Santa Cruz Highlands Tour with Tortoise and Lava Tunnels
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Explore the stunning Santa Cruz Highlands on a private half-day tour from Puerto Ayora. Witness the iconic Galapagos tortoises at either El Chato reserve or Rancho Primicias. Marvel at the historic lava tunnels. This tour offers the convenience of a private driver, ensuring a comfortable journey with personalized attention throughout your adventure.
- Private hotel pick-up and drop-off in Puerto Ayora
- Visit the legendary Galapagos tortoises at El Chato or Rancho Primicias with your on-site guide
- Explore Santa Cruz from underground in your historic on-site lava tunnels
- Enjoy a flexible schedule in a private vehicle with your personal driver
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Rancho Primicias
A great natural setting where you will see the iconic Galapagos Tortoises in their natural habitat at either El Chato or Rancho Primicias. You will get a close encounter with these wonderful animals in fields full of tortoises for some great photo opportunities. The guide will meet you and lead a group of 5-10 people around the area and talk you through the special history of this unique species. You will also see more endemic nature such as Escalesia trees and be able to enjoy some amazing local dishes and refreshing drinks at the end of the tour (at an additional cost).
Lava Tunnel
Whilst at either El Chato or Rancho Primicias, our driver will also take you to experience Santa Cruz from the underground, by visiting the lava tunnels that have been formed over thousands of years. From here, you will be able to walk the full length of the tunnels, meeting the driver at the other end, before he drives you back to Puerto Ayora.
Options
Santa Cruz Highlands Tour with Tortoise and Lava Tunnels
Pickup included
What‘s Included
On-site Spanish and English speaking guide
Spanish speaking driver
Private, air conditioned vehicle to collect you from your chosen pick up point, take you to each destination and to safely return you to your chosen drop off point within Puerto Ayora
$10 entrance fee per person to El Chato or Rancho Primicias. This will be paid locally upon arrival at either location
Any food and drink that is purchased whilst at El Chato or Rancho Primicias
Pickup points
Hotel Ninfa
Los Colonos y Thomas de Berlanga Puerto Ayora Ecuador
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A must do trip when in...
JamesDonald T,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A must do trip when in Santa Cruz. See how giant tortoises live in a natural ranch environment and explore the lava tunnels close by. All with an arranged personal pick up/drop off. So pleased i did this.
Very enjoyable and well organised
614gloriam,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great tour! And one we didn’t really plan until a few days before. The booking agent we dealt with was extremely helpful and everything went very smoothly. The driver and vehicle were good and made things easy. We absolutely loved visiting the tortoises, couldn’t believe how many there were and how accessible it all was! The lava tunnels were also very interesting
Related Experiences
Operated by Galápagos Ninfa Tour