Puerto Ayora: The Galapagos Giant Tortoise Shared Experience
Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador
The Giant Tortoise Experience is the most iconic tour in Santa Cruz, Galapagos. With our Naturalist Guide, encounter giant tortoises, visit Los Gemelos sinkholes, a lava tunnel and a Scalesia forest.
Giant Tortoise Experience: Guided Nature Tour on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
This 3.5-hour guided tour on Santa Cruz Island suits nature lovers interested in Galapagos wildlife, geology, and volcanic formations.
Highlights
- Explore the Los Gemelos twin sink holes and hike the Scalesia Cloud Forest trail
- Encounter giant tortoises at the Giant Tortoise Reserve
- Walk through impressive volcanic Lava Tubes shaped by past eruptions
Description
The tour begins with pickup from 1835 Coffee Lab | Galapagos Coffee Roasters and a private air-conditioned transfer. Your certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide provides insights into the archipelago’s history, geology, and ecosystem during the journey.
At Los Gemelos, you will hike a 1-mile loop to see the volcanic twin sink holes formed by collapsed magma chambers. The trail continues through the Scalesia Cloud Forest, a unique humid environment home to endemic plants, giant tortoises, and Darwin’s finches, offering excellent photography opportunities.
Next, visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve to observe and learn about the largest living tortoises in their natural habitat. Your guide will share knowledge about their behavior and ecology as you explore the reserve.
The tour concludes with a visit to the Lava Tubes, underground formations created by lava flows. Walking through these tunnels reveals volcanic processes and shapes formed over thousands of years, following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin.
The tour ends back at the original pickup location.
Includes
- Entrance fees
- Transport by air-conditioned coach
- Pickup and drop-off at 1835 Coffee Lab | Galapagos Coffee Roasters
- Professional certified naturalist guide
- Walking tour
- Local taxes
- Small-group tour
- Entry tax
Excludes
- Food and drinks
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Booking Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. The best time to visit is during the morning for cooler temperatures and optimal wildlife activity.
