Walk Among Giant Tortoises in the Lush Highlands of Santa Cruz
Before the beaches…
before the snorkeling…
There is one Galapagos experience that defines the islands:
Standing face to face with a giant tortoise in the wild.
This half-day highlands excursion takes you into the green heart of Santa Cruz Island, where misty forests, volcanic tunnels, and ancient tortoises create one of the most authentic wildlife encounters in the archipelago.
Perfect for travelers who want a classic Galapagos land experience in just a few hours.
Why This Tour Is Essential
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See giant tortoises roaming freely:
El Chato is home to large wild tortoises that can reach 250 kg and 1.5 meters in length. -
Explore volcanic lava tunnels:
Walk inside natural formations created by ancient lava flows. -
Discover the lush highlands ecosystem:
A completely different landscape from the coastal zones. -
Easy half-day experience:
Ideal to combine with other Galapagos activities. -
Private ground transfer included:
Comfortable logistics from Puerto Ayora.
What You’ll See
- Wild giant tortoises
- Lava tunnels
- Los Gemelos craters
- Darwin’s finches
- Galapagos ducklings
- Herons
- Highland Endemic Flora
Included and Excluded
- Hotel ↔ El Chato transportation
- Entrance tickets
- Certified naturalist guide
- Visit to lava tunnels
- Visit to Los Gemelos
- Alcoholic or soft drinks
- Lunch
- Tips
- Private guide upgrade
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Approximately 3 hours
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09:00 AM / 10:00 AM / 02:00 PM
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100% hiking
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About 22 km into the highlands
Your Experience Step by Step
Hotel Pickup & Scenic Highland Drive
Your guide picks you up at your hotel in Puerto Ayora and drives you into the lush highlands of Santa Cruz.
In just about 20 minutes, the dry coastal landscape transforms into green farmland and humid forest — one of the most surprising contrasts in the Galapagos. Moment to enjoy: Watching the island ecosystem change as you climb into the highlands
At the reserve, you’ll walk through open pastures where giant Galapagos tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat.
You may see them:
- Grazing in the fields
- Resting under trees
- Cooling off in freshwater lagoons
Your guide will explain their behavior, lifespan, and conservation story. Visitors are advised to keep about two meters of distance and avoid flash photography.
Highlight: One of the most iconic wildlife moments in the Galapagos.
Beyond tortoises, the reserve is alive with highland birdlife.
Possible sightings include:
- Darwin’s finches
- Galapagos ducklings
- Herons
- Endemic flora species
This lush environment feels completely different from the coastal islands most visitors imagine.
Highlight: Discovering the green side of the Galapagos.
A short distance away, you’ll enter the famous lava tunnels, natural caves formed by ancient volcanic flows.
Inside, walk through illuminated passages carved by molten lava thousands of years ago — one of the most fascinating geological features on Santa Cruz.
Highlight: Walking inside a real volcanic formation.
Visit to Los Gemelos (Twin Craters)
The tour also includes a stop at Los Gemelos, dramatic volcanic sinkholes surrounded by Scalesia forest.
This peaceful viewpoint offers excellent birdwatching and panoramic highland scenery.
Highlight: One of the most photogenic spots in the Santa Cruz highlands.
After the visit, your driver returns you comfortably to your hotel, leaving you with one of the most classic Galapagos memories.
