Dragon Hill, Santiago Island.

Dragon Hill, or Cerro Dragón, is celebrated as a major conservation success story for the Galápagos land iguana, which was nearly eradicated from the area by feral dogs in the 1970s. Today, the site features a diverse landscape ranging from rocky shorelines to arid cactus forests.  The hill is most famous for its namesake land iguanas, but it serves as a sanctuary for a wide variety of endemic and migratory species.

  • Galápagos Land Iguanas: These large, yellow-brown reptiles can be seen basking in the sun, feeding on cactus pads, or guarding their burrows along the trail.

  • Flamingos and Shorebirds: American flamingos are frequently spotted in the lagoons, alongside common stilts, white-cheeked pintail ducks, and whimbrels.

  • Land Birds: The cactus and Palo Santo forests are prime spots for observing Darwin’s finches, Galápagos mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and flycatchers.

  • Marine Life: The rocky shoreline near the landing site offers excellent snorkeling opportunities where visitors often encounter white-tip reef sharks, rays, and sea turtles.