El Chato tortoise reserve (Santa Cruz)

El Chato is one of the best places to observe the big turtles. The area is open to public, you don't need a guide, but it's better to visit this place with a guide, it will be more interesting and safe. In recent years, two people managed to get lost here :)

Despite the fact that the area is private, it is bordered by a national park, with no fence. Therefore, turtles move freely everywhere.

If the turtle is coming to you, do not frighten it. This one is gently passed in one meter away from me.


It's not easy to make picture with a giant turtle. These animals are very shy and always hide the head under the shell. So you have to go from behind very carefully.




In addition to turtles, there are many birds here




And there are hammocks to have a rest :)


Nearby there are large lava tunnels, but we did not attend them.

Getting there: El Chato is located 22 kilometers from Puerto Ayora. You can get there by taxi or rent a bicycle. Taxi for three-hour trip will cost about $40.