Santa Cruz electric bike tour: Giant Turtles at El Chato

Giant tortoises crossing tunnels in the Santa Cruz highlands

An electric bike tour of Santa Cruz Island's upper region that takes you to El Chato Tortoise Reserve to watch giant tortoises in their natural habitat, then pedals through picturesque trails before ending in town. The route has minimal demand overall, though a short steep section tests your fitness after the reserve. Private transportation, helmet, electric bike, snacks and entrance to the reserve are included. A live guide speaks English, Spanish, French or Russian.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bike tour and wildlife exploration

• Explore El Chato Tortoise Reserve
• Admire giant tortoises and endemic birds
• Pedal along scenic trails in Santa Cruz
• Experience a short uphill bike section
• Return to picturesque town to finish

The experience

You start with private pickup and ride an electric bike through the Santa Cruz highlands toward El Chato Reserve. The reserve itself is the centerpiece: a working ranch where giant tortoises roam freely in their natural state. You'll watch them cross through tunnels, observe endemic birds, and move through the unique flora of the islands on well-maintained trails. The reserve focuses on conservation and environmental education, so the experience is grounded in how the ecosystem actually works rather than a staged encounter.

After the reserve, the route climbs through a short steep section that asks more of your legs than the rest of the day. The electric motor handles most of the work, but this ascent is where you'll feel the physical demand. Once you crest it, the ride descends into the picturesque town where the tour ends. The whole outing takes about four and a half hours. You'll want sunscreen and insect repellent, the season matters. Humid months bring rain alongside sun.

The bike comes with a helmet, and snacks are provided along the way. A guide in your chosen language stays with the group throughout. Children under 12 need to be discussed with the operator beforehand. Kids aged 2 to 5 can ride in a baby carrier.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from the tour.
• electric bike and helmet.
• entrance to El Chato Tortoise Reserve.
• snacks.
• coffee and/or tea.
• live guide in English, Spanish, French or Russian.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9 · max 7 per booking

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

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

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Guayaquil Bike&Tours

Is this one for you?The steep section after the reserve means you'll want some comfort on a bike, but the electric motor and minimal overall demand make it accessible for most fitness levels. Book this if you want to see giant tortoises in their actual habitat rather than in a zoo setting, and you're willing to pedal through the highlands to get there.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Russian.

What are the giant tortoises like when you see them at El Chato?

The tortoises live freely across the reserve in their natural habitat. You'll watch them move through tunnels and observe them up close as they go about their day, not in enclosures, but in the landscape they actually inhabit.

How steep is the climb on the bike route?

Most of the ride has minimal demand. There's one short section after leaving the reserve where the ascent becomes noticeably steeper and tests your fitness, but the electric motor does the heavy lifting for you.

What should I bring for the weather?

Bring sunscreen and insect repellent. If you're visiting during the humid season, expect rain alongside sun, so dress in layers you can adjust.

Is the electric bike easy to ride if I'm not fit?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The electric motor handles most of the pedaling, and the overall route has minimal physical demand except for that one short climb.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the tour?

Private transportation is included, so you'll be picked up and brought back without arranging a separate ride.