Galápagos · San Cristóbal
Cerro Tijeretas, Galápagos: a San Cristóbal hike guide
Cerro Tijeretas (Frigatebird Hill) is a short walk from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and it’s the easiest good hike in the Galápagos. It’s self-guided and free. In a couple of hours on foot you get a viewpoint, a frigatebird colony, a turquoise snorkel cove and a piece of history. It’s a good first walk if you plan to explore San Cristóbal on foot.
What is Cerro Tijeretas?
Cerro Tijeretas is a small hill on the coast just north of town. It’s named for the frigatebirds (tijeretas in Spanish) that nest on its slopes, and the males puff out red throat pouches. From the top you look over the bay and the ocean to the islet of León Dormido (Kicker Rock) on the horizon.
At its foot is a sheltered cove with some of the best shore snorkelling on the island. Sea lions, sea turtles, rays and reef fish swim in calm, clear water.
Darwin’s first landing
The cove below the hill is widely held to be where Charles Darwin first set foot in the Galápagos in 1835, during the voyage of the Beagle. A bronze statue of Darwin marks the spot. The nearby Interpretation Centre covers the islands’ natural and human history and is worth a stop on the way to the trailhead.
How to hike it (self-guided)
You can walk this trail without a naturalist guide. Start at the Interpretation Centre, about 15 minutes on foot from the town centre. A well-marked trail runs through dry forest to the Cerro Tijeretas viewpoint, about 45 minutes round trip. From there a side path drops to the snorkel cove, where you can cool off. If you have more time, carry on along the coast toward Punta Carola and Playa Baquerizo to make a half-day loop.
The trail is easy, well-signed and needs no permit. Bring water, sun protection and your snorkel gear.
Is Cerro Tijeretas worth it?
Yes. It’s the best free, self-guided walk on San Cristóbal and a good first afternoon on the island. You get an easy trail, wildlife, history and a swim, and it sets up the rest of a San Cristóbal hiking trip.
How it fits a multi-day Galápagos hike
Cerro Tijeretas is one stop on the best way to see the islands: a multi-day, land-based hiking trip instead of a cruise. On San Cristóbal it pairs with the El Junco crater lake in the highlands and the sea-lion coast at La Lobería for a full day or two of walking.
On our Galápagos hiking trips you explore the islands on foot, get close to the wildlife and sleep in the island towns.
Quick facts
| Detail | Cerro Tijeretas |
|---|---|
| Location | San Cristóbal, ~15 min walk from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno |
| Trail | ~45 min round trip to the viewpoint; longer if you chain Punta Carola / Playa Baquerizo |
| Difficulty | Easy, self-guided, no permit |
| Highlights | Frigatebirds, viewpoint, snorkel cove, Darwin’s landing site |
| Guide | Not required for this trail |
| Bring | Water, sun protection, snorkel gear |
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a guide for Cerro Tijeretas?
No. Cerro Tijeretas is one of the few Galápagos trails you can walk without a naturalist guide. It's well-signed, needs no permit and is free. Start at the Interpretation Centre, about 15 minutes from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Where did Charles Darwin first land in the Galápagos?
The cove below Cerro Tijeretas on San Cristóbal is widely held to be where Charles Darwin first set foot in the Galápagos in 1835, during the voyage of the Beagle. A bronze statue marks the spot and the nearby Interpretation Centre tells the story.
Can you snorkel at Cerro Tijeretas?
Yes. The sheltered cove at the foot of the hill has some of the best shore snorkelling on San Cristóbal, with sea lions, sea turtles, rays and reef fish in calm, clear water. Bring your own snorkel gear, as there's no rental at the trail.
How long is the Cerro Tijeretas hike?
The walk to the viewpoint is about 45 minutes round trip on an easy, well-marked trail. You can extend it along the coast toward Punta Carola and Playa Baquerizo to make a relaxed half-day loop with a swim at the cove.
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