Sunday, February 8th - Today we get to explore one of the most popular of all the Galapagos Islands, SANTA CRUZ ISLAND. Once upon a time violent eruptions occurred on the island, and evidence of this lies in the caves where lava oozed in different directions. We are scheduled to walk through these lava tubes. This is also the place where highland vegetation has taken over the volcanic boulders. These plants provide food for the Galapagos’ largest reptile: the giant tortoises. Watching these ancient reptiles roving in the wild should be unforgettable. The island also hosts Ecuador’s largest conservation effort: The Charles Darwin Research Station. The reserve it is made up of the famous tortoises that weigh 200 pounds. On the northern side of this large island we hope to see iguanas and giant tree-cacti (scroll mid-way down page).

Tomorrow we fly to Lima, Peru where we will spend the night before heading into the jungle. Join me on Tuesday and we'll tour the Amazon.