Tours & tickets

Los Gemelos, Galapagos Islands

This guided tour offers a unique blend of natural wonders, educational insights and personal encounters with the most iconic species of Galapagos. Pick-up point The Giant Tortoise Experience begins with a warm welcome from your certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide. During the private air conditioned transfer, immerse yourself in the enchanted Galapagos ecosystem and learn about the captivating history and geology of the archipelago. Los Gemelos & Scalesia forest Discover Los Gemelos twin sink holes, the most impressive sink holes in The Galapagos Islands. Hike along this scenic 1-mile loop trail and observe these amazing volcanic formations that make Santa Cruz so special. Walk through the magical Scalesia Cloud Forest, an endemic humid environment where local plants, giant tortoises and birds thrive. Take opportunities to spot and photograph the iconic Darwin’s finches. Giant Tortoise Reserve Continue to the Giant Tortoise Reserve and meet the largest living tortoises in the world and the most iconic species of Galapagos! Gain exclusive insights into their habits and ecology, and take incredible pictures with hundreds of giant tortoises wandering around in their pristine natural habitat. Lava Tubes Be ready for an impressive underground discovery following the footsteps of Charles Darwin. Experience Galapagos inside-out by stepping into stunning Lava Tubes. Appreciate how lava flows have carved and sculpted the most remarkable structures and shapes over thousands of years. End point Your Giant Tortoise Experience terminates at the original pick-up point. Total duration of the tour: 3 hours 30 minutes

This is an all inclusive Galápagos Arrival with 3 tours and lunch & exclusive dinner designed and operate by CIG. * Booking via the third agency is not available for CIG reward and CIG Welcome souvenir. Please visit www.cigtours.com for more information. We promise an experience like no other. (Please disregard the 8 AM start time; the tour will commence based on your arrival time.) Your journey begins the moment you arrive at the airport. When you land at the GPS airport, you'll need to take a bus from the airport to Muelle de la Isla Baltra. From there, you will board a ferry to cross to the Santa Cruz mainland. While this process might seem daunting, especially for first-time visitors, no worries! We arrange for a private driver to meet you at the airport, guide you through every step, and ensure your journey is smooth and stress-free. Then to see the Turtle, volcano tunnel and Los Gemelos Twin. First Stop: Los Gemelos Twin Craters Visit Los Gemelos, the stunning twin sinkholes in Santa Cruz's highlands, formed by the collapse of magma chambers. Capture amazing photos with help from our friendly driver. Next: Meet the Galápagos Tortoises Visit the Highlands Tortoise Reserve, where you’ll see the famous giant tortoises. Your ticket is included, and a guide will be ready to provide insights about these incredible creatures. Afterward, enjoy lunch we’ve prepared for you (Optional) Then, Explore the Lava Tunnels Experience the awe-inspiring lava tunnels, created from ancient lava flows, and marvel at their unique beauty. After the tunnel visit, we will give you a quick tour of Santa Cruz town with stops at the park, market, phone store, hospital, tour agencies, beach, and museum. After the town tour, you’ll be taken to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. Exclusive dinner is included! Please tell us your preferred dinner time and food allergy. Galápagos Arrival and Tour Package Includes: Private Airport Guide & Pickup: Greeted at the airport and transported to your hotel. Visit Los Gemelos Twin Craters: Explore these impressive sinkholes in the highlands of Santa Cruz. Tour the Highlands Tortoise Reserve: The best place to see giant tortoises. Explore Lava Tunnels: Walk through ancient volcanic tunnels. Exclusive Dining Experience: Enjoy a special meal curated for you. Souvenir: Take home a piece of the Galápagos. Lobito Bus and Boat Tickets: Convenient travel between sites. Optional Lunch Experience.

We will meet at the assigned place to transport us by vehicle to a small community called Santa Rosa, then we will begin our E-bike adventure. The next stop is at the private El Chato ranch, a unique place on earth, where you can see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The ranch has a large number of giant tortoises, which can be seen walking through the fields or sunbathing. This excursion includes non-traditional trail riding, allowing travelers to explore the natural beauty of the Galapagos in a unique way. The trails we ride are usually less crowded than the traditional trails, and offer the opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Finally, we will visit a craft workshop, where travelers can learn about the culture and art of the Galapagos. In the workshop, travelers will be able to see how typical Galapagos artisan products are made.

