Highlands Tortoise Reserve - Santa Cruz Island
A 45-minute bus ride will take us to the Santa Cruz highlands, located to the northwest of Ayora Port, where we will find a natural reserve with giant land tortoises in their natural habitat. These enormous and slow- moving reptiles are responsible for the island’s name and therefore, approaching them in their humid and forested abode is always an inspiring adventure. They can weigh between 250 and 300 kg and can live up to 200 years. They have few predators; their principal threat has always been men.
We will also visit lava tubes or tunnels, which are the result of the many eruptions that have occurred on the island since its formation.
The Twin Craters or Gemelos are, geologically speaking, seen as sink holes and its formation is not directly due to volcanic action. They were created as a result of the collapse or sinking of surface materials into cracks or manholes. It’s a great place to spot vermilion flycatchers as we walk inside an endemic Scalesia forest.
Once the visit has concluded, we return to Ayora Port for some shopping and sightseeing time. Do not forget to bring money.
- Disembarking: Dry.
- Type of Terrain: None.
- Difficulty: Low.
- Activities: 1 hour 30 min bus ride / 1 hour 30 min visit.
- Highlights: Opportunity to observe giant tortoises, a lava tunnel, Scalesia forest, vermilion flycatcher, the Twin Craters: unique geologic formations.[:es]Giant tortoises, tree & ground Darwin finches, vermillion flycatcher, cattle egrets.
