HIGHLANDS

 

ITINERARY

 

On request

Puerto Ayora to Los Gemelos to Santa Rosa to Puerto Ayora - 2 to 3h by private taxi (also possible starting from Itabaca Canal)

3 points of visit: Los Gemelos, ranch for giant tortoises, lava tubes

Special encounter: Giant Tortoises

Transport, private driver

private naturalist guide (on request available at extra charge), tips

From Puerto Ayora you will start your tour by going up to the Highlands visiting Los Gemelos first. Along the way, you will observe how the vegetation changes from the dry landscapes of the coast to the lush forests of the central highlands. During a brief photo stop at the twin craters “Los Gemelos”, you will learn more about the volcanic origins of the island. Los Gemelos are collapsed volcanic craters formed by the deposition of lava chambers following volcanic eruptions. They are not impact craters in the true sense of the word. The area surrounding the craters is home to unique flora and fauna. You will discover lush Scalesia forests and have the opportunity to observe Galapagos finches and other bird species. The next stop is a farm near the town of Santa Rosa, where you can observe up close giant tortoises in their natural habitat and explore lava tunnels. These tunnels are unique geological formations created by lava flow that hardens on the outside, while molten lava continues to flow on the inside, eventually leaving hollow tunnels. Afterwards you will head back to Puerto Ayora.