Enjoy a private transfer from Baltra Airport to your hotel in Puerto Ayora. Explore the Itabaca Canal, see giant tortoises at a ranch, and visit the Lava Tunnels and Twin Craters. Upon your arrival at Baltra Airport, meet your driver who will assist with your luggage. Head to the Itabaca Canal and enjoy a short ferry ride across the calm waters. Once you reach the other side, continue your journey by private vehicle to a scenic ranch located in the highlands. Observe giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. After spending time with these gentle giants, explore the fascinating Lava Tunnels, an underground world formed by ancient volcanic activity. Next, visit the impressive Twin Craters, a pair of massive sinkholes surrounded by lush vegetation. These offer stunning views and a unique insight into the island’s geological history. Throughout these activities, you will be accompanied by a certified naturalist guide who will enrich your experience with their knowledge of the Galápagos’ unique flora and fauna. For those interested, lunch is available at the ranch (optional and not included in the package). Finally, you will be dropped off at your hotel in Puerto Ayora.

This four-day itinerary in the Galapagos Islands begins with arrival in Baltra and a transfer to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Passengers visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where they observe land tortoises and local wildlife. The second day includes an excursion to Tortuga Bay beach, famous for its white sand and endemic fauna such as sea turtles and iguanas. Afterwards, you will visit the "Upper Part" of Santa Cruz, where you will find the Twin Craters and observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat, followed by a visit to lava tunnels. The third day includes a tour to Playa de los Alemanes, the salt mines and crevices, a rock formation with a natural pool where travelers can snorkel and observe colorful fish. Time is also spent on the beach swimming and sunbathing. The afternoon is free to explore the village and shop for souvenirs. On the last day transfer to Baltra airport for departure. This itinerary offers a combination of cultural activities, exploration of the endemic fauna and flora, and free time to enjoy the beaches and local people.

We will pick you up from your hotel to the Santa Cruz Highlands, which is probably the most visited area in the Galapagos. This area concentrates vast extensions of forests of Scalesia, Miconia, and giant tortoises. This is a great place to observe these iconic animals in their natural habitat. After lunch at this local farm, we will visit the twin craters of the Galapagos, it is a rewarding visit for nature-loving tourists. The lush green landscape of the highlands stands in stark contrast to the more arid coastlines of the lowlands, providing a very different Galapagos experience. Lookouts over the crater sinkholes show off the stunning scenery, and there are plenty of interesting birds too. Later we will move to Tortuga Bay, which is a white sand beach located on the south coast of the island of Santa Cruz. Enjoy a 2-hour walk (round trip) to this beautiful beach that is perfectly preserved and with the presence of animals such as iguanas and beach crabs. You have the opportunity to swim in the mangrove swamp that is separated from the beach.

Day 1: Transfer In – Baltra – Charles Darwin Research Station Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. In the afternoon, we will begin our visit with a stop at the Fishermen's Dock, where you can observe marine iguanas, sea lions, pelicans, and frigate birds in their natural habitat. We will then continue to the Charles Darwin Research Station. During the journey, you will walk through vegetation and spot endemic birds. At the station, you will learn about conservation efforts for giant tortoises, from the smallest ones to the majestic 155-year-old individuals. Return to the hotel. Day 2: Tortuga Bay Beach – Highlands – Lava Tubes – Twin Craters After breakfast, we will visit Tortuga Bay Beach, famous for its white sand and unique landscapes. You can enjoy a refreshing swim while observing marine iguanas, turtles, and endemic birds. Then, we will return to the hotel. In the afternoon, we will head to the Highlands of the island to explore the Twin Craters, spectacular volcanic formations surrounded by lush vegetation. Next, we will visit a ranch where you can see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The experience will culminate with a visit to the lava tubes, where the guide will explain their origin and the reproduction process of giant tortoises. Return to the hotel. Day 3: German Beach – Salt Mines – The Cracks After breakfast, we will head to the dock to take a water taxi to our first destination: German Beach. There, you can relax, swim, and observe endemic birds. Then, we will walk to the Salt Mines, where you will learn about their history and formation. Finally, we will arrive at The Cracks, a natural pool surrounded by volcanic rocks where you can snorkel and admire colorful fish. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore Puerto Ayora, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax. Overnight stay. Day 4: Transfer Out – Baltra Enjoy your last breakfast in Galápagos before checking out of the hotel. Then, transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight. End of services.

