Stepping onto Isla San Cristóbal in the Galápagos Islands you feel like you’ve landed in a different world. San Cristóbal, also known as Chatham Island, is the easternmost island in the archipelago. It’s a place where time seems to move at a slower pace and wildlife roams free. Darwin first landed on San Cristobal in 1835 and it’s the island where he collected his first Galapagos scientific specimen. The Galapagos mockingbird is a vital link to the chain of discoveries that led him to his theory of evolution. San Cristobal is a wonderland for nature lovers. There’s the iconic Kicker Rock, a volcanic rock rising out of the ocean that’s a must-see for divers.
There’s also beautiful El Junco Lagoon, the largest freshwater lake in the archipelago. Its fresh water was essential for early settlers on the island, providing life for the first settlements. San Cristobal became the place for a penal colony, where prisoners from mainland Ecuador were brought. The availability of water meant that farming communities grew. Those communities still exist today but have transitioned from sugar cane and cattle ranching into a thriving center for tourism. The island is also home to a large population of Galapagos sea lions, who often hang out on the beaches. These sea lions are not afraid of people, and you can often see them relaxing in the sun or playing in the waves. There’s a lot to see and do in San Cristobal, from hiking and snorkeling to simply enjoying the beauty of this unique island. This is a place that will stay with you long after you leave.