Santa Cruz Island

Los Gemelos (The Twin Craters)

Your journey into Santa Cruz’s highlands begins as the vegetation shifts from dry coastal scrub to humid forest. The first stop is Los Gemelos, two colossal, volcanic pit craters that sit on either side of the road.

On a gentle hike around the rim, your guide will point out the birds of the endemic Scalesia forest such as Galapagos doves, yellow warblers, flycatchers and Darwin’s finches.

Scalesia & Miconia Zones

The highlands are dominated by two distinct tree species, Miconia and Scalesia, each one forming its very own vegetation zone.

Scalesia is particularly interesting. A tree species endemic to the Galapagos that actually belongs in the daisy family (the only daisy to be a tree) and, as such, is astoundingly adaptive and resilient.

Miconia, on the other hand, is a much more common genus of plant species, but the Galapagos variety features pretty red-tinged leaves and grows higher than its continental relatives.

Giant Tortoise Reserve

From Los Gemelos, you continue to a giant tortoise reserve. Walking a gentle circuit trail, you encounter these iconic reptiles grazing freely in their natural environment.

Beyond tortoises, the reserve attracts ground finches, mockingbirds, flycatchers, and occasionally short-eared owls.

Lava Tunnels

The tortoise reserve also contains a network of underground lava tubes, formed centuries ago when lava flows cooled at the edges but kept flowing through the middle, leaving cave-like tunnels in their wake.

Walking through these cavernous tunnels reveals the volcanic origins that shaped not only Santa Cruz, but the entire archipelago.

Cerro Mesa Reserve

Cerro Mesa, a private reserve in the eastern highlands, offers panoramic views across Santa Cruz and neighbouring islands. Its trails pass through endemic forest inhabited by six subspecies of Darwin’s finches, mockingbirds, Galapagos tortoises, and short-eared owls.

El Garrapatero: Trail & Lagoon

Descending from the highlands, green forests give way to black lava fields, white sand, mangroves, and turquoise water. Along the trail to the beach (15-min walk) are numerous subspecies of finch, including the cactus finch which feeds off the opuntia cacti. Beware of the Manzanillo trees, and their poisonous apples. Even the sap can burn the skin.

The brackish lagoon behind the dunes attracts flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and black-necked stilts.

El Garrapatero: Beach & Marine Life

Along the shoreline marine iguanas bask, sea lions rest, while rays and green sea turtles glide through the shallows. Blue-footed boobies and pelicans patrol overhead.

Snorkelling and kayaking offer close encounters with reef fish and occasionally reef sharks.

Tortuga Bay: Playa Brava

Reached via a 2.5km paved trail (a 45-60 minute walk) through a prickly pear cactus forest, Tortuga Bay opens onto a kilometer-long stretch of white sand known as Playa Brava. Marine iguanas dot the shoreline, while pelicans, frigatebirds, and blue-footed boobies cruise above the surf.

The bay’s rolling, turquoise waves are ideal for surfers of all levels and we can arrange surf lessons with advanced notice. Note, the current can be strong and swimming is not recommended in certain sections, usually marked with flags.

Tortuga Bay: Playa Mansa

If you walk to the end of Playa Brava (‘brave beach’) you get to Playa Mansa (‘gentle beach’), a smaller bay bordered by mangroves and a cactus forest.

Here, snorkelling reveals baby reef sharks, rays, turtles, and marine iguanas. Brown pelicans dive for fish, while Sally Lightfoot crabs scatter across volcanic rocks. Kayaking can also be arranged with advanced notice.

Puerto Ayora

Returning to town, Puerto Ayora offers a glimpse into daily life on the islands.

The town houses artisan studios, shops, cafes and numerous souvenir shops.

Charles Darwin Research Station

A 10-minute walk from the town centre, the Charles Darwin Research Station provides insight into the conservation work that underpins the Galapagos’ protection.

Part museum and part laboratory, the complex houses a tortoise breeding center and the legendary ‘Lonesome George‘, the last known Pinta tortoise, now preserved by taxonomists and displayed in a glass cabinet.

Las Grietas (Optional)

Las Grietas, a narrow volcanic fissure filled with turquoise water, is popular with local residents. While not typically included in our core Safaris due to high visitor numbers, it can be incorporated upon request.