Top Things to do in Santa Cruz
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10 Sights & Landmarks 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. El Trapiche Ecologico Galapagos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
El Trapiche Ecologico Galapagos is a wild tourist place where the process of organic products such as Adriano Cabrera's wild coffee, fine aroma chocolate, sugarcane and others are found. Unique in the Galapagos Islands and recognized worldwide.
Reviewed By 207Rama
We visited El Trapiche in Feb 2019, as part of an 8 day Cruise. El Trapiche is very rustic and demonstrates the old methods of extracting cane juice, roasting coffee beans, etc which are still in use today at this location. It was fun and very educational. The local people who operate this site also support the rest of the farm. They were polite, knowledgeable about their work and products, and many of them spoke english so those of who were language limited could participate and enjoy the experience. I highly recommend this farm tour for its experience and just the pure fun which was had.
2. Rancho El Manzanillo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Preusso_Photos - Wellington, New Zealand
Absolutely incredible day at El Manzanillo. The staff were very friendly. I wasn't sure what to expect when it came to the Tortoises. I'd heard that we would be lucky to see a handful... In reality, we had to be careful not to step on them! The other wildlife was fantastic, with Pintail Ducks, Flycatchers and Finches. The Tortoises have little fear, making this a wonderful place for Wildlife Photography. In conclusion, if you're in the area, this is a must do!
3. Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragon)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
This portion of Santa Cruz is so named because it is inhabited by many iguanas.
Reviewed By JimR847 - Calgary, Canada
We took the" Letty ", a yacht operated by Ecoventura, the company that took us to Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands, and were accompanied by several frigate birds that hovered about ten feet above our heads as we sat on deck taking in the scenery. Some perched on the yacht and others also engaged in some mid air fighting for space above our heads. We walked the Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) trail accompanied by our very knowledgeable Ecoventura guides and soaked up the scenery provided by the proliferation of Opuntia Cacti and Land iguanas as well as many Marine Iguanas. The various shapes and sizes of the cacti made for some great photographs as did the Land Iguanas which due to their size and proximity to the trail allowed for some super close up photos. Some of the cacti were showing off yellow blossoms and some of those had bees nuzzling into the flowers sucking up nectar. Spread out to the horizon from the trail was an endless view of leafless bushes/trees and several cones of volcanoes making for a very desolate scene. A very interesting excursion.
4. Rancho Primicias
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
Reviewed By zuzatravels
As I have written already in previous review for El Chato 2, Rancho Primicias is a natural reserve where you can meet and walk amount giant tortoises. Mostly, it doesn’t have designed paths as El Chato 2, so you walk in the grass same as the tortoises. They offer you boots for free. The admission is 5$/person and it includes the entry to really huge lava tunnel which is not in the park, but taxi drivers usually knows exactly where to take you. As I said before, we visited both ranches and both are really nice and next to each other. I totally recommend to visit both. Do not forget to keep the correct distance from tortoises (min. 2min). Taxi cost is about 50$.
5. Lava Java
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
6. Santa Cruz Fish Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 854 reviews
Reviewed By BradT546 - Auckland, New Zealand
Had a lot of fun watching the sea lions and pelicans interacting with the people at the fish market. Was fascinating watching the fishermen feed the off cuts to the sea lions and pelicans in the water and watching one pelican try to swallow a whole Tuna head. The sea lions are very entertaining.
7. Malecon de Puerto Ayora
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By Cavydad - Camarillo, United States
Walk the waterfront and experience everything! Imagine a day on Mulberry Street. From bars, fish markets shops and my favorite the infamous water taxis that transport people and luggage to the outlying boats. Select your favorite bar or cafe, linger, get into the Galápagos groove, and experience the islands.
8. Highland View Galapagos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Explore what Darwin missed! Sadly, he didn’t get to enjoy the unique microclimate and biosphere of our crater, our rustic donkey-powered sugar cane press and most of all, soaring through the wind while experiencing our unique view of the Santa Cruz coastline on the largest swings in the Galapagos. You, on the other hand, have a special opportunity visit our Paradise, to explore the crater and farm, to taste fresh cane juice served in a bamboo cup with bamboo straw and to capture your time here with lasting memories and Instagramable photographs. Fresh, home-baked cakes are always available to enjoy with organic coffee, tea, fresh fruit juice and cold beer in our large, glassed-in patio with spectacular views of the landscape, coastline and other islands. We are also a working farm, producing cheese daily, cultivating many fruits and vegetables that you will see as you tour our farm and can buy if you want super fresh produce available seasonally.
Reviewed By 365jaz
A great inland place for families to hike, scenic vistas, gorgeous flowers, farm animals, and relax. The highlights are the volcanic tunnels, feeding the burros, drinking fresh squeezed cane juice, and the Magic swing off the cliff side. They also sell delicious fresh baked cakes. We hired a taxi to take us there.
9. Monumento de aves de Galapagos
10. Monumento de la Tortuga
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Cavydad - Camarillo, United States
Great tortoise statue! Celebrate it while toasting beers from the nearby brewpub and bars. Definitely a keeper. Do seek him out while wandering the waterfront.
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