Information about San Cristobal and Other Islands

San Cristobal Island

San Cristobal has approximately 5,600 inhabitants and the main economic activities are fishing, tourism and agriculture.  It has a surface area of 55,800 hectares and is warm and mild.  The warm, wet season is between January and June, while the cool, dry season is between July and December.  It is 6 hours behind GMT and the currency is US dollars.  The highest elevation is San Joaquin Hill, at 750 metres.

Geology
It is a volcanic island, divided into 2 sections:  the northwest, which is the product of young volcanism, and the southeast, formed by ancient volcanism.  The inhabited area was formed by a collapsed volcano that is believed to be 5 million years old.

Human History
San Cristobal island was the first island that Charles Darwin landed on in 1835.  A sugar refinery and plantation was started and run by Manuel J. Cobb in El Progreso in the mid 19th century.  The ruins may be found at the entrance to the village.  More information about the island´s history may be found at the Interpretation Centre. 

Links

Come to Galapagos

Caturchrist

Vive Ecuador

Ecuador Tourism

Tourism

Ecuador Travel

Galapagos Tour

Galapagos Park

Isabela Island

Santa Cruz Municipality

INGALA

Galapagos Marine Reserve