Due to the emerald crystal-clear water and the sharp volcanic rocks surrounding it, Las Grietas is considered one of the most beautiful places on Santa Cruz Island. With fresh water at the surface and salt water of the sea at the bottom, the lagoon is a lovely place to hike, swim or snorkel. The trail passes giant cactai where you can spot land iguanas that are basking in the sun or foraging for fruits, a small white sand beach and a pink salty lagoon visited by lots of migratory birds.
Getting there
To reach the lagoon you must take a water taxi to cross on the other side of the pier in Puerto Ayora. The ride will only take about 5 minutes, then you’ll disembark on a small path.
Tips&Tricks: Keep in mind that the best time to visit Las Grietas Lagoon is early in the morning. We arrived at noon and the place was already too crowded.
After a 30 minute hike along a rocky trail you will arrive to the famous viewpoint of Las Grietas. Since it’s an inhabited area, along the way you’ll pass a few hotels and restaurants where you can rest or have a snack.
What to pack for a day at Las Grietas Lagoon
Because we spent a few hours in the lagoon, two medium-sized waterproof backpacks were really important to keep our items safe, in case of bad weather. In them, we took our water bottles, underwater camera, binoculars (because we love bird watching), sunglasses, SPF sunscreen (necessary throughout the day, even if it’s rainy or cloudy), towels, trekking clothes and wide-brimmed hats.
Where to stay on Santa Cruz Island (our favorite choices)
