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History of San Cristobal, the island located furthest east
According to geology, San Cristobal is the easternmost and one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos archipelago. The provincial capital of Galapagos, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, is located there. Of the four inhabited islands in the archipelago, it is the second most populated (after Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz). The ideal blend of wildlife viewing, stunning scenery and beaches, outdoor pursuits, and fun things to do in town can be found at San Cristobal. While many tourists are in awe of the town’s stunning beaches and friendly locals, only a few know San Cristobal’s past or its original occupants. You’ll discover a whole new side to this incredible island after reading some of the information provided below!
The island with many names
Captain James Colnett gave the island its first name, Chatham, in honor of William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham. After renaming itself Mercedes Island in honor of Ecuadorian president Juan José Flores’ wife, Mercedes Jijon de Vivanco, the island formally joined Ecuadorian territory in 1832. The island’s administrative name was changed to San Cristobal in 1973, honoring the patron saint of sailors.
The tale of the man who instilled fear across the island
Many visitors are largely unaware of the island’s human past. The island was first colonized in the year 1866. Manuel J. Cobos was one of the first people to live on the island, along with ten laborers. Along with his brother-in-law, he started a number of businesses before building a sugar mill he called “Hacienda El Progreso.” He built his hacienda on the upper ground of the island. The weather is slightly colder and less humid than it is by the shore. The company ran for twenty-five years. Similar to numerous other products produced by Cobos’ companies, it gained notoriety during this time and became into the island’s main source of income.
Manuel J. Cobos had a reputation for being an oppressive and violent boss rather than one who was fair and benevolent. Over the years, most of his employment has consisted of detainees and inmates sentenced to the Galapagos Islands from the mainland. Because they were fed up with the severe working conditions, violence, and punishments, several of his employees began plotting to bring him down. He was finally shot by one of his most reliable assistants, putting an end to his sadistic phase. Residents in the area still recall the man as cruel, and the ruins of his once-powerful Galapagos empire are shrouded in mystery.
A fresh chapter
The people who lived in San Cristobal soon moved on from this painful chapter in their history. A brand-new age started. One in which the island’s natural ecosystem, severely harmed by its heavy reliance on it for agricultural and commercial purposes, began to be viewed as a resource. After numerous visits, specialists from various disciplines, including botanists and biologists, concluded that San Cristobal and the other islands needed protection.
Significant advancements have been achieved in education and conservation with the inhabitants. Yet, local and regional authorities should have recognized the islands’ inherent significance for a long time. The populated portion of the island has to be protected, which has taken a lot of labor. In this process, the establishment of the Galapagos National Park was crucial. Both residents and tourists can now enjoy and appreciate many natural areas. Locals have a stronger feeling of community and are becoming more conscious of how fortunate they are to live in the Galapagos Islands. They are aware that preserving and restoring all of its habitats are essential to the prosperity and advancement of all.
Getting the message out
Working with our local guides and staff makes us proud. They exhibit their enthusiasm for their home to our guests daily. Our ambition to become the most significant and sustainable company in the archipelago reflects their love for their islands. We can’t wait to share it with you on your upcoming Galapagos Cruise, one of the most significant ways to experience this incredible location to the fullest!
You can visit San Cristobal during our Eastern and Northern Galapagos itineraries. You won’t want to miss it!
