Santa Cruz: Private Highlands Sightseeing Tour with Giant Turtles and Lava Tubes｜Ecuador

Discover the natural beauty of the highlands of Santa Cruz Island on an exclusive private tour designed for you to enjoy the Galápagos in complete comfort and at your own pace. Accompanied by a local guide, you'll see some of the most iconic landscapes of the archipelago while learning about its volcanic origin and unique flora and fauna.

The experience begins with a pick-up at your hotel in Puerto Ayora. From there, we'll head to the Santa Cruz Highlands, where the cool climate and abundant vegetation offer a completely different landscape from that of the coast.

The first stop will be the Scalesia Forest, one of the most important ecosystems in the Galapagos. Here you'll walk among native trees and enjoy a natural environment ideal for birdwatching and photography.

Next, you'll visit Los Gemelos, two impressive sinkhole craters formed by the island's volcanic activity. From their vantage points, you can admire spectacular views of the Scalesia Forest while your tour guide explains the geological history of this fascinating place.

Then you'll continue on to the El Chato Ranch, where you'll have the opportunity to observe the famous giant Galápagos tortoises living in the wild, roaming freely in their natural habitat. You'll have plenty of time to tour the ranch, take photos, and learn more about the conservation of this iconic species.

Inside the ranch, you'll also explore the impressive lava tunnels, huge volcanic formations created thousands of years ago by ancient eruptions. Walking through them will allow you to understand how the Galapagos Islands were formed.

To end the visit, you can enjoy a very fun experience by entering the shell of a giant tortoise, a perfect place to take unforgettable photos.

As a courtesy, you'll enjoy a tasting of Galapagos tea, coffee 100% produced on the islands, and a local craft beer, a great way to get to know some of the most representative flavors of the archipelago.

At the end of the tour, you'll be comfortably returned to your hotel after enjoying an authentic experience among volcanic landscapes, native forests, and the most iconic wildlife of the Galapagos. This private tour is ideal for couples, families, and small groups seeking personalized attention, greater flexibility, and an exclusive experience in Santa Cruz.