Las Grietas
Climbing Sections:
About Las Grietas:
| Literally translated 'The Crevice", Las Grietas is a large crevice in the Earth, hidden among the wilderness of Santa Cruz Island. The rough, volcanic rock extends some 50 feet above and 30 feet below crystal clear sea water. Moss makes anything at or below water level slippery. There are no marked or named routes, and no bolts. Because of the water being inaccessible from sea, you will have to swim up to the wall, and only free soloing is feasible (over the water). Be advised, there are a few shallow spots along one side that you won't want to fall into. Also, there is no solid ground in the Grietas. Only large uneven boulders. A small item dropped, will be lost forever between them. So keep everything in the backpack. The area is beautiful and serene. It is entirely worth the hike if you plan to spend more than a day in the Galapagos. I'm glad we had the opportunity to climb here. |
| Nearest town or city: | Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island |
| Directions: | Take a watertaxi from Puerto Ayora to the Las Grietas port for 60 cents. Walk up the sidewalk to its terminus and turn left, following signs for Las Grietas along the way. You will pass restaurants, a resort, beach, and arrive at a building and signboard/mapboard at what appears a left/right fork in the road. The building is an Italian consulate/embassy. Instead of turning left or right at the sign, continue straight, and follow the path inbehind the embassy, along the edge of a salt-lake. Continue hiking another ten minutes along this trail, following the black/white markers. You will cross a lake on raised stones, and finally arrive at the Grietas when you see wooden stairs that lead down in. |
| Latitude, Longitude: | -0.75719, -90.31547 |
| Access Issues: | Wear good shoes, as the terrain is rocky and uneven. Plan to leave before sunset. The area gets cold and dark fast thereafter, making it difficult to return safely. Recommend visiting at high noon. |
| Camping: | No |
| When to Climb: | Autumn Spring Summer Winter |
| Quantity of Climbs: | Day |
