San Cristobal Island, the fifth-largest island in the Galapagos, is located farthest East. This is also where Darwin landed in 1835, and where the first permanent settlements were established. The capital of Galapagos is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. It houses the Ecuadorian Navy and many government offices. There are also daily flights to Ecuador from the airport. The island is facing conservation challenges from invasive plants such as blackberry and the guayaba, and insects such as the blackfly.
Lobos Island can be found about an hour from San Cristobal. Seasonally, blue-footed boobies nest here. Recent years have seen frigate birds nesting here. There are many sea lions and marine iguanas. The site is peaceful and serene with stunning views of Kicker Rock in the distance.
Interpretation Center & La Galapaguera
La Galapaguera is an Interpretation Center that has been open to the public from 1998. It provides extensive information about Galapagos' history, ecosystems, geology and flora & fauna. The center also houses giant tortoises, which are bred in the semi-natural habitat that was created by its employees. The center has meeting rooms, interpretive panels, auditoriums and exhibits.