Santa Cruz Highlands Tour

Inside the island there are wonderful places to discover. The best option to know this area is to visit the nature reserves. This tour can be done from Puerto Ayora or also, what we recommend is to do it on the way to or from the airport on your first or last day of visit to Galapagos

These are the recommended places:

El Chato Reserve

Here are the giant tortoises in their natural habitat. It is a protected area dedicated to preserving and promoting the recovery of the endemic giant tortoise species of Santa Cruz Island. This species is characterized by its black and oval shell and the largest specimens are just over a meter long. The upper part of the island is inhabited by males, and as we descend we can find newborns and females of this species.

Here you can also appreciate the endemic vegetation (Scalesia, guayabillo, among others) the geology of the island, which makes it so special to create this unique ecosystem, and its endemic species, among which are the lava lizard, different species of finches, owls, and the famous giant tortoise of Santa Cruz. Also enjoy lunch or try the delicious organic coffee.