Galapagos - Santa Cruz

As for larger hikes, we had little luck in Galapagos: our next volcano climb was also futile... in rain and fog we set off for Puntudo, and we still don't know if we were even there. The trail did end, but not at a very special spot, or maybe we just couldn't see it. To make matters worse, it is almost impossible to calculate the required time in advance, because every information board and every person asked gives a different distance and time. The 'maps' are clearly too simplified for geography-savvy hikers, to put it nicely. A line, two points, junctions drawn without scale. So, ask around! It becomes particularly problematic when the taxi driver, who, by the way, did not know the way to the hike himself, is supposed to pick you up again and nobody knows how long it takes approx.

Unfortunately, our accommodation there was not a very cozy home after the wet hike. First a room without daylight, then a power outage and finally cockroaches, which we fortunately only noticed when we left.

On Santa Cruz, however, you can do more things independently. There are also remote beaches here where locals surf despite very dangerous currents or visit a part of the island that can only be reached by water taxi and where the crème de la crème is allowed to stay. Las Grietas also houses a small saltworks, Playa de los Alemanes (although we couldn't find a single reserved sun lounger), as well as a water-filled (and tourist-filled) gorge that is perfect for snorkeling.

A visit to Ranch El Chato is highly recommended. There you can have a nice view of the Garden of Eden while enjoying a delicious lunch on the terrace, where many wild turtles frolic, which you can experience up close during a subsequent walk. In addition, there are lava tunnels to visit and explore. These hollow forms were created by already cooled lava forming the ceiling while liquid lava flowed underneath.

So far, eating and drinking #productplacement hasn't received much mention. We already miss a few things from home and good beer definitely belongs to it. Luckily, we found a nice alternative to the conventional watery light pilsner with only 4% on Santa Cruz. There is a small craft beer brewery (La Galapagueña, on fb under santacruzbrewery) with delicious Black India Pale Ale and Coffee Stout and Red Ale. So delicious that we went there again.

Puerto Ayora is the largest city on the islands, where regular performances by traditional dance schools take place, which always end with the audience, including us, being invited to join in! Once you have overcome your North European stiffness and fear of making mistakes, you can join in carefree and exuberantly.

In general, this is where the most action is, even if the total number of tourists is limited.