The Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are globally renowned for their unique biodiversity and high level of endemism. For this reason, Jocotoco decided to expand its conservation efforts to the archipelago and established a reserve to protect the Galápagos Petrel, a critically endangered seabird.
Los Petreles is located in the highlands of San Cristóbal Island, in a strategic area that protects a key breeding zone for the Galápagos Petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia) and safeguards freshwater sources for the island. The reserve spans 120 hectares.
Within the reserve, there are around 7 nesting colonies and 141 nests, which we monitor monthly to ensure their conservation. Its main threats include habitat loss, the introduction of exotic species, predators at breeding sites, bycatch from fishing, and pollution.
The reserve also protects other endemic species such as the Medium Ground Finch (Geospiza fortis), and the Small Tree Finch (Camarhynchus parvulus). Among the flora, the Miconia robinsoniana forests stand out.
In addition, the reserve has become a center for ecological restoration, where we actively work on invasive species control and the recovery of degraded ecosystems. We welcome research organizations, promote educational activities with students, and organize purpose-driven visits, such as reforestation days with ferns.
From San Cristóbal Airport, you can take a taxi or a hired vehicle to the highlands of the island, where the reserve is located. The trip takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the authorized access point. Please note that entry to the reserve is not open to the public without prior coordination, as it is a scientific conservation area.
Every day: Visits by reservation only.
Rates are in US dollars
Type of visitors | Rate (per person) |
Foreign | Ask your Joco Assistant about rates. |
National* | |
Older adults and children** |
* Special rates for national visitors, residents, and the Andean community.
** Children from 5 to 11 years old
