Off to explore Santa Cruz.  Matt found a few places that were within walking distance so we decided to go exploring.  Las Grietas is across the bay and can easily be reached with a water taxi and a hike.  If we feel jiggy, afterwards we are going to try to find Los Tunneles on the mainland before having a col beverage at sunset.

LAS GRIETAS

Las Grietas means crevis or crack which is exactly what this is between two tall cliffs.  To get to Las Grietas you make a short 1.5 mile hike on an easy trail.  Once there you encounter an amazing sight to behold.  It is a beautiful swimming pond sandwiched between two huge cliffs.

The Las Grietas Hike

On the way to Las Grietas we came across a small salt pond.  The salt marshes are connected to the sea.  With the help of the tides, the water floods and goes around the shallow areas.  The wind and sun evaporate the water which allows the crystallization of the salt.  Do you think if I swam in this my hair would turn pink?

Galapagos Salt Pond

Las Grietas was formed by the displacement of lava due to volcanic eruptions.  The water in Las Grietas is brackish, the result of mixing salt and fresh water.  The fresh water comes from the highlands through the underground filtration.  In Galapagos, fresh water is a big treasure!  A treasure can be simple but extremely valuable.

We so loved walking around the top of the cliffs.  But, unfortunately, we did not bring our suits or snorkel gear so we didn’t go swimming.  We will have to come back and take a dip in this pristine water!

Las Grietas Swimming Pond

Los Tuneles

After that great hike to Las Grietas, we headed back to town, hopped in the water taxi to take us to the main land to begin our walk to find Los Tuneles.  How were these tunnels formed?  When the surface part of a lava flow cools in temperature during its flow, that part solidifies.  However, the parts further inside continue to flow forming an extensive tube shape through which the lava flows uninterruptedly.

When the eruption stops, this flow also stops.  The level drops and an underground tunnel is left.  Over time, sections of tunnels collapse making these very unstable.

El Tunel on Santa Cruz

GALAPAGOS FACTS

• In a few years, solar will provide 100% of power to San Cristobal (now 50-60%)
• 3% of the island is provided for living (homes) farming.  Therefore, 97% of the island is considered a national park
• Don’t allow plastic straws at any island (metal or paper)
• In addition, all single use plastic will be banned within the next few years.
• San Cristobal has 3 wind turbines that provides the majority of the power for the island.

Pretty View from Las Grietas Trail

Gorgeous Sunset through a tree.  Although the tree is beautiful during the day, it becomes spectacular at night.

Sunset