Today, you'll visit Santa Cruz which is the second-largest island in the Galapagos. For a complete change of scenery, you will head to the highlands. You will start at the coast and travel through Santa Cruz's agricultural region to the misty forest. This zone is lush and humid, with miconia bushes, scalesia, and inactive volcano cones. Santa Cruz is home to more endemic plants that any other island. You will likely see Galapagos giant tortoises and possibly even bright red feathers from a vermillion flycatcher in their natural habitat.
Charles Darwin Station
Puerto Ayora, the small town at the archipelago's economic heart, is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station. The station is vitally concerned with conservation, but it also offers interesting exploration. You will be able to see giant tortoises up close, as well as baby tortoises.