Tag 136: Isla de la Plata

Yesterday we left Montañita and took the bus to Puerto Lopez. We had a great time at the lodge, but the rest of Montañita was too touristy, too loud, and reminded us too much of the Ballermann. When we arrived in Puerto Lopez, we tried a new method of finding a suitable hostel. Sabrina sat on the beach with the backpacks while I walked around to find a good place to sleep. And it worked. After half an hour, I found a hostel whose owner allowed us to set up our tent in the garden for little money. Puerto Lopez is known among travelers for its tours to 'Isla de la Plata' (also known as Galapagos for the poor). Whales, turtles, birds, snorkeling, etc. Since we are also skipping the Galapagos Islands because the trip is too expensive for us, we wanted to at least visit this island. It is now 8 a.m. Together with another German couple, Manu and Nele, we make our way to the meeting point. In a group of 16 people, we take a 1.5-hour boat ride to the island, which is under nature protection. Unfortunately, we don't see any whales because the season hasn't started yet, but the price was also lower. We stop a few meters before the island and are greeted by a group of sea turtles. Definitely a highlight. On the island, we have the choice between different routes. After the group has agreed, we start. We hike on the beaten paths across the densely overgrown island until we meet the first inhabitants of the island: blue-footed booby. Armed with our cameras, we cautiously approach the 80cm tall birds and admire their incredibly blue feet. The birds let us get unexpectedly close, apparently they are used to tourists. We continue hiking and admire more birds. Besides a huge carpet of various plants and several bird species, the island has nothing more to offer. After 45 minutes of hiking, we get back in the boat and get our snack. We drive along the coast of the island until we reach a point where the water is very clear and calm. This is where we will go snorkeling. Neither of us has ever really been snorkeling before and we are a bit excited. After a short introduction, we get our equipment and jump into the clear water. We swim along the cliffs for 45 minutes, see various fish in all colors, corals, and even a small snake. For us, it is a very great experience. Then it's time to go back. We are wet and tired, the wind is cold, and there is only water around us. On the horizon, the sky meets the sea bluntly. All in all, it was an interesting trip with two or three highlights, but I don't think it can really be compared to the Galapagos Islands. We pack up our tent and switch to a cheaper accommodation. A small relatively new cafe outside the center. For dinner, we meet Manu and Nele at the market square, eat questionable burgers for a few dollars, and walk back to our accommodation. It is dark. It's an uncomfortable feeling to be alone in the tent here, but two four-legged friends watch over us in front of our tent.