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.
Highlights
From 3 hours to 4 hours
Offered in English & Spanish
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
From 3 hours to 4 hours
Offered in English & Spanish
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Private transportation
All Fees and Taxes
Naturalist guide certified by the National Park
Air-conditioned vehicle
Use of rubber boots if the ground is muddy
Entry fee to the tortoise ranch
Gratuities (optional)
Meeting Points
Departure
Guiding Galapagos Expeditions
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.
One 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 and 30 minutes
2
Lava Tunnel
The 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
3
Los Gemelos
The 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
Santa Cruz Highland Tour: Giant Tortoises, Lava Tunnel & Gemelos
(5) Reviews
Santa Cruz
About
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.
Highlights
From 3 hours to 4 hours
Offered in English & Spanish
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
From 3 hours to 4 hours
Offered in English & Spanish
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Private transportation
All Fees and Taxes
Naturalist guide certified by the National Park
Air-conditioned vehicle
Use of rubber boots if the ground is muddy
Entry fee to the tortoise ranch
Gratuities (optional)
Meeting Points
Departure
Guiding Galapagos Expeditions
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.