Galapagos – Erkundung der Insel San Cristobal in 4 Tagen

I can’t find how to start my own topic but if you’re going to San Cristobal do NOT stay at Andy’s hostel. The rooms are without windows like coffins and it’s noisy. The owner lied and said we’d given her $75 when we’d given her $150. However desperate do not stay here. San Cristóbal is small and the weekends get busy so book ahead. We’ve been island hopping on our own (my son and I) without a tour, unless necessary, so we didn’t book ahead- we’ve been lucky on the other islands. They are inflexible here unlike the mainland and the food is pretty average everywhere with a coffee shortage post pandemic too… Moaning over - as with most countries that offer spectacular sights there is often hard travelling involved. But this is spectacular. You don’t need to spend a fortune either. Come and enjoy it but a lot has closed in the pandemic so you probably need to be a little more organised than we were. Air B and B works here but the internet is terrible so it’s hard for people to have an online presence. In fact we didn’t have internet on Isabela before coming here so we couldn’t have booked ahead! The best meal I’ve had in two months travelling was the next block towards the sea from the dreadful Andy’s, on the left. Fabulous fresh fish, lobster and meat on the grill. It’s slow but worth it, cooked to order If you can afford it get the bi-plane to Isabella or back, otherwise it’s two long rough boat rides vía Santa Cruz and a few hours wait inbetween. I’ve loved it here, I was in Ecuador mainland before - I’m just trying to help not complain. It’s fabulous. For anyone who needs stuff with them there are hardly any shops so bring your shampoo/medicines!

This Island is all about the family and friends. Very safe. People are paying attention to your behavior and you are expected to behave! Even the few local drunks we encountered were polite and friendly. Plenty of things to do, places to see and good food to eat. Seals are wild on the water front and have soiled a few benches so watch where you sit and step. Must take a snorkeling tour anywhere. Kicker rock a favorite and worth the money. Trip to China beach, hike around lake and turtle sanctuary very memorable. If you go see the turtles be sure to say hi to Jeffery (Hef-ri) from us. This is an Island that sees a lot of tourists and has done a good job of walking that thin line between giving the tourists what they want and maintaining an authentic local identity. You will see some hard looks but if you are genuine and curious those looks melt easily. Did I mention the children are happy. That’s always a good sign. And if you haven’t booked yet there are public restrooms! No fee! Felix viaje.