Meet a 150-Year-Old Giant Tortoise in the Galapagos Highlands

4.9 (46 reviews) 3–4 hours

out of 5

46 reviews

4.9

Giant Tortoise migration — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

The Giant Tortoise Reserve — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

The Giant Tortoise Experience is the most iconic tour in Santa Cruz. This must-do experience offers a unique blend of natural wonders, educational insights and personal encounters with iconic species.

Guided by the experience of our certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide, you will:

Visit the stunning Los Gemelos sink holes and hike the magical Scalesia Cloud forest.

Meet the most iconic Galapagos species at the Giant Tortoise Reserve.

Travel through thousands of years of intense volcanic activity in an impressive Lava Tube

The Giant Tortoise Experience is available in English or Spanish, and has two departures available every day:

In the morning 8 AM

In the afternoon 2 PM

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At a glance

Duration: 3–4 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–20
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Galapagos Outdoors CL

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–12 years) · Adults (13–120 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Entrance fees: Entrance fee
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Tea and coffee: Coffee and/or Tea

Not included

Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Los Gemelos

30 min

The Giant Tortoise Experience begins at the pick up point with a warm welcome from your certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide.

During the private air conditioned transfer, immerse yourself in the enchanted Galapagos ecosystem and learn about the captivating history and geology of the archipelago.

Discover Los Gemelos twin sink holes, the most impressive sink holes in The Galapagos Islands. Hike along this scenic 1-mile loop trail and observe these amazing volcanic formations that make Santa Cruz so special.

Walk through the magical Scalesia Cloud Forest, an endemic humid environment where local plants, giant tortoises and birds thrive. Take opportunities to spot and photograph the iconic Darwin’s finches.
Reserva El Chato

3 hours Admission included

Continue to the Giant Tortoise Reserve and meet the largest living tortoises in the world and the most iconic species of Galapagos! Gain exclusive insights into their habits and ecology, and take incredible pictures with hundreds of giant tortoises wandering around in their pristine natural habitat.
Lava Tunnel

20 min Admission included

Be ready for an impressive underground discovery following the footsteps of Charles Darwin. Experience Galapagos inside-out by stepping into stunning Lava Tubes. Appreciate how lava flows have carved and sculpted the most remarkable structures and shapes over thousands of years.

Your Giant Tortoise Experience terminates at the original pick-up point.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Cressi Dive Shop | Galapagos Outdoors CL meeting point

End point

Cressi Dive Shop | Galapagos Outdoors CL meeting point

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

If you cancel	You get back
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Not infant seats available
Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
Not service animal allowed
Not stroller accesible
Not wheelchair accessible
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Travelers can arrive on foot or taxi to our meeting point.
Valid from the time of first use, for the duration selected.
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.