Santa Fe Island

Santa Fe, located about 20km southeast of Santa Cruz , is a popular destination for cruises. Its claim to fame is its accommodation of a species of land iguana endemic to the island, which is paler than the more common variety, has a more pronounced crest, and wears a distinctive military camouflage. Visitors begin their tour of Santa Fe on a short white-sand beach that serves as the home of a sea lion colony.

From here, passengers follow a rocky, 300-meter circuit, which passes through one of the tallest stands of opuntia cactus in the archipelago, some reaching heights of over ten meters. There is a longer, more rigorous trail through the island's Palo Santo forest, but it is less frequented by visitors since it requires a medium-level hike along rocky stretches and slippery slopes, which are easily eroded. The forest is home to a variety of land birds, including the impressive Galapagos hawk.