With a surface area of 585 sqkm2, Santiago is the fourth largest island. Its main volcano rises to a height of 907 m. All vegetation zones, from coastal to humid, are represented. However, the vegetation of Santiago is altered due to the presence of feral goats. It is a dramatic island covered with lava flows and arid vegetation. Many animals were introduced here such as feral goats, wild pigs, donkeys and rats. Upon landing, we find a black sand beach and the remains of a salt mine enterprise. Along the shore, we find some marine life caught in tidal pools. Marine iguanas graze on exposed green algae. This visit ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water, where we encounter the fur sea lion, once thought to be on the verge of extinction. Snorkeling possible.
On this island you can find sea lions, Galapagos hawk, marine iguana, sally light foot crab, American oystercatcher, great blue heron, lava heron, yellow-crowed night heron. Also you can find different plant life such as palo santo trees, molluyu, brachycereus, beach morning glory, opuntia cactus, scutia, pauciflors, alternantherp, castela galageia.
All the lodges and locations were also fantastic. Thank you for accommodating the one change I requested (to go to Bellavista). I do not have a … read more