The giant tortoise is one of the most iconic animals in the Galapagos. My visit to the Galapagos Islands wouldn’t have felt complete without checking them off my Galapagos bucket list, and El Chato Tortoise Reserve proved to be one of the best places to do just that. In fact, visiting this reserve on Santa Cruz Island became one of the most memorable parts of my trip.
El Chato is a natural reserve nestled in the mountains of Santa Cruz, known as a grazing ground for Galapagos Giant tortoises. These remarkable creatures pass through on their endless migrations from the coast to the highlands, making El Chato one of the rare places where they can be seen freely roaming in their natural habitat.
It was amazing to watch them lounging in mud ponds, grazing on fresh green shoots, and wandering this expansive reserve. And just how big are they? Galapagos giant tortoises can reach up to 5 feet in length and weigh over 550 pounds (250 kilos). It was truly awe-inspiring to be in the presence of such a spectacular tortoise!
The reserve spans thousands of square meters filled with high grasslands and unique Scalesia trees, a rare and beautiful plant native to the Galapagos. These lush highlands provide a haven not only for the giant tortoises but also for various bird species. As we walked around, we spotted vibrant Darwin finches and the striking vermillion flycatcher. El Chato is also one of the best spots in the islands to catch a glimpse of the Galapagos short-eared owl, which is another species unique to this archipelago.
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How to Get to El Chato Tortoise Reserve
The distance between Puerto Ayora and El Chato tortoise reserve is approximately 22 kilometers. We spotted some of the giant turtles right on the road!
To reach El Chato, we arranged a guided journey to the highlands. For $35, a cab took us from Puerto Ayora to explore the Los Gemelos Twin Craters, El Chato Tortoise Reserve, and lava caves. Keep in mind that there’s no entrance fee for the reserve (though a small fee might be requested occasionally), and the guides work as volunteers, so tipping at the end is a thoughtful gesture.
If you’d rather explore solo, you can still hire a cab for a 20-minute ride to El Chato. Many drivers will adjust their fee to include waiting time if asked. Alternatively, renting a bike is also an option, with plenty of tour shops on Puerto Ayora’s main street offering rentals. We suggest starting early to beat the heat on the uphill journey, making the downhill ride back a refreshing end to the trip.
Meeting the Giant Tortoises and Other Wildlife in El Chato
The expansive 12-hectare area of El Chato Reserve is a paradise for tortoises, with lush grasslands and Scalesia forests, plus plenty of muddy ponds where these giants can cool off from the midday heat.
El Chato is divided into two main areas: La Caseta and Cerro Chato. La Caseta takes you to mud ponds where tortoises love to relax, while the Cerro Chato trail offers a scenic hike leading to a stunning overlook of the island and ocean. Since the area is vast and tortoises often roam, we found it helpful to ask the staff where tortoises had been spotted that day—boosting our chances of close encounters with these magnificent creatures.
The Galapagos tortoises at El Chato seemed perfectly at ease around us, which made for some fantastic photo moments. We couldn’t resist capturing as many shots as we could of these gentle giants.
El Chato also turned out to be an ideal spot for birdwatching. We spotted Darwin’s Tree and Ground finches darting through the trees, along with the striking vermilion flycatchers and yellow warblers. Though we’d heard that short-eared owls are occasionally sighted here, we weren’t lucky enough to see one this time. Santa Cruz Highlands are also known for other species like white-cheeked pintails, Cattle egrets, and the elusive Galapagos rails.
One of the highlights was exploring the massive lava tunnels in the reserve. These underground tubes, illuminated for safe passage, gave us a fascinating glimpse into the island’s volcanic history. A few larger tunnels required descending by ladder, which added a little adventure to our visit and was well worth the effort.
Travel Tips When Visiting El Chato
- The paths here are frequently overgrown, muddy, and slick. Wear a nice pair of hiking or walking boots and take it slowly! If the mud is exceptionally terrible, the reserve can supply footwear as we did.
- Stick to the paths since getting lost at the reserve is simple. Two persons have gone astray in recent years, with one resulting in death.
- Bring lots of drinking water with you. There is also a small café, store, and restrooms on-site.
- Because the weather in the highlands is unpredictable, it is important to be prepared for everything. Bring rain gear as well as sun protection.
- The El Chato tortoise reserve is open daily from 08:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Most visitors expect to spend a couple of hours exploring the facility and viewing the tortoises. A minimal admission fee is required before entering the premises.
- Visitors may climb into an empty tortoise shell on display at the ranch and do their best tortoise impersonation for a funny and amusing photo opportunity.
- Some visitors combine a visit to El Chato Reserve with a visit to the Los Gemelos Twin Craters, which are also located in the Santa Cruz Highlands. Taxi drivers would gladly give you a fee that includes waiting time at each location.
Bottom Line
During our visit to El Chato, we truly gained an appreciation for the significance of the Giant Tortoise in the Galapagos Islands. El Chato Tortoise Reserve stands out as a unique sanctuary where these gentle giants roam freely in a protected environment. If you’re considering visiting Santa Cruz Island, we highly recommend making El Chato a priority—it’s one of those places where you can experience these remarkable tortoises in their natural habitat.
Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, this reserve is a must-see! Be sure to book your tour in advance to secure this unforgettable experience. Let me know when you’re ready to continue with the next part!
