Exploring the Floreana Highlands

After breakfast, we leave to explore the Floreana highlands on our open-air bus (chiva) – an unbeatable, historic, and comfortable way to see the island.

The naturalist guide will explain the vibrant past of Floreana's original settlers during our journey. These settlers included the Wittmers who remain on the island today and the 'Baroness' and the pirates who used to sail through this area. They will also tell us about the “Enigma of Floreana,” involving the mysterious deaths of several of the Island´s inhabitants.The enigma presents a 1930s mystery which scientists have failed to solve since that time period and the movie "The Galapagos Affair" shows the mystery on screen.

The highland road leads us to Asilo de la Paz (Peace Haven) where our hiking trail initiates. We start our tour by visiting the historical site before exploring the pirate caves and the freshwater spring which supplies water to the complete island while our guide tells us about the history of the place. The giant tortoises will appear to us when we walk across the hillside because they move through both the plant life and the footpath. We leave Asilo de Paz to walk through a farming area where residents cultivate food for their personal needs. The islanders managed to stay alive in this distant location while learning about their surroundings which they now use to protect their traditional farming expertise.

On our way back to the coast, we will make a stop at Claudio’s farm, La Primavera, where we will watch the extraordinary behavior of the frigate birds who ‘dance’ as they wash their salty wings in the fresh water lake on the farm.The male birds will show their red chest pouches to attract females if we get lucky. The tour group will learn about the origin of the fruits and vegetables which provide the lodge's dining options. The journey from La Primavera farm proceeds by chiva to Las Palmas where Dr. Ritter became the first permanent resident of the island and where he now rests in peace. The German doctor arrived in 1926 with the conviction that exercise combined with vegetarian food would enable him to survive until age 150. He failed to reach that age but his narrative stands as one of the numerous unusual occurrences which create the fascinating tale of the island. The path to our lodge will present us with stunning views of the Floreana coastline.

Back at Lava Lodge we will prepare a very special barbecue lunch, featuring delicious Cruz family recipes!

We have free time during the afternoon after lunch. Practice your kayak or SUP skills, go snorkeling in La Loberia or simply relax and take in the beautiful Galapagos views from the Lava Lodge.

Galapagos Tours

Galapagos Land Tours

Galapagos Day Tours