Service Description

Tour Duration: ~4 hours Departure: Flexible morning or afternoon departures Includes: Certified naturalist guide, private transportation, and all entrance fees Escape the coast and step into a completely different world—the lush, green highlands of Santa Cruz. This half-day tour is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone curious about the unique volcanic and ecological history of the Galápagos. In just a few hours, you’ll walk alongside giant tortoises, explore ancient lava tunnels, and hike through the cloud-kissed Scalesia forest around the Twin Craters. Tour Highlights: 🟢 El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve One of the best places to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. These gentle giants roam freely through the highlands, and if you're lucky, you'll catch the unforgettable sound of one hissing as it tucks into its shell. The reserve is also home to unique bird species like Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, and even the elusive short-eared owl. 🌋 Lava Tunnels Step into the underground world of the Galápagos. These massive lava tubes, created by ancient eruptions, stretch for more than a kilometer. Walking through them is like traveling back in time—an eerie, humbling reminder of the island's volcanic origins. 🌳 Los Gemelos (Twin Craters) These enormous natural sinkholes are surrounded by one of the last remaining Scalesia forests, a rare and beautiful ecosystem. Take a peaceful walk among towering trees and keep your eyes open for the bright red vermilion flycatcher or the flutter of finches overhead. Misty and quiet, it’s the perfect spot to reflect on the island’s raw, evolving beauty. Whether you're winding through lava tunnels or watching a tortoise plod through tall grass, the Santa Cruz Highlands offer a different side of Galápagos—cooler, greener, and full of ancient life.