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10 Private Tours in Santa Cruz That You Shouldn't Miss
How often do you get the chance to walk through a tunnel of lava? Created by the flowing and cooling process of liquid magma, the underground lava tubes of Santa Cruz are simply breathtaking. The most popular is the Tunnel of Love, so named for the heart-shaped hole in the ceiling. Cool down with a splash in the fresh waters of Puerto Ayora, snorkel at Tortuga Bay or the mangrove-lined Garrapatero Beach and get friendly with the giant natives at the El Chato Tortoise Reserve.
Restaurants in Santa Cruz
1. Day Trip to Santa Fe Island from Puerto Ayora
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
The Day Tour to Santa Fe Island departs from Puerto Ayora's Main Pier, the sailing is about two hours, this island is located South East of Santa Cruz Island. In this island you will find an endemic land iguana that lives only in this place, sea lions in a white sand beach resting waiting for pictures, they pose to your cameras.
Inclusions: Snorkel Gear, Lunch, Galapagos National Naturalist guide, Hotel Drop-off (selected hotels only), Pickup in Puerto Ayora's Main Pier/Sumbawa Store, Coffee and/or Tea, Towel, Water Refill
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Tips, Wetsuit
Reviewed By italiabella9
We took the Santa Fe III to Bartolomeo on Sunday as our first tour in the Galapagos. The boat was spacious and clean - overall luxurious. I didn’t realize until we took another tour with a different company later in the week just how amazing this one had been. Because the boat was large, the rough seas weren’t too bad and although I had proactively taken motion sickness medicine before we started, I think it would have been fine without it. Our guide was Diego and he knows everything you could ever imagine! We hiked and snorkeled as well as enjoyed lunch on board. The entire experience was wonderful and our only regret was not being able to do another tour with this company during our stay!
2. 12-Day Trip Machu Picchu & Galápagos Islands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
History & Culture – Galapagos Islands – Inca´s Ruins This 12 day adventure package allows you to explore a great variety of landscapes in Ecuador and Perú as well as nature and cultural highlights, which you will be able to observe on this fully guided tour. From the capital Quito, which was one of the first cities declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, you will go to Lima, the City of the Kings, Cuzco, Machu Pichu and its Sacred Valley to admire the inca´s ruins and history. This is a great chance to see the main of Ecuador and Perú Highlights.
Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, 11 nights accommodation, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Adventure program in private and small groups, English - Spanish speaking certified guide, Snorkeling equipment, Airfare Lima / Cusco / Lima, Private transfers in air-conditioned vehicle with private driver, Bus round trip (Consettur to Machupicchu), Personal assistance in English and Spanish.
Exclusions: International flights (GYE - LIMA), Galapagos National Park entrance fee. $100,00, INGALA $20,00 fee to Galapagos, Travel insurance (mandatory), Entrance to Cusco Cathedral (USD 14), Food and drinks, unless specified, Tips, Airfare Quito/Guayaquil - Galápagos - Guayaquil
Reviewed By Bretekiel
We had a great day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi with our guide Daniel. He picked us up from our hotel on time at 8am and drove expertly to Cotopaxi taking a scenery road which allowed us to appreciate the geography of the inter-valley region. The drive took about 1.5 hours. His approach takes you around the volcanoes from all angles. Daniel was truly passionate about Ecuador and very knowledgeable about wildlife and vegetation of the region. He stopped plenty of times for awesome picture opportunities. We hiked from the parking lot (15K ft) to the refuge (16K ft) doing the zig-zag approach and experienced no issues with altitude sickness whatsoever (he stopped by a kiosko where we could buy coca candy and leaves if needed before entering the park). The weather was awful as we ascended, with small hail and dust from the strong winds, but he was patient and set the pace perfectly for us to successfully reach the refuge. We grabbed hot chocolate up in the refuge (2.5 per cup, bring change) and warmed up before going back down. On our way back to Quito, we stopped by an authentic local restaurant around 3pm where we had a soup, a pork dish, and an ice cream. Back to the hotel by 5pm promptly. This is a great experience for a Quito escapade which you should consider if you're looking to do something based off the city.
