Immersed in Nature at San Cristobal

By LineogJesper on June 20, 2024

Exploring San Cristobal: Our First Two Days in the Galapagos

Day 1: A Warm Welcome from the Wildlife

Arriving in San Cristobal around noon, we immediately felt the unique charm of the Galapagos. Noah was a bit flight-sick, so instead of hopping into a taxi, we decided to take a leisurely walk to town with our luggage. Thankfully, the 1 km stroll was quite manageable since we had to leave most of our belongings in Quito due to the 11 kg per person baggage limit on the small plane we will be taking from San Cristobal to Isabela Island.

Our first stop was lunch at El Rincon De Sebas, a local gem offering a delightful two-course meal and a refreshing glass of juice for just $6. It was a delicious and highly recommended start to our Galapagos adventure.

After checking into Hostal Terito, we grabbed a $4 cab to Playa Loberia, our first real taste of the Galapagos’ famed wildlife. Even the short walk to the beach from the parking lot had something to offer.

The beach itself was alive with sea lions, shoals of big fish, and marine iguanas. Noah was the first to jump in and play with a sea lion in the water, an unforgettable experience for him.

Our tranquil time at Playa Loberia was briefly interrupted by the arrival of three large tour groups. To escape the crowds, we explored the coastal trail, encountering frigate birds, stunning views, and more marine iguanas along the way.

By the time we returned from our walk, the tour groups had left, leaving us with the serene beach all to ourselves. We seized the opportunity to swim with the playful sea lions without the crowds.

We walked the 3 km back to town, ending our day with another satisfying meal at El Rincon De Sebas.

Day 2: Sea Lions and Scenic Views

Our second day in San Cristobal didn’t go exactly as planned. We had hoped to visit El Junco, the tortoise sanctuary, and Chino Beach, but Vitus wasn’t feeling well. Instead, we opted for a nearby adventure at Punta Carola Beach.

The beach was a hit, especially for Noah, who spent over 2.5 hours playing with the sea lions. It was a magical experience, with the sea lions being incredibly playful and friendly. Some were so taken with Noah that they followed him out of the water, calling for him to come back and play.

After our fun at the beach, we decided to explore the loop trail to the Tijeretas Viewpoints. The viewpoints offered stunning vistas and the snorkeling spot looked tempting, but given our extended time in the water, we decided to save snorkeling for another day.

Stay tuned for more adventures as we continue to explore the enchanting Galapagos Islands. From swimming with sea lions to scenic hikes, our journey is just beginning!