Land-Based Galapagos Islands Itinerary (Part 3), Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Ecuador

The last island we’ll visit on our land-based trip through the Galapagos is San Cristobal. San Cristobal sits a bit off by itself, about 50 kilometers east of the rest of the archipelago. Though not quite as big as Isabela, like the rest of the Galapagos Islands, it offers a few things you just can’t find anywhere else. On San Cristobal, you’ll find El Junco Lake (the only year-round fresh water source on the islands), plenty of gorgeous beach, and even more opportunities for adventure. Chief among them are the Galapagos Highlands—miles of soft, rolling green hills to explore.

There are a few places to stay on San Cristobal, but my favorite is, hands down, Casa Playa Mann. This hotel has almost everything visitors look for when booking local: solid, comfortable amenities with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The suites, which are almost all ocean facing, come with a TV, personal fridge, and coffee maker. A tasty breakfast is served each morning. As a bonus, the location makes this place worth the stay all on its own. The hotel’s just a two-minute walk from its namesake, Playa Mann. 10 minutes on foot will get you to most of the island’s other main attractions, including the main pier and the Interpretation Center. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).