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About this trip
One of the smallest and, depending on the season, most colorful islands. Find sea lion colonies, land and hybrid iguanas and countless birds soaring by the cliffs.
It is an unpopulated island.
These islands are interesting formations without a volcano resulting from an uplifting from underwater. Conformed by two islands, one flat and the other inclined, they create very special ecosystem dynamics. North Plaza is visited only with scientific and conservation purposes.
The biggest Land Iguana population that can be visited. There is a big ecosystem formed of Cactus Opuntia that holds a population of Land Iguanas, the smallest ones of the archipelago. The trip around South Plaza place allows the visitor see the whole population and to notice how this animals survived in this and other similar environments when they arrived and established. Rarely a hybrid of Marine and Land Iguana can be found on the trails.
You can sail to this beautiful island in daily tour yachts licensed to visit the islands .
What’s included
- TrasportationBus and boat transport departing from defined meeting points are included.
- Naturalist guideCertified bilingual guide
- LunchMade with local ingredients from land and sea served directly to your table
- Snorkel gearMask, tube and flippers suited to your size are included for swimming activities
- Towels
- Coffee and snacks
What’s not included
- WetsuitsWetsuits are available for rent upon request (10 usd per wetsuit)
- soft and alcoholic drinkWe suggest to bring money for bar conssumption
- TipsTipping is common practice on board. Is suggested to bring cash if you wish to tip crew
Available Packages
Itinerary
The walk begins with an impressive cactus forest surrounded by sea lions, land and marine iguanas; as we reach its highest point 82 ft (25 m) be on the lookout for tropicbirds, Nazca and blue -footed bobbies and swallow-tailed gulls.
In South Plaza there is a large colony of the smaller sized land iguanas. The population is approximately 300 individuals. They feed on all kinds of vegetation, but during the dry season, they survive on the fruits and flowers of Opuntia cacti. Due to their proximity with marine iguanas, this is the only place on Earth where we will find the Galapagos hybrid iguana.
- Disembarking: Dry landing
- Type of Terrain: Uneven path, rocky areas, some fairly uphill and downhill with several viewpoints available.
- Physical Conditions Required: Average, involve walking in no shaded areas and demands good level of rehidration during walks.
- Activities: 45 min snorkeling in Punta Carrion/1 1/2 hour hike .
- Highlights: Red island due to its vegetation made up of sesuvium, a largest colony of sea lions, the unique landscape of a cactus forest, hybrid iguanas, Nazca, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls and red- billed tropicbirds. In Punta Carrion snorkeling is along the cliffs, there is no disembarking point or shallow areas where to land.