El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve - Santa Cruz

Galapagos Islands

Overview

El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve is located on Santa Cruz Island and it is home to hundreds of this iconic Galapagos species. A giant tortoise can grow up to a length of 5 ft and a weight of 550 pounds. El Chato Reserve offers them a perfect habitat of 12 hectares where they are free to meander. You can also spot Galapagos birds here, like Darwin finches, yellow warblers, vermilion flycatchers and short-eared owls. An interesting thing to explore here are the underground lava tubes, that give an insight to the way the island was created.

Difficulty: Easy

Disembarkation: Dry Landing

Interactions: Hiking

Highlights at El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve

• Birdwatching
• Giant Tortoises

Animals:

Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Barn Owl, Galapagos Dove, Galapagos Giant Tortoise, Galapagos Lava Lizard, Galapagos Mockingbird, Galapagos Rail, Galapagos Red Bat, Galapagos Short-eared Owl, Vermilion Flycatcher