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Viewpoint · Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Galápagos
Cerro Tijeretas
A hill above the sea near Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, with a frigate bird viewpoint, the statue of Darwin—who landed in the area in 1835—and a cove for snorkeling with turtles and sea lions.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cerro Tijeretas
Cerro Tijeretas is about 3 km from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, reached by a trail from the Centro de Interpretación. The name comes from the tijeretas, the frigate birds, long-winged, fork-tailed birds that glide over the hill. The males have a red throat pouch that they inflate during the breeding season.
The trail climbs through dry vegetation to a wooden lookout at the top, with views over the bay, the open sea and, on clear days, Kicker Rock in the distance. Nearby is the statue of Charles Darwin, commemorating the naturalist's landing on San Cristóbal in September 1835, the first stop in the Galápagos.
At the base of the hill, Bahía Tijeretas, or Bahía de Darwin, is a cove of volcanic rocks with clear water, where you can snorkel with sea turtles, sea lions, rays and colorful fish. A ladder leads from the trail down to the water.
The trail has no shade; bring water and a hat.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours, including the lookout and snorkeling.
Best time
In the morning, when the sea is calmer for snorkeling and the sun is less strong. Check the trail times before you go.
How to get there
The trail starts at the Centro de Interpretación, about 1.5 km from the town center, and takes around 30 minutes to the lookout.
Tip
Bring a snorkel mask and enter the water via the ladder at Bahía Tijeretas. Keep your distance from the sea lions, especially the males.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cerro Tijeretas
What are the 'tijeretas'?
The frigatebirds, birds with forked tails; the males inflate a red throat pouch during the mating season.
Can you snorkel at Tijeretas?
Yes, in Bahía Tijeretas at the foot of the hill, with turtles, sea lions and fish.
Did Darwin land there?
Darwin arrived at San Cristóbal in September 1835; the statue on the hill commemorates his visit.