Giant Tortoises Tour, Lava Tunnels & Stop at Los Gemelos Craters”
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
On this exciting tour, tourists will have the opportunity to explore two amazing places in the Galapagos.
At our first stop, the frontier Galapagos Reserve, where you can marvel at the majestic giant turtles, explore fascinating lava tunnels and admire the diverse bird species and endemic forest in the transition zone. You can also walk on trails surrounded by more than 20 different species of fruit trees. An expert guide will be at your side to give you detailed information about the unique ecology of the Galapagos.
Next,
The Taxi will take you to the (Twins) which are impressive volcanic craters that formed due to past volcanic activity.
The view from this point is breathtaking, where you can admire the large dimension of these craters and also observe endemic birds flying freely and the forest vegetation and can take photos.
The visit to the craters does not include a guide only taxi service.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Reserva Galapagos Frontier
Giant Tortoise Reserve: We will begin our tour visiting the giant tortoise reserve, where you will have the opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close. You will learn about its history, its importance to the Galapagos ecosystem and how its conservation is carried out. You can walk among them and marvel at their size and longevity. Explore the trails that will take you through the endemic forest, where you will be able to observe a great variety of native birds. In addition, you will be able to walk trails that will take you through exuberant fruit trees" Lava Tunnels: After visiting the reserve, we will enter the fascinating lava tunnels. These tunnels are unique geological formations that were created millions of years ago during volcanic eruptions. You will walk through underground passages and you will be able to appreciate the beauty and history that these volcanic formations contain. Don't forget your flashlight to explore the darkest corners!
Los Gemelos
Los Gemelos in Santa Cruz are impressive volcanic craters that were formed due to past volcanic activity. They are two large sinkholes with areas full of vegetation, so it is not allowed to eat in the area or get close to the edges of the crater. The view from this point is impressive, where you can admire the large size of these craters and also observe endemic birds flying freely and the forest vegetation. Don't miss this incredible natural landscape! After this tour we will take you back to your hotel in Puerto Ayora so you can continue enjoying Santa Cruz Island.
Options
Giant Tortoises Tour, Lava Tunnels & Stop at Los Gemelos Craters”
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Coffee and/or Tea
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
54 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A day with tortoises, lava tubes, craters and a touch of rain.
ThreeScars,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a wonderful experience on this tour. Gorgeous location great tour mates. Only hangup was how quickly the tour guide was walking in the mud. We struggled to hear some of his explanations but a new friend was able to pass the info along.
Fantastic day…
208lynng,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic day! The lava tunnels were awesome and we saw lots of very large tortoises in their natural environment. Both guides were extremely knowledgeable and fun! Highly recommend!
Giant tortoise, Lavatunnels and Los Gemelos
Raquel285,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful experience with Galapagos Frontier. The tour to see the giant tortoises and explore the lava tunnel was excellent from start to finish. Cesar and Sebastian were fantastic guides. Throughout the walk, they shared interesting information about the Galápagos Islands, including the local plants, trees, wildlife, and unique landscapes. Their knowledge made the tour both educational and enjoyable. It was incredible to see the giant tortoises in their natural habitat and to walk through the lava tunnel while learning about the geological history of the islands. We appreciated how much time the guides took to answer questions and explain the surrounding nature. Thank you to Cesar and Sebastian for a memorable experience. We would definitely recommend Galapagos Frontier to anyone visiting the Galápagos who wants to learn more about the islands and their remarkable environment.
Slightly over priced for the experience
D9291OChelenm,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00We did book this last minute and we were told the guide out had minimal English. The lava tunnels and tortoise section was pretty cool and we did see tortoise in the wild in the drive up. Tip, wear log pants and put on bug spray. Also a head torch is handy for the lava tunnels as the guide did not have enough for each person. The crater section was very rushed and we would have liked to have had a bit more time to spot wildlife and birds.
Must do while on Santa Cruz
BeckyMJoshB,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time. Julio messaged me the day before and recommended an earlier time for our tour which worked out better for us. He coordinated transport and an English-speaking guide last minute. The tour was exactly as described. Highly recommend.
Excellent & Informative
davidkJ8579YM,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent guides Cesar and Ashley. Very knowledgeable and informative. Very caring towards their group when traversing the rocky areas and outcrops. Would highly recommend this tour. Thank you both, Cesar and Ashley. :-)
Our guide was great. Everything was interesting. Guide very knowledgeable and kept a good pace.
Jerry P,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was very nice and knowledgeable. Was able to share some very interesting facts. Also pace of the tour was just right, not too fast or too slow.
Great time!
robynb725,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cesar was a wonderful, passionate guide who was such an interesting person and clearly loved what he does! We had a great time seeing so many giant tortoises and exploring the inside of the lava tunnel!
Intimate experience with flora and fauna of Santa Cruz
Subroto C,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Getting into the tour I was not very certain but was very pleasantly surprised by the experience. The tour and our guide provided an intimate experience with the flora and fauna of the Santa Cruz Island. The lava tunnel experience was fascinating and we got to get up close with the turtles as they roamed around in the reserve. The quick visit to the sink holes on the way back was also quite interesting. Overall great tour and highly recommended.
Excellent guide made this a memorable tour.
Deanna S,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed the experience of seeing the turtles up close in their natural habitat. Our guide Caesar was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his work. It was also very interesting to walk through a lava tunnel and to see the craters. We highly recommend this tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Galápagos frontier