, and the arrival of endemic species. The Human History exhibit chronologically describes significant events such as discovery and colonization of the islands.  

We decided to pass on this activity and instead checked into a local spot called Hotel Grand Chatham, which had a nice pool and comfortable couches to rest our weary bodies. We did have enough energy to hike to Tijeretas at Ensenada de Cerro, a scenic inlet known for its turquoise waters and rich marine life. There, we watched people snorkel among the many sea lions and marine iguanas. We also visited the viewpoint to get a view of this cool spot from the balcony. On our walk from the hotel, we stopped into another hotel where a nice man gave us two coconuts, which we drank like we were just rescued from the Sahara Desert. 

San Cristóbal, the easternmost island in the Galápagos, is known for its laid-back vibe and is home to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the province and the oldest permanent settlement in the archipelago. During the evening, we decided to try to catch a sunset and ended up at a restaurant overlooking the ocean. I had a beer and some  grilled fish.