The oldest island in the Galapagos is San Cristobel. A ship can be berthed at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island's southern tip, the archipelago's capital. Maritime patron saint St. Christopher is the inspiration for the name Cristobal. English speakers prefer Cristobal to Chatham Island, the fifth-largest Galapagos island. Several years ago, Darwin spent time studying in the Galapagos, and the community has erected a monument in his honor. The Galapagos National Park's interpretation center in the capital handles several national and cultural affairs. The center also serves as an information/tourist center. At a sea lion beach nearby a landing site, you may also observe blue-footed birds. Mountains, cliffs, and rocks throughout the archipelago provide outstanding views of the area.
Here are some exciting highlights of Puerto Baquerizo!
The resort town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is renowned for its adventure activities across the entire archipelago. It is particularly popular with surfers. The best waves are found at Punta Carola Beach between December and March, so plan your trip between these dates! Beaches such as Manglecito Beach, with waves that often reach six feet, offer plenty of opportunities for surfers of all levels, including beginners! Another two famous surfing beaches in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno are La Loberina and Tongo Reef; both are less than thirty minutes from the city center.
Alfredo Baquerizo Moreno, Ecuador's first president, visited the Galapagos islands in 1916 and founded Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in the late 1800s. Originally one of the largest towns in the archipelago, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is one of the oldest permanent settlements in the Galapagos. Galapagos Town currently serves as the archipelago's administrative center and capital. Moreover, the island's impressive start as a penal colony enhances its fascinating human history. There is a natural history museum in the town, as well as a church displaying murals painted by local artists.
Also, Read: What best things to do on galapagos islands?
Don't let Puerto Baquerizo Moreno's lack of popularity fool you. Located in a smaller but more beautiful area than Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is a lovely upcoming tourist destination. You can discover some unique things to do and places to visit at this hidden destination.You may consider including Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in your Ecuador itinerary if you plan a trip. Below you will find a list of things to do in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and the surrounding area. Your journey to this city will be rewarding if you include it in your itinerary.
A lush highland ecosystem grows on the islands of San Cristobal in the Galapagos Archipelago. As a result, numerous animals and birds are living on the island, including frigatebirds, sea lions, giant tortoises, tropical birds, marine iguanas, blue- and red-footed birds, and swallow-tailed gulls. Black frigatebirds with their proud red chests can be observed on Frigatebird Hill or Cerro Tijeretas, depending on the season. In addition to offering a breathtaking view of the nearby beaches and town, this point also provides a unique view of Kicker Rock. Meanwhile, at Sea Lion Rookery (La Loberia), visitors can observe animals in their natural habitat, like marine iguanas, sea lions, birds, and giant tortoises. Since it is the only freshwater lake on the Galapagos Islands, El Junco Lake is especially popular for bird watching. An extinct volcano collapsed its caldera, creating the lake.
Only Guayaquil, Ecuador's coastal city, can be directly reached from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. On Ecuador's pacific coast, Guayaquil offers a great deal of beauty, diversity, and experiences in and of itself. General Villamil's picturesque beaches, Malecon 2000's lively boulevard, and restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional Ecuadorian food are some of Guayaquil's top attractions. The city of Guayaquil is the largest in Ecuador as well. Flights to their international airport from the United States are almost as frequent as those to Quito. In less than two hours, Guayaquil can be reached by direct domestic flight from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The total travel time would be more or less six hours if you started in Quito and then traveled to Puerto Baquerizo through Guayaquil.
There is a channel that separates Lobos Island from San Cristobal, or Isla Lobos. Blue-footed birds nest here during the breeding season. However, a colony of sea lions inhabits the area sometimes as well. Here you can also see frigatebirds and fur seals. A sea lion, sea turtle, and ray are often spotted in the waters around Lobos Island, making it one of the best snorkeling spots in the world.
An official statue of Charles Darwin can be seen at the entrance of the Natural History Museum (Museo de Ciencias Naturales). The Franciscan mission can be found next to the park la Carolina in the heart of the town. Exhibits on the Galápagos include many animals, plants, and minerals. It has an 80-year-old giant tortoise, an iguana specimen from a previous species, a flightless cormorant, and an exhibit of a Galapagos tortoise.
Also, Read: How Many Days to Spend in the Galápagos Islands ?
There are 1.9 months of clear skies in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, beginning around March 25 and ending around May 21. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno experiences clear skies 54% of the time during April, the best month of the year.
