JARDÍN DE LAS OPUNTIAS San Cristóbal Island


Permitted Uses:   Interpretive and educational toursPhotography and filming

Access to this site is located near the agricultural area near the ranch called El Cafetal. The total length of the trail is about 1.6 km. 

The typical vegetation seen along the path is of the dry zone and coastal zone.

The main activities on this site are botanical interpretation and recreation.

The Jardín de Opuntias is located in the arid zone of the island and is named after the presence of cactus or prickly pear of the genus Opuntia (Opuntia megasperma); the main feature of this plant is that it requires little water to survive in dry climates.

It is one of the few places in the archipelago, where there is tall cactus whose fruit is the favorite food of several species of finches.

Special Indications

  • The accessibility of this site has a medium degree of difficulty because the trail passes through a temporary flood site, so it is recommended to take appropriate measures to prevent any accidents.

  • Be careful no to touch the fruits or leaves of the Manchineel tree, this tree produces a type of milk that is toxic to humans.