Santa Cruz Highland Tour: Giant Tortoises, Lava Tunnel & Gemelos

Walk through a lava tunnel and stand between two massive volcanic craters.

This Santa Cruz highlands tour takes you to three geological and wildlife landmarks: a tortoise ranch where giant Galápagos tortoises roam freely, an underground lava tunnel you can walk through or turn back from, and Los Gemelos. Twin craters measuring roughly a mile across and 280 meters deep. A certified naturalist guide leads the route, which takes 3 to 4 hours and includes transportation and entry fees.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Santa Cruz Highlands highlights

• Visit tortoise ranch Las Primicias
• Observe giant tortoises in habitat
• Enjoy organic coffee tasting
• Explore underground lava tunnel
• Walk through or exit lava tunnel
• Visit Los Gemelos twin craters
• Birdwatch at Los Gemelos viewpoints

The experience

The tour starts at Las Primicias tortoise ranch in the highlands, where the landscape shifts from the arid coasts to lush green vegetation. A naturalist guide walks you through the property to observe giant Galápagos tortoises in their natural habitat: grazing, bathing in water holes, or, if you're fortunate, mating. You stay at least 2 meters away and have time to ask questions and photograph them. The ranch produces organic coffee, which you can taste during the visit. If the ground is muddy or raining, rubber boots are provided.

The second stop is an underground lava tunnel carved by ancient lava flows. Steps lead down into the cavern, and you have a choice: turn back and exit the way you came, or walk through the tunnel to meet the group on the other side. The tunnel has one very tight spot that requires crawling, so it's not suitable for people with back or mobility problems or claustrophobia. Your guide explains the geological forces that shaped the tunnel and the volcanic islands themselves.

Los Gemelos, the Twin Craters, are the final stop. These two massive lava collapses sit roughly a mile in diameter and 280 meters deep, their dark grey volcanic walls framed by dense green forest. Two viewpoints let you take in the scale. The forest is home to eight of the thirteen Darwin Finch species found in Galápagos, plus vermillion flycatchers, Short-eared owls, and Galápagos doves. Your guide points out how to identify the birds correctly.

What’s included

• Private transportation and an air-conditioned vehicle.
• a certified naturalist guide in English or Spanish.
• entry to Las Primicias tortoise ranch.
• rubber boots if the ground is muddy or raining.
• all fees and taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Airport Transfer in/outGuide in English or Spanish · No fixed timeAirport pickup and drop-off: pickup from the airport exit on Baltra Island with a private driver. The airport bus tickets ($5) and ferry ($1) are not included. Pickup is included.

Santa Cruz tour without pickupGuide in English or Spanish · No fixed time

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Guiding Galapagos Expeditions

Is this one for you?Choose the option with pickup if you're staying in Santa Cruz town and want to skip arranging your own transport to the highlands. The naturalist guide handles the route and timing, so you focus on the tortoises, the tunnel, and the craters instead of navigation.

Traveler reviews

4.71★★★★★★★★★★

7 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2).

Can I walk all the way through the lava tunnel, or do I have to turn back?

You have a choice at the tunnel. You can turn back and exit the same way you entered, or walk through to the other side where the group waits. The tunnel has one very tight spot requiring you to crawl, so it's not recommended if you have back or mobility problems or claustrophobia.

How close can I get to the giant tortoises?

You can observe the tortoises at Las Primicias ranch as they roam, bathe, and graze. You stay at least 2 meters away, which gives you close views for photography and lets your guide help you frame good shots.

What birds can I expect to see at Los Gemelos?

Los Gemelos is home to eight of the thirteen Darwin Finch species in Galápagos, plus vermillion flycatchers, Short-eared owls, and Galápagos doves. Your guide will teach you how to identify them correctly.

How long does this tour take?

The tour runs 3 to 4 hours, with travel time included in that duration.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes private transportation, a certified naturalist guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, entry to the tortoise ranch, and all fees and taxes. Rubber boots are provided if needed.