Santa Cruz - Highlands
Posted September 21st, 2008 by Bob the Sea LionSeveral sites of interest in the highlands of
Santa Cruz can be reached from the transisland
road and are part of the itineraries
of many cruises. Access to some sites is
through colonized areas, so respect private
property. From the village of Bellavista,
7km north of Puerto Ayora by road, one
can turn either west on the main road continuing
to Isla Baltra or east on a road leading
about 2km to the lava tubes (admission $3).
These underground tunnels are more than a
solidifying of the outside skin of a moltenlava
flow. When the lava flow ceased, the
molten lava inside the flow kept going,
emptying out of the solidified skin and thus
leaving tunnels. Because they are on private
property, the tunnels can be visited without
an official guide. The owners of the land
provide information, guides and flashlights
(included in the entrance fee). Tours to the
lava tubes are offered in Puerto Ayora.
North of Bellavista is the national park
land known as the highlands. A path from
Bellavista leads toward Cerro Crocker (864m)
and other hills and extinct volcanoes. This
is a good chance to see the vegetation of
the Scalesia, Miconia and fern-sedge zones
(see p44 ) and to look for birds such as the
vermilion flycatcher or the elusive Galápagos
rail, and paint-billed crake. It is around
5km from Bellavista to the crescent-shaped
hill of Media Luna and 3km further to the
base of Cerro Crocker. This is national
park, so a guide is required.
Part of the highlands that can be visited
from the road are the twin craters called Los
Gemelos. These are actually sinkholes, not
volcanic craters, and they are surrounded
by Scalesia forest. Vermilion flycatchers are
often seen here, as well as short-eared owls
on occasion. Los Gemelos are reached by
taking the road to the village of Santa Rosa,
about 12km west of Bellavista, and continuing
about 2km beyond Santa Rosa on the
trans-island road. Although the craters lie
only 25m and 125m on either side of the
road, they are hidden by vegetation, so ask
your driver to stop at the short trailhead.
Tags: Lava Tubes
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