Explore El Chato Tortoise Reserve: Galapagos Wildlife Tours

Embark on an unforgettable wildlife adventure at El Chato Tortoise Reserve (Reserva El Chato) on Santa Cruz Island. Witness the majesty of giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat and explore mysterious ancient lava tunnels. This premier Galapagos tourism destination offers immersive nature tours and educational experiences led by expert naturalist guides. Whether you are seeking an eco-friendly wildlife encounter or a thrilling walking adventure through volcanic landscapes, El Chato provides a breathtaking connection to the Galapagos Islands' most iconic species. Book your unforgettable journey today!

4.87/5 avg ratingTours from $39100% instant bookingGuided wildlife tours

At a glance

Rating

Rating

4.87★ average

Based on 107 pooled reviews with ~94% positive sentiment

Tour Price

Tour Price

$141–$240 typical

Full price range: $39–$397

Tour Length

Tour Length

3.5–6.5 hours typical

Median duration is 4.2 hours

Best For

Best For

Wildlife & Nature

83% of options are wildlife tours focused on nature

Tour Features

Tour Features

Eco-friendly & Guided

67% of tours are eco-friendly and 67% include a guide

Languages

Languages

4 languages available

English, Spanish, French, and Russian

6 Products

Meet a 150-Year-Old Giant Tortoise in the Galapagos Highlands
$175
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Meet a 150-Year-Old Giant Tortoise in the Galapagos Highlands
Summary

The Giant Tortoise Experience is the most iconic tour in Santa Cruz. This must-do experience offers a unique blend of natural wonders, educational insights and personal encounters with iconic species. Guided by the experience of our certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide, you will: Visit the stunni...

Exclusions
  • Food and drinks
Itinerary
  • Los Gemelos
  • Reserva El Chato
  • Lava Tunnel
Good to know
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults, Children must be accompanied by an adult, Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability, Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair, May be operated by a multi-lingual guide, Not infant seats available, Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions, Not service animal allowed, Not stroller accesible, Not wheelchair accessible, Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately, Travelers can arrive on foot or taxi to our meeting point., Valid from the time of first use, for the duration selected., You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

GALAPAGOS in ELECTRIC BICYCLE + Giant Turtles
4.5 hrsEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
$130
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GALAPAGOS in ELECTRIC BICYCLE + Giant Turtles
Summary

Embark on a unique Galapagos adventure: Explore the majestic upper part of Santa Cruz Island by bike and immerse yourself in the wonder of nature! Pedal along picturesque trails, admire the iconic giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and let the magic of the Galapagos envelop you. Ready to live...

Inclusions
  • helmet
  • Entrance to Giant Turtles' private ranch
  • Electric Bike
Exclusions
  • Tips
  • Accident insurance
Itinerary
  • Reserva El Chato
  • Santa Cruz Island
  • Galapagos Islands
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Minimum physical effort, Children from 2 to 5 years old are recommended to go in a baby carrier, Request information for children from 6 to 11 years old
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Skip the Line:El Chato 2 Reserve Admission Ticket in Santa Cruz Island,Galapagos
$9
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Skip the Line:El Chato 2 Reserve Admission Ticket in Santa Cruz Island,Galapagos
Summary

Get your entry Tickets to El Chato 2 Tortoise Reserve in Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora to observe giant tortoises in their natural state. You will also be able to observe many of the Galapagos Bird Species. Take a self-guide walk inside the famous lava Tunnels. Note: No guide is required, but it ...

Inclusions
  • Rubber Boots
Exclusions
  • Guide
  • Transportation from Puerto Ayora to El Chato
Itinerary
  • Reserva El Chato
Good to know
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels, This is and Entry Fee ONLY. This is a self-guided tour. No guide will accompany you during the visit., Transportation from Puerto Ayora to el Chato and back are NOT included.
Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

The Galapagos Giant Tortoise Experience + Los Gemelos | Private
$450
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The Galapagos Giant Tortoise Experience + Los Gemelos | Private
Summary

In Santa Cruz Highlands visit Los Gemelos - amazing volcanic sink holes for an ecosystem introduction.   Then stop at our private Giant Tortoise Reserve for un unique close wildlife encounter.   Finish with an underground walk through a Lava Tube and explore Galapagos from the inside ! A 3 - hour ...

Inclusions
  • Professional guide
  • Local taxes
  • Pickup and drop-off (1835 Coffee Lab | Galapagos Coffee Roasters)
Exclusions
  • Food and drinks
Itinerary
  • Los Gemelos
  • Reserva El Chato
  • Santa Cruz
Good to know
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults, Children must be accompanied by an adult, May be operated by a multi-lingual guide, Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Full Day Santa Cruz Rancho and Lava Tunnels Tour of Bahia
$240
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Full Day Santa Cruz Rancho and Lava Tunnels Tour of Bahia
Summary

Visit the most iconic places of Santa Cruz in one day. Enjoy the wonderful nature of the highlands, combined with an incredible afternoon sailing around Puerto Ayora Bay. Throughout the day, you will see giant turtles, aquatic animals, boobies, pelicans, birds and much endemic vegetation.

Inclusions
  • Pickup at the hotel - apllies only for hotels and airbnbs located on Puerto Ayora not highlands
  • Full transportation for both visits
  • Experienced naturalist guide
Exclusions
  • Services and visits not listed
Itinerary
  • Reserva El Chato
  • Los Gemelos
  • Las Grietas
  • Canal del Amor
  • Playa de los Perros
  • Puerto Ayora
Good to know
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Transfer Baltra to Santa Cruz + Galapagos Tortoise Visit | Shared
$240
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Transfer Baltra to Santa Cruz + Galapagos Tortoise Visit | Shared
Summary

Begin your Galapagos adventure with a seamless assisted transfer from Baltra Airport to Santa Cruz. This journey includes a shared shuttle across Baltra Island, a ferry ride over the Itabaca Channel, and a final private shuttle to your hotel all escorted by your local driver. Along the way, visit t...

Exclusions
  • Drop-off is available exclusively at hotels located within Puerto Ayora town
Itinerary
  • Los Gemelos
  • Reserva El Chato
Good to know
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Not recommended for travelers with limited mobility or special requirements
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.