When you think of the Galapagos Islands, probably the last thing you think of is war.

But before the Galapagos National Park was created, the US used Baltra Island as a navy base during World War II.

There is evidence of war on other islands as well, thanks to Ecuador keeping a strong navy presence on the islands. Today, the navy patrols the waters in search of illegal fishing boats. They’re also called in during times of emergencies.

The War Cannon located on the Tijeretas Trail in San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands

As for war cannons (cañónes de guerra) in the Galapagos Islands, thankfully they’re decommissioned now and not in use. You can visit two of them on San Cristobal Island by taking the Tijeretas Hike behind the Interpretation Center and going out past the navy base in town.

The quickest way to get to the Tijeretas cannon after entering the Interpretation Center is to take the fork in the trail path towards Punta Carola (left), where it splits with Tijeretas Hill. Then before you get to Punta Carola, take the next fork in the trail, and go right. You’ll see the cannon a short way along the trail, overlooking the ocean.

Alternatively, you can hike all around the loop, and visit the lookouts on the Tijeretas Hike. It is worth exploring, but will add about 30-45 minutes to your hike.

War Cannon at El Cañon on San Cristobal Island, a popular Surfing Spot

Another cannon on San Cristobal Island is located at the aptly named spot El Cañon. This is actually a popular surfing spot, using the canon was a point of reference. To get there, you have to pass through the guard station at the navy base on the opposite end of town as Tijeretas.

To be permitted to visit El Cañon, make sure you bring your passport. The navy requires official ID from every visitor, and will keep your passport / ID with them at the checkpoint, until you return.

Sign at the Tijeretas War Cannon in the Galapagos Islands

You simply follow the road and straight along the coast until you see the cannon in the distance. Occasionally, access is not permitted to go through the navy base, but under normal conditions they are very accommodating.

Since Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is such a small town you can visit both of these Galapagos war canons in about 1/2 a day of walking around town. That includes time to stop and enjoy some of the trails at Tijeretas, and beyond El Cañon.

The war cannon at Tijeretas is from World War II. Americans built the cannon and brought it here when Baltra Island was used as a refueling stop for aircraft. According to the sign located near this cannon, it is a hand-loaded cannon that the Ecuadorian Navy brought to its current location in 1970 and briefly used for military training exercises.

War Cannon at the El Cañon Surfing Location in the Galapagos

The war canon at El Canon has a longer barrel, and is mounted on a heavy concrete slab overlooking the lava rock coastline. This larger gun, or cannon, technically lies within the naval base area in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, although it is also a bit rusted and no longer in use today. They’re both interesting spots to visit on these Ecuadorian islands, which are more known for their wildlife than their human history.

Have you visited either of these sites in the Galapagos? If so, let us know and comment below!