Baltra to Santa Cruz transfer with giant tortoise reserve visit

Land at Baltra and reach your hotel with the tortoises in between

A shared shuttle from Baltra Airport connects to a private truck that takes you across the island to El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve, where a local guide walks you through the reserve's lush trails and lava tunnels to see the giants in their natural habitat. Your driver then delivers you to your hotel in Puerto Ayora, completing the transfer in one organized morning.

Step-by-step itinerary

Transfer and tortoise reserve visit

• Assisted transfer from Baltra Airport
• Shared shuttle across Baltra Island
• Visit El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve
• Explore trails and lava tunnels
• Private shuttle to hotel in Puerto Ayora

The experience

You arrive at Baltra Airport and meet your driver, who escorts you through a shared shuttle across the island before switching you to a private truck for the rest of the journey. The route crosses Baltra and then heads toward Santa Cruz's highlands, where the landscape shifts from dry coastal scrub to lush vegetation. Along the way you pass Los Gemelos, a pair of volcanic sinkholes ringed by Scalesia forest, though the main stop is ahead.

At El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve, a local guide leads you into the sanctuary where these ancient creatures roam freely among freshwater pools and volcanic terrain. The reserve sits in the island's highland zone, surrounded by the vegetation the tortoises browse. You explore the trails and lava tunnels on foot, moving at a pace that lets you watch the animals in their habitat rather than behind barriers. The guide shares what the reserve does for conservation and what these creatures need to survive.

After the reserve, your driver takes you down to Puerto Ayora and drops you at your hotel. The whole transfer (from airport to tortoise reserve to accommodation) takes about four hours, so you land in the morning and have the afternoon free. Coffee or tea is included during the drive.

What’s included

• Private pick-up truck with Starlink connection.
• Baltra Airport shuttle and Itabaca Channel crossing.
• El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve entry fee and local guide.
• coffee and tea during the drive.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupUp to 16 · max 3 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 50

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Galapagos Outdoors CL

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English or Spanish, so choose the language that works for you when you book. This transfer works for anyone arriving at Baltra and heading to a hotel in Puerto Ayora, since the tortoise reserve stop breaks up the drive and gives you a morning activity before you settle in.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What are the giant tortoises like at El Chato Reserve?

El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve is a sanctuary where these ancient creatures roam freely in their natural highland habitat, surrounded by lush vegetation, freshwater pools, and volcanic landscapes. You walk the trails and lava tunnels with a local guide to observe them up close in complete harmony with nature, rather than in enclosures.

Do I need to arrange my own way from the airport to my hotel?

No. Your driver meets you at Baltra Airport and handles the entire transfer: a shared shuttle across Baltra Island, then a private truck to the tortoise reserve and on to your hotel in Puerto Ayora. You are escorted throughout.

How much walking is involved at the tortoise reserve?

You explore the reserve's trails and lava tunnels on foot with a local guide, moving at a pace that lets you observe the tortoises in their habitat. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with limited mobility.

What is included in this transfer?

The package includes the Baltra Airport shuttle, the private truck to Santa Cruz, entry to El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve, a local guide at the reserve, and coffee or tea during the drive. Your driver provides the transportation and escort throughout.