Galapagos: Traveling to the Turtle Islands

Once a base for fishermen and buccaneers, today these islands are the most beloved by tourists, who enjoy a truly unforgettable travel experience in the Galapagos. In fact, this tropical paradise—named after the giant tortoises that inhabit it—has been declared a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site precisely because of the great natural treasure it preserves, revealing all its beauty to visitors.

The Galapagos archipelago is made up of thirteen islands of volcanic origin, all known for the numerous and unique animal species that inhabit them—much appreciated by Charles Darwin, who contributed to their fame with his studies on evolution—and for the diverse presence of plants. It is precisely in this pristine oasis that Puro Galapagos San Cristobal , one of Caffè Milani's 100% Arabica single-origins.

So, let's set off for these enchanting islands: bring with you your desire to travel and your passion for good coffee.

The most beautiful stops for a dream trip to the Galapagos

What can you see in the Galapagos National Park? Here are the 5 most beautiful islands of this wonderful archipelago in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, 1000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador.

The Great Isabela

It is the largest of the entire archipelago and is dedicated to Queen Isabella of Spain, who ruled in the 15th century. Impressive due to the presence of six volcanoes, it is rich in flora and fauna, particularly five different varieties of giant tortoise, but not only that. For example, at the Pozo Salinas lagoon, you can admire a very rare species of flamingo. Also not to be missed is the Los Tuneles area, where snorkeling enthusiasts can enjoy a unique spectacle: a sunken lava formation that has shaped a submerged amphitheater where beautiful marine creatures swim.

Santa Cruz and lively Puerto Ayora

Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the archipelago. Upon arrival, you can stay in beautiful Puerto Ayora and, from there, begin your journey. Galapagos tour . There are many places to visit, especially if you can't wait to encounter the beautiful giant tortoises up close—though preferably at a distance of a few meters. You can also see these animals in the wild at the Charles Darwin Science Center, where you can learn everything there is to know about the studies conducted on these splendid specimens.

Also not to be missed is Tortuga Bay, the beach where sea turtles lay their eggs and where you might spot iguanas, pelicans, and other beautiful animals. Keep in mind that swimming is not allowed on this bay, but you can certainly enjoy a dip at nearby Playa de Los Perros. Continuing the excursion, you can admire the lava tubes formed during a volcanic eruption.

To Seymour, just like Darwin

North of Santa Cruz, this small and charming island is home to numerous colonies of seabirds and a few photographs of their beautiful colors. You'll also have the opportunity to see marine iguanas, which have survived the threat of extinction. For a closer look at the underwater world, you can dive at Bachas Beach and enjoy the spectacle.

San Cristobal, nature reserve and land of coffee

Among the oldest and most populous islands, this is the perfect setting for an unforgettable excursion. Indeed, following the paths along the hillside, you can reach beaches and steep cliffs where you can admire sea lions and giant tortoises. With park guides, you can visit Galapaguera, a reserve dedicated to the famous tortoises, and reach some truly unique beaches, such as Punta Pitt with its green sand and Cerro Brujo with its white sand.

San Cristobal is also the island where we harvest the coffee beans for our single-origin Puro Galapagos, highly prized for its intense aroma and pleasant, medium acidity.

Bartolomé and his incredible landscape

Here you'll find a completely different environment, almost devoid of vegetation and entirely covered in lava formations. At the center is the volcano, from whose summit you can admire a breathtaking view and—as you explore the island—you might spot a penguin colony and perhaps even swim with them. Remember not to leave until you've visited Pinnacle Rock and taken the obligatory photo.

Galapagos Islands: travel information

Once you've got an idea of ​​what to see, it's time to learn more about how to organize the tour.

What is the best time to leave?

The Galapagos are not far from the equator, so the climate doesn't vary much throughout the year. It's true that if you're planning your trip and want everything to go as planned, it's important to know which months are the warmest and which are the coldest. Therefore, consider that the period between January and May is the best. high season , with sunshine, temperatures between 25° and 30°, sudden thunderstorms and a bit of humidity. Instead, the period between June and December is the so-called low season, with the drier climate , the temperature is around 22° and the water is even colder.

How to reach the archipelago

You can reach the islands by plane or by boat. So, to plan your travel itinerary, you should know that there are two airports, located on the islands of Baltra and San Cristobal. If you're arriving by sea (or rather, by ocean ;-)), you might consider a cruise with a stay on land. Also remember that since it's a National Park, it's very important to respect the rules, both during excursions and when traveling between islands, which you can only do where access is authorized.

What do they eat in the Galapagos?

On the islands, you can savor authentic cuisine based on fresh fish, but not only that. In fact, the culinary tradition is very similar to that of the nearby coastal region of Ecuador, where rice is abundant, served with meat, fish, or legumes, as well as plantains (bananas), cooked in a variety of ways. Among the typical dishes, you can try: ceviche It's eaten raw after being marinated in lemon and chili pepper, adding shrimp, calamari, or other fish, and seasoned with spicy sauces, onion, and corn. Also, don't miss the plantain and cheese meatballs, known as green ball and the famous ones empanadas filled with vegetables and/or chicken meat.

Galapagos Tour: Round Trip

When your travel destination is a tropical paradise in the heart of the ocean, you can't help but set out with binoculars to observe the wonderful species that inhabit it and a camera to capture the beauty of the landscapes. You'll return with a wealth of memories, flavors, and the sweetness of a unique coffee like Galapagos San Cristobal by Caffè Milani.