SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
San Cristóbal, named for the Patron Saint of seafarers, (St. Christopher), is the easternmost island in the Galapagos.  It is home to the oldest settlement of the islands, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Alternative name:  Chatham
Area:  558 Km2
Maximum Altitude: 730 m
Population: 6,000
Geographic features: Beaches, islets, eroded tuff cone, official capital


PUERTO BAQUERIZO MORENO


Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, on the Island of San Cristobal, is the capital of the Galapagos Islands and the oldest settlement of the Archipelago. This small bayside village is home to the Galapagos Academic Institute for the Arts & Sciences (GAIAS), the Galapagos National Park Interpretation Center, a small museum, souvenir shops and local townspeople. The people of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno make their living principally by artesian fishing and tourism.


GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEES

Upon arrival in the airport in San Cristobal you will be required to pay an entrance fee (IN CASH).

Entrance fees are as follows:
Ecuadorians citizens: $6
Foreign tourists: $100


Climate

The Galapagos Islands are located near the equator, approximately 1000 km (600 miles) off the west coast of Ecuador. The climate of the Galapagos is influenced by a rich system of both cool and warm oceanic currents, with a major influence being the Humboldt Current, which brings cool water to the islands.
The Galapagos year can be divided into two “seasons:” the “hot” or “wet” season which lasts from December to early May with an average temperature of 25 C/ 77 F; while the “cool” or “dry” season from May to December has an average temperature of 18 C/ 64 F. In San Cristobal, where GAIAS is located, the water temperature normally averages 22-23 C (71.6-73.4 F), although it can range from 19-26 C (66.2-78.8 F). Other islands (such as Española) can have lower water temperatures depending on the time of year. Despite the lower temperatures, it is possible to swim year-round in the Galapagos without a wetsuit.


Electricity

The electrical current in Galapagos is 110 volts 60 cycles, the same as North America, so adapters for North American equipment are not needed. However, plug converters may be necessary in older buildings.


Internet Access

There is a computer lab at GAIAS with a limited number of computers that offer internet access. Local internet cafes in San Cristobal cost an average of $2.50 per hour.


Handling Your Money

Ecuador uses United States dollars and coins as it currency.
There are two banks in San Cristobal: Banco del Pacifico and Fomento. For ATM access you should use cards that have either a CIRRUS or Mastercard symbol. Cards with the Visa symbol are not usually accepted by ATMs in San Cristobal. If you are traveling with a Visa card will have to go the bank and ask for a cash advance, which has a fee of 4% of the total value of the transaction.
Traveler’s Checks can be changed by banks in San Cristobal, with a fee of $5 for the total transaction. Traveler’s checks from American Express work best.


Credit Cards

MasterCard and Visa have only recently been implemented in San Cristobal, but in very few places. It is always better to have cash, and you should not rely on being able to use credit cards. On the island of Santa Cruz, MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are usually accepted (but in higher-end places). In general, MasterCard is the most widely accepted card both in the Galapagos and on the mainland.


Transportation

On the island of San Cristobal, you will be able to travel to many places around town on foot. If you prefer not to walk, you can take a taxi (average US$1.00 for most trips) or rent a bike (bring a good quality bike lock).


LAUNDRY

SUPER WASH: Calle José de Villamil e Ignacio de Hernández, $2 (12 clothing items) wash and dry.

WASH AND DRY: Av. Alsacio Northia y 12 de Febrero, $2 (12 clothing items) wash and dry.


What to Bring

Do not to forget to bring lots of sun block and a hat. This can be found in San Cristobal, but it is more expensive and there are very few varieties from which to choose. Rolls of film are also more expensive in Ecuador—a roll of 24 normally costs around $5. Many other things can be purchased in San Cristobal, but they are usually national products and offer less variety. Many people prefer to bring personal items from home.