Two standout national park tours await in Santa Cruz, Ecuador. The excellent Giant Turtle Nature Reserve tour ($205, half-day) lets you walk alongside massive Galápagos tortoises in their home territory. Transportation and expert guides are included, making wildlife encounