Tijeretas Hill (Frigatebird Hill)

About the site

Tijeretas Hill (Frigatebird Hill)

Tijeretas Hill, or Frigatebird Hill, rises above a quiet bay on the edge of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, on San Cristóbal. Its name comes from the frigatebirds, tijeretas in Spanish, that roost and nest in the trees on its slopes, where both the great and the magnificent frigatebird can be seen.

The trail starts at the Interpretation Center and climbs gently along well-kept paths through dry forest of cacti, Palo Santo and acacia to a series of viewpoints. From the top there are wide views over the coast and, on clear days, Kicker Rock in the distance. A statue of Charles Darwin recalls that he began his exploration of the Galápagos on this island in September 1835. Lava lizards, yellow warblers and Darwin's finches are common along the way.

Below the hill, the small bay of Tijeretas is one of the best places in the islands to swim and snorkel from the shore, in calm, clear water with sea lions, sea turtles, rays and schools of reef fish.

The visit is easy, with some steps, and is often part of the first or last day of a cruise that starts or ends in San Cristóbal.

Highlights

• Panoramic View
• Nesting Frigatebirds