Cerro Tijeretas Hike from San Cristobal

The hike to Cerro Tijeretas can easily be done from downtown San Cristobal. It's found in all trails. First head to the education center (free entry). The hike is listed as 3.2 miles, but it's HOT HOT HOT so take extra water. There was an excellent spot to go snorkeling with steps to enter the water. We forgot to bring our snorkle gear here so something to look forward to on our next visit. There were amazing vista viewing points on the top of the 'mountain'.

This is a popular trail in the area of beaches near the city of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and Cerro Tijeretas, which offers spectacular views of the sea and the Bay of Tijeretas, and which also allows to appreciate the fauna of the Galapagos Islands (various species of birds, iguanas, lobsters and crabs). The "Interpretation Center" located near Mann Beach offers cultural activities every month.

All Trails map

Gorgeous vistas

I wish we had brought our snorkeling gear. Will be sure to do that next time. There are very easy stairs for entering the water here and it's very very clear.

Bay for snorkeling below

Charles Darwin Statue along the trail

We were standing on a bluff (a couple hundred feet above the ocean) and the water was so clear that I was able to capture this shark swimming in the bay below.

This was used for practice military

You can actually see the fish swimming away from the Lava Gulls, that's how crystal clear the water is.

It's a desert landscape because the city of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal is hot and dry. The cactus were in bloom though, so quite beautiful in their own regard.

In summary, this was a nice little hike very close to town. A perfect way to spend a half day while you wait for a flight or ferry. Easy to spend an entire day if you add snorkeling in the bay. You also pass by two beaches on the way so plenty of swimming opportunity. Don't forget WATER! It's hot.