Santiago Island
Puerto Egas, known for its striking black sand beaches, was once the site of a small salt mining operation during the 1960s. A hike inland to the salt crater provides an excellent opportunity to spot land birds such as finches, doves, and hawks. Along the rugged shoreline, visitors often see marine iguanas basking on rocks and sea lions resting in tide pools. At the trail’s end lies a series of grottoes or sea caves, home to fur seals and night herons.
| Highlights: | Salt crater; tide pools |
| Animals: | Finches, doves, hawks, iguanas, fur seals, night herons |
| Difficulty: | Steep but easy trail |
| Landing: | Wet |
*Note: Activities may vary depending on the time of day, cruise itinerary, and Galápagos National Park regulations.
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