El Chato

“El Chato” giant tortoise reserve is located in the highland of Santa Cruz Island - Galapagos, you can admire the giant Galapagos tortoises and the lava tunnels. This reserve has an area of 12 hectares and it's home to the famous giant Galapagos tortoises, these tortoises weigh 550 pounds (250 kg) and measure 1.5 meters (5 feet). You'll also have the opportunity to visit the tunnels which were formed by volcanic lava. The distance from Puerto Ayora to El Chato is about 22 km.

Trip details:

• Departure time: 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 14:00 pm.
• From: Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Island.
• Duration: 3 hours.
• Activities: 100% hiking.

What can you see in El Chato?
• Giant tortoises in the wild
• Finches
• Galapagos ducklings
• Herons
• Lava tunnels
• Endemic flora

Prices:

$143 1 or 2 people
$182 3 people
$209 4 people

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Map showing the route to the upper part of the El Chato Reserve in Galapagos.

People observing a giant tortoise with a bird perched on its shell.

Itinerary El Chato Reserve Highland Tour

Our staff will pass by your hotel in a private taxi to transfer you to the highland of Santa Cruz Island in order to get to El Chato Giant Tortoises Reserve, it is about 20 minutes to get there.

At Rancho El Chato, you can walk with a volunteer guide or on your own. There, you'll be able to appreciate plenty of Galapagos tortoises in the wild, some hide in trees and others cool off in lagoons. Prepare your camera to photograph the giant tortoises, don't forget to stay 2 meters away.

Giant Galápagos tortoise posing for the camera.

Giant Galápagos tortoise walking beside the trees.

In addition, you'll be able to appreciate a lot of birds as finches and several Galapagos ducklings are found swimming in the lagoons with the turtles.

Entrance to the lava tunnel in Galapagos

A few meters away is the entrance to the lava tunnels, it's illuminated. You can't miss this adventure, at the end of the tunnel you'll get a pleasant surprise. Our staff will be waiting for you at the end of the tour to drive you to your hotel. Bring water, comfortable shoes and a camera, don't forget to take photos without a flash.