El Junco Lagoon
Laguna El Junco
A freshwater crater lake at about 700 metres, one of the rare permanent freshwater lakes in the archipelago. Frigatebirds come here to rinse their feathers.
El Junco Lagoon lies in the highlands of San Cristóbal. It is a freshwater lake formed by rainwater collecting in an extinct volcanic crater. It is about 270 metres across and is one of only a few permanent freshwater lakes in the Galápagos. Its sediments preserve thousands of years of climate records. Frigatebirds often swoop down to the water to rinse off the salt from their feathers. A trail around the crater rim takes about 1 hour, and on clear days you can see across the island. The highlands are often foggy and muddy, so bring a jacket. It is usually visited together with the Galápagos Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre and Puerto Chino Beach, by hired car, at about USD 60–80 per vehicle.
Opening hours
About 06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado
- Puerto Chino Beach
- Isla Lobos
- San Cristóbal Island & Kicker Rock
- Cerro Tijeretas & Darwin Bay
- Interpretation Center San Cristóbal
- Playa Mann
- Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Malecón