San Cristobal Canton

Best things to do in San Cristobal Canton

San Cristobal Essentials

San Cristóbal, the archipelago's easternmost island, features diverse ecological zones ranging from the arid coast to the humid highlands. This collection highlights key natural sites including El Junco, the only permanent freshwater lake in the Galápagos, and the Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado tortoise reserve. Coastal highlights include the frigate bird nesting sites at Cerro Tijeretas and the volcanic tuff formations of Cerro Brujo, while nearby Española Island provides critical habitat for the endemic waved albatross.

San Cristobal Essentials — Map

Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

San Cristóbal Island

San Cristóbal Island, also known as Chatham Island, is the easternmost island in the Galápagos archipelago, as well as one of the oldest…

B

Española Island

Española Island is part of the Galápagos Islands. The English named it Hood Island after Viscount Samuel Hood.

C

La Loberia

A crescent-shaped coral sand beach known for its large colony of sea lions and marine iguanas. The rocky shoreline provides habitat for yellow warblers and lava gulls.

D

Playa Puerto Chino

A secluded beach located 24 kilometers from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. It is a known nesting site for sea turtles and serves as a habitat for blue-footed boobies.

Mikko Koponen / CC BY 2.0

E

El Junco

El Junco Lagoon is a lake in the highlands of San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos Islands.

F

Cerro Brujo

An eroding volcanic tuff cone featuring a white powder sand beach. It is historically significant as one of the first sites visited by Charles Darwin in 1835.

G

Cerro Tijeretas

Named for the "tijeretas" (frigate birds) that nest here, this hill offers views over Shipwreck Bay. Both Great and Magnificent frigate birds inhabit the cliffs.

H

Vistas al Leon Dormido

Observation point overlooking Leon Dormido, also known as Kicker Rock, a massive volcanic tuff formation rising 144 meters from the ocean.

I

Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado

A breeding center and reserve dedicated to the San Cristóbal giant tortoise. The facility includes a visitor center and trails through semi-natural habitats.

J

Monte Pitt

Located at the northeastern tip of the island, this eroded volcanic tuff cone is the only site in the Galápagos where red-footed, blue-footed, and Nazca boobies nest together.

K

Mercado Municipal San Cristobal

The central market in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno where local vendors sell fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Ecuadorian dishes.