El Chato Tortoise Reserve
Giant tortoise at El Chato, Santa Cruz

El Chato Tortoise Reserve

Located about 22 km from Puerto Ayora, the El Chato Reserve is divided into two areas: Caseta and Chato. Visitors typically begin their visit near the highland town of Santa Rosa. The Caseta route offers a more rugged path, while Chato is more accessible. The reserve is an excellent place to observe giant tortoises roaming freely during the dry season, along with other native wildlife like short-eared owls, Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, Galapagos rails, and paint-billed crakes.

Highlights: Giant tortoises, finches, Galapagos rails
Possible Activities: Hike
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Easy / medium
View all Galapagos Visitor Points