Page one for

---

Santa Cruz

It's the most populated island in the Galapagos and is centrally located. Puerto Ayora is the major town and has the most hotels, stores, and tour agents in the Galapagos archipelago.

Research Center
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Center to see famous Lonesome George and other giant tortoises. 

Lava tubes and giant tortoises
Go to the Santa Cruz highlands to walk through lava tubes and to observe wild giant tortoises roaming lush green landscapes.

---

Fernandina

This is the westernmost, youngest and most volcanically active Galapagos island. Fernandina is also the most pristine because it was the least affected by man-introduced foreign animals and vegetation.

Flightless cormorants
Hike the trail that begins at Punta Espinoza to see the relatively rare flightless cormorants. Along the way you'll also view well-established marine iguana and sea lion colonies.

Channel sailing
Watch pods of whales and orcas and schools of dolphins in the channel separating Fernandina and Isabela Islands.

---

San Cristobal

It's the easternmost (and therefore may be the oldest) island of the Galapagos archipelago.

Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido)
It's one of the Galapagos' most celebrated landmarks. This 146-meter (nearly 500-foot) high rock formation dramatically juts out of the sea near the San Cristobal coast. Circle the rock up close - and if you are in a small boat, you can pass completely through where the rock is split.

Interpretation Center
Become eco-savvy at the Interpretation Center in Puerto Baquerizo, the second largest town in the Galapagos.

---

Click FIRST PAGE for island rankings # 

Click MORE ISLANDS for runners-up list

---

Best 5 islands
Top 5 land & shore wildlife
Top 5 birds
Top 5 marine life

Best Galapagos ships by category
Boat class - pros & cons
Itinerary tips
Cost and booking tips

Best time to go
Getting there tips
Packing tips
Snorkeling tips
Diving tips
Some more helpful tips

Celebrity Xpedition
Charles Darwin - Brief bio
Interesting Galapagos facts

World's Top 100 Wonders

World's Top 1000 Wonders

Site map

---

---

Ecuador Ministry of Tourism

---

---

Explore my
candid country, region
and other travel guides
Click links for tips & insights

©2012 HQP - Hillman Quality Publications / hillmanwonders.com