Upper Santa Cruz: Giant Turtles, Lava Tunnels And The Twins

3 hrs
From
ARS 227.067

Explore the Santa Cruz Island highlands and discover three of the Galápagos’ most remarkable natural attractions on one unforgettable tour. Visit a private ranch where iconic giant tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat, venture into fascinating lava tunnels created by ancient volcanic eruptions, and finish your experience at Los Gemelos (The Twins), two impressive volcanic craters surrounded by a lush Scalesia forest. This tour is an ideal way to learn about the volcanic origins of the Galápagos Islands while admiring their extraordinary biodiversity and distinctive landscapes.

Tour Description

We will depart from Puerto Ayora and travel to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where the scenery gradually transforms. Lush vegetation, volcanic landscapes, and remarkable wildlife showcase the extraordinary biodiversity and geological origins of the Galapagos.

Our first stop will be a giant tortoise ranch. As soon as you arrive, you will have the incredible opportunity to see these iconic animals in their natural habitat. Observe their peaceful movements, learn about their fascinating characteristics, and take memorable photographs of one of the most important symbols of the Galapagos Islands.

We will then continue our adventure beneath the surface at the lava tunnels. These impressive natural formations were created by ancient volcanic eruptions. Walking through the tunnels offers a unique way to explore the geological history of the Galapagos and understand how volcanic activity shaped Santa Cruz Island.

To complete the experience, we will visit Los Gemelos, two spectacular volcanic craters surrounded by a native Scalesia forest. From the viewpoints, you can admire one of the most iconic landscapes in the Galapagos, enjoy the fresh highland air, and, with a little luck, spot endemic birds that live in this enchanting area of the island.

At every stop, you will discover a new side of the Galapagos: its remarkable wildlife, powerful volcanic origins, and breathtaking natural scenery. This Santa Cruz Island tour combines nature, history, and unforgettable landscapes, making it ideal for travelers who wish to experience the essence of the Galapagos in one unforgettable journey.


What’s included?

What’s included:

Professional Spanish/English speaking guide. Assistance to the meeting point. Entrance to the private ranch.

What’s NOT included:

Food and beverages.

Frequently Asked Questions

This excursion allows you to explore three outstanding natural attractions in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, in the Galápagos Islands. The tour includes a visit to a ranch where giant tortoises live in their natural habitat, an exploration of impressive lava tunnels formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, and a final stop at Los Gemelos (The Twins). These two craters are surrounded by a Scalesia forest and offer a landscape representative of the archipelago. This Galápagos tourism option combines biodiversity, volcanic landscapes, and some of Santa Cruz's most iconic natural sites.

Yes. One of the main attractions of this excursion to the highlands of Santa Cruz is a visit to a ranch where the iconic giant tortoises live in their natural habitat. This encounter allows you to see one of the most representative animals of the Galapagos Islands in an environment closely linked to its natural environment. The tortoise watching is part of a tour that also includes lava tunnels and Los Gemelos (The Twins), so the experience combines wildlife, geology, and natural landscapes. For specific details about the ranch visit, please consult the updated tour information.

The lava tunnels included in this excursion are natural formations created by ancient volcanic eruptions. They are one of the highlights of the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and offer a close-up view of the volcanic origins of the Galápagos Islands. During the tour, you'll explore these impressive spaces as part of an experience that also includes observing giant tortoises and visiting Los Gemelos (The Twins). The excursion thus provides a glimpse into the geology of the archipelago. For information on the conditions and details of the exploration, please consult the tour details.

Los Gemelos is one of the highlights of this excursion through the highlands of Santa Cruz. The site consists of two craters surrounded by a Scalesia forest, offering a landscape representative of the Galápagos Islands. The visit allows you to appreciate the volcanic origin of the archipelago and its extraordinary biodiversity in a natural environment characteristic of the island. The tour concludes at this attraction after visiting the giant tortoise ranch and the lava tunnels. For details about the visit to Los Gemelos, please consult the available tour information.

This excursion offers a comprehensive Galapagos Islands tourism experience by combining three natural wonders of the Santa Cruz Island highlands into a single tour. The itinerary includes an encounter with iconic giant tortoises at a ranch where they live in their natural habitat, exploration of lava tunnels formed by ancient eruptions, and a visit to Los Gemelos (The Twins), two craters surrounded by a Scalesia forest. It's a unique way to discover the biodiversity and volcanic origins of the Galapagos. Specific details of the tour can be found in the tour information.

PRICES 2026-2027

Upper Santa Cruz - Afternoon

Afternoon Tour. Includes: Professional Spanish/English Speaking Guide, Assistance To The Meeting Point, And Entrance To The Private Ranch.

  • Start Time: 15:00
  • Languages: ESP,ENG
  • Duration: 3 hrs
  • Operation Days: Every day
From
ARS 225.695
per person

Price per person based on a booking for 2 people. Prices may vary depending on the date and number of travelers.

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Upper Santa Cruz: Giant Turtles, Lava Tunnels And The Twins

3 hrs
From ARS 227.067

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Upper Santa Cruz: Giant Turtles, Lava Tunnels And The Twins