Santa Cruz Highland Tour: Giant Tortoises, Lava Tunnel & Gemelos
Things to know
About the Activity
This tour will allow you to get to see the highlights of Santa Cruz' Highlands, including the giant tortoises in their natural habitat, an impressive underground lava tunnel and the famous Twin Craters "Los Gemelos". This definitely is a rewarding visit for nature loving people and a must-do when in Galapgos. The lush green scenery of the highlands is in stark contrast to the more arid lowland coasts, providing a very different Galapagos experience.3 hours to 4 hours
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Availability and Prices
Travel Date
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Travelers
Adult : 2
Inclusions & Exclusions
Transportation amenities : Private transportation. Private transportation
Use of equipment : Other.
Fees : Other. All Fees and Taxes
Transportation amenities : In-vehicle air conditioning. Air-conditioned vehicle
Naturalist guide certified by the National Park
Entry fee to the tortoise ranch
Gratuities (optional)
More Activities in Santa Cruz
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Travel Itinerary
- Maximum 16 travellers in this tour.
Locations in the itinerary
1
Rancho Primicias
El Chato Area, Near To Santa Rosa, Av Rancho Primicias, Ecuador, 200106One of our knowledgeable guides will lead you around the beautiful tortoise ranch Las Primicias, which lies in the Highlands of Santa Cruz, offering a lush contrast to the beaches and arid areas found elsewhere on the island.
Here you will be able to observe the famous Giant Galapagos Tortoise roaming in its natural habitat, taking a bath in one of the many water holes, having a good bite of green grass or, if you get very lucky, even mating.
You will be able to be as close to them as possible (don't forget 2 meters distance!) and your guide will be happy to help you to take great photos of you posing with these fascinating giants. You will learn a lot about their behaviour, their predators, and basically everything there is know learn - and of course there will be sufficient time to ask questions and to taste a cup of the delicious organic coffee produced by the family who owns this place.
You will get rubber boots if it is raining or if the ground is muddy.1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket IncludedView Location2
Lava Tunnel
Near Rancha Primicias, Ecuador, 200350The second stop will be a cavernous underground Lava Tunnel where you can climb down (easy access with steps) one of the geological wonders of the volcanic islands of Galapagos. Seeing this impressive place and the explanations of your naturalist guide, help to understand the immense force that these lava flows had. You can either turn back and exit the tunnel the same way you came down, or you can walk through the tunnel (not recommend for someone with back/mobility problems or claustrophobia as there is one very tight spot where you basically need to crawl through) and meet the rest of the group on the other side.30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included3
Los Gemelos
EcuadorThe last stop on this tour will be "Los Gemelos", meaning the Twins; which are two massive twin craters (actually huge lava collapses - your naturalist guide will explain you a lot more about it). To better appreciate their scale, Los Gemelos measure approximately 1 mile in diameter, with a depth of 280 meters. The dark grey volcanic walls contrast wonderfully with the green vegetation, but you’ll need a wide angle lens to fit it all into one shot.
The two viewpoints over these massive lava collapses showcase the breathtaking landscape, and there is plenty of interesting birdlife to look out for too as this dense forest is home to a good variety of Galapagos bird species.
An impressive 8 of the 13 Darwin Finch species can be spotted here. Your guide will show you how to identify them correctly. Bird watchers can also spot eye-catching vermillion flycatchers, Short-eared owls (if lucky!), the pretty Galapagos dove and more.45 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView LocationMeeting and Pickup
Starting point
1
Our office is located only a few steps from the pier, easiest to find via Google Maps.
We can also arrange additional pick-up service from your hotel or from the airport and meet you in the Highlands, please let us know.View Location
End point
1
Our office is located only a few steps from the pier, easiest to find via Google Maps.
We can also arrange additional pick-up service from your hotel or from the airport and meet you in the Highlands, please let us know.View Location
Pickup details
Tour operator will pick up all customers from their respective locations; or, customers can make their own way to the start point- Travelers CANNOT choose a custom pickup or meeting location.
Pickup points
Additional Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Travel time is included on the total tour duration.
Language And Guide
Tour Guide Available In
- English
- Spanish
Ticket Details
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
Ticket Redemption
No redemption point. This is a direct entry ticketCancellation & Refunds
Cannot be cancelled or amended without incurring a 100% penalty; i.e., the refund amount will be zero.- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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No reviews found!Operated by Guiding Galapagos ExpeditionsCreated on 26 Sep 2023Created on 17 May 2025
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