Begin your adventure with a visit to the Galapagos Frontier Reserve. Marvel at the majestic giant tortoises, explore fascinating lava tunnels, and admire the diverse bird species and endemic forest in the transition zone. Walk on trails surrounded by more than 20 different species of fruit trees. Next, head to Los Gemelos, impressive volcanic craters formed due to past volcanic activity. Admire the large dimensions of these craters and observe endemic birds flying freely and the forest vegetation. After this tour, return to your hotel in Puerto Ayora so you can continue enjoying Santa Cruz Island.

Day 1: Transfer in – Baltra – Charles Darwin Research Station Arrival at the Galápagos airport. Transfer to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, arrival, and accommodation at the hotel. Your first stop is the Charles Darwin Research Station. Before you begin the walk, your guide will explain the location of the hotel. As you start the walk, pass by the fishermen's dock, where you can see marine iguanas, sea lions, pelicans, and frigatebirds. Continue your journey to the Charles Darwin Station, where you can observe endemic birds and vegetation and see tortoises of all ages, from the smallest to those as old as 155 years. Return to the hotel. Day 2: Tortuga Bay – Highlands – Lava Tunnels – Twin Craters Visit the beautiful Tortuga Bay Beach, famous for its landscape, with a stunning white-sand beach where you can swim and observe endemic birds. Here, you can see sea turtles and marine iguanas. Return to the hotel. In the afternoon, head to the Highlands of Santa Cruz to visit the Twin Craters, which are amazing volcanic formations surrounded by lush endemic vegetation. Then, visit the ranch, where you can observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. After a short and easy walk, visit the lava tunnels, where your guide will talk about the reproduction of giant tortoises and the origin of the island's internal tunnels. Return to the hotel. Day 3: Playa de Alemanes – Salt Mines – The Cracks After breakfast, head to the dock to begin your tour, taking a water taxi to cross over. Once you arrive, the guide will explain the history of the place. After the explanation, begin a 10-minute walk to our second stop, the salt mines, where you can learn about the area. Afterward, head to your third stop, The Cracks, a natural pool formed by rocks where we will snorkel and observe colorful fish. After finishing, continue to your fourth stop, Playa de Alemanes, where you can swim, sunbathe, and also observe the endemic birds of the area. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the town and shop for last-minute souvenirs. Day 4: Playa El Garrapatero Enjoy breakfast then visit the beautiful Garrapatero Beach, a pristine beach where you can enjoy the turquoise water. Behind the beach is a lagoon where black-necked stilts, Galápagos finches, and migratory birds can be found. Return to the hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy the hotel facilities. Day 5: Transfer Out – Baltra After breakfast, your journey ends, and you will have your international departures. Take your memories and photos with you and leave a piece of your heart, as you will soon want to return to Ecuador to experience more of this enchanted land.

FIRST PART - SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS At 7.40 am will be the pickup at the Hotel. In a private vehicle we will be transported 30 minutes to Highlands. Our first visit will be to ECOLOGIAL RANCH, to observe the giant tortoises in their natural habitat, tour the lava tunnels inside the earth, and enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the endemic forests of Galapagos. Before returning to port, we will visit Los Gemelos Crater and walk around its caldera. These volcanoes are dormant and form one of the most vegetated and finch-like sites on Santa Cruz. We will return to port to embark on comfortable boats to tour Santa Cruz Bay. The 5 most outstanding sites of the bay are part of this half day tour: Playa Los Perros, Punta Estrada, Las Grietas, Franklin Bay, Punta Estrada. Lots of adventure, fun, culture and beautiful and unique landscapes will be part of this day!