3. Giant Tortoise Reserve - Lava Tubes ( Private Tour )
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
In Santa Cruz Highlands visit Los Gemelos - amazing volcanic sink holes for an ecosystem introduction. Then stop at our private Giant Tortoise Reserve for un unique close wildlife encounter. Finish with an underground walk through a Lava Tube and explore Galapagos from the inside ! A 3 - hour tour starting in Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Is where you visit the most interesting attractions leaded by a certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide • Spectacular views of Los Gemelos - Sink Holes and Lava Tubes • Giant Tortoise Wildlife Reserve - Natural encounters guaranteed ! • Learn about History, Geology and Ecology of the Galapagos Archipelago • Enjoy engaging and informative narration by our guides • Small-group tour limited to 15 people ensures a more personalized experience
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Pickup and drop-off (1835 Coffee Lab | Galapagos Coffee Roasters), Professional guide, Local taxes
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By akash_us
Really enjoyed the virtual experience!! It was a lot of fun and a very informative talk. The guide was very friendly and passionate about the project. We learnt a lot about the Giant tortoises, and we are really inspired to visit Galapagos now!
4. 17-Day Hidden Treasure Ecuador & Galapagos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Enjoy one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, you will visit the Galapagos Islands, the cloud forest, the andes mountains, some volcanoes, beautiful cities, the pacific coast and a local market. The highlights of this tour will be: • Historical cities: you will visit Quito and Cuenca, beautiful historical cities. • Cloud forest & Volcanoes: enjoy the amazing nature and different animal species. • Pacific Coast: visit Guayaquil to enjoy the best weather and seafood dishes. • Santa Cruz Highlands: your first contact with the Giant Galapagos Tortoises. • Visit one of the uninhabited islands: Bartolomé, Santa Fe or Seymour. • Los Tuneles: snorkel in the clear waters and swim with different animal species. • Kayak in Tintoreras Bay: if you are lucky you will find some sharks! • Snorkel at Kicker Rock: one of the most spectacular places of the Galapagos.
Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation in a single, double or triple room., Round trip flights between mainland Ecuador and Galapagos Islands., English speaking guide during the activities, Transportation., Guided horse tour on healthy strong horses for all levels., Flight from Isabela island to San Cristobal., Transfer in from Baltra airport and transfer out to San Cristobal airport., 24/7 assistance in Dutch, English, and Spanish., Transportation between Baltra Airport – Itabaca Channel.
Exclusions: International flights., Entrance fee Galapagos National Park., Migratory Control Card: $20 p.p. cash only., Isabela dock fee $10 p.p. cash only., Water taxi $1 p.p. each way (this is a small boat that takes you from the Speedboat to the Harbour and vice versa), Wet-suits rent $5 p.p. (recommendable between May-November), Personal travel & health insurance (mandatory), Required immunizations (mandatory) – Yellow Fever, Hepatitis B., Optional mules rent ($10) at Quilotoa, Optional 30 min. kayak trip in the lagoon ($5) at Quilotoa, Personal health & travel insurance., Optional tips for guide., Single supplement fee (in case you want to have the room by yourself).
Reviewed By mbennaton
We (my husband and I ) had an amazing time in the Galapagos Islands! We did this trip at the end of October 2020 after the stressful lockdown covid months, so we were looking forward to unwind and visit for the first time the enchanted islands as our vacation. The tours designed by Rebecca Adventure were perfect and customized to our taste and needs. We visited Santa Cruz and Isabela and it was perfect because there weren't many tourists at the time due to the pandemic. We were truly impressed with all the activities, the wildlife and the services provided by our tour guides. We got to see most of the land and marine fauna that we expected, including hammerhead sharks. It was without a doubt one of the most memorable trips of our lives. We highly recommend Rebecca Adventure as your tour agency for the Galapagos and Ecuador. Biosecurity measures were very well respected on the islands, so its safe to travel! If you're looking to come to Ecuador and the Galapagos this is the time, still less tourists, the wildlife is truly impressive and besides life is short, take risks and ENJOY IT!
5. Land Tortoises in the wild + Magnificent Lava tunnel and sinkholes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Exclusive, Extraordinary and Excellence are our keywords for every excursion as We know how important your expectations are when visiting our enchanted Islands, every day we focus on providing the best guaranteed service in conjunction with fair prices- on time schedule, unique and personalized experience in every adventure during your whole stay in the Galapagos. created around your specific interest all our excursions are private just you, your companion(s), your Galapagos destiny local guide, who helps you get the most out of every excursion In this tour you will have the opportunity to enjoy observing the Giant Land Tortoises in the Wild and explore one of the largest Lava tunnels of the world
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Highly qualified naturalist guide, excellent service guaranteed
Exclusions: No type of food is included, or tips, Gratuities, Landing and facility fees, we offer french; german and italian speaking guide with an aditional cost of $200 flat fee., The private property charge $5 for the visit per passenger.Here,Giant Land tortoises live in freedom, Admission costs $5 per customer
6. The Best of Ecuador & Galapagos 12 Days / 11 Nights (PRIVATE Trip)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Discover the Avenue of the Volcanoes at the Ecuadorian Andes very well known for its striking volcanic peaks and rugged Andean scenery. Some of Ecuador’s most visited sites lie in this area, including the view Cotopaxi volcano, the Quilotoa Lake a huge crater lake, the lively little holiday town of Baños and of course, Ecuador’s highest peak, Chimborazo. Keeping going to the south visit the famous Devil´s nose train that follows a zigzag path carved into the rock to continue to Cuenca with its cozy old town with colonial plazas, squares and much more. The land tour end in the Guayaquil city based at the pacific coast in order to departure to the Enchanted Islands of Galapagos that will captivate to every traveler with its unique flora and fauna.
Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Private transportation, English speaking guide, Accommodation based in double room, Excursions as mentioned in the program, Public boat ticket to travel from Santa Cruz to Isabela Island and vice versa, Shared excursion to Tintoreras Islet with Snorkel gear, Shared excursion to Sierra Volcano, Devil´s Nose Train Ticket
Exclusions: Meals not mentioned in the program, Personal expenses, Flight ticket to Galapagos 480-500 usd pp aprox. pp, Entrance fees to the places mentioned in the program, Galapagos entrance fee 100 usd pp, Galapagos transit card 20 usd pp, Isabela dock fee at Galapagos 10 usd pp, Local bus at Baltra airport to get to the channel 5 usd pp per way, Local water taxis 5 usd pp for the whole program , Gratuities
Reviewed By Tina S
We needed a rapid Covid test within 72 hours of our flight back to the US. Guanguiltagua Expeditions to the rescue!! Dennis and team helped Us get the test from a private lab that came to our condo in Cuenca and we Received results the very next day! Great experience and great service!
7. Ecuadorian Experience Quito - Galápagos 8 DAYS 7 NIGHTS
This tour will take the visitor to the most amazing places of Ecuador, starting in Quito, the capital of the country, where you will be amused about the historic monuments, streets and the places around, then you will be surprised with the magic of the enchanted islands and its unique nature.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Private transportation, The activities carried out in accordance with the itinerary
Exclusions: Entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park - $USD 100 per pax (Cash) (paid on arrival in Galapagos)
Reviewed By SkiDocEdzell
Local guide with good English. Good factual information on main sites of interest. Had driver in private car, which, given the horrendous traffic gridlock and lack of parking in Quito old town, was essential! Felt rushed though, with request for coffee stop after 2 hours, dismissed.
8. Private Tour: Cerro Meza & Kayak at Garrapatero, Galapagos
We start the day with a visit to the Cerro Mesa viewpoint, from where we can admire the whole southern shore of Santa Cruz. We then continue on towards one of the iconic formations in Galapagos Cerro Mesa where we will hike downhill for about 30 minutes to the bottom of this collapsed crater. We’ll explore the fascinating crater floor and relax for a while before starting the hike back (45 min - 1 hr). During our hike, we will have excellent opportunities to see endemic bird species such as the Woodpecker Finch, or if we are very lucky, giant tortoises.
Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, Kayak and Snorkeling equipment, English Speaking Naturalist Guide
Exclusions: Accommodation, Beverages, Insurance, Gratuities
Reviewed By Cheryl B
Go with a good appetite, so many variety of meats, take just a little so you can make it to the end! Loved the lamb, filet mignon, garlic beef the best. Even saved room for dessert and left feeling very satisfied
9. City tour in E-scooter & Lava tunnel
We offer an ecological and fun way to know the most iconic points of the city of Puerto Ayora, at your own time. We have excellent guides who are responsible for giving the local experience we want to make known to the passenger.
Inclusions: E-scooter, helmet, Guide, Snack
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Sylvie L
Our guide was determined to show us everything, and we did! Blue footed Boobies mating, sea horses, tons of white fin reef sharks, black fin reef sharks, turtles, colourful fish. At the beginning we went for a land mini tour on top of the tunnels so good shoes or beach shoes are a must. The boat ride there included a quick stop a rock with wildlife. Very small bag lunch is included so bring snacks and water just in case. Afterwards the guide downloaded incredible pictures he took and we could get a copy on our USB for free! What a souvenir!!!
10. Bike Rental
Because it is the only place where they can see giant turtles in the natural state, since to see other turtles it will be only in the breeding centers
Inclusions: Use of bicycle
Exclusions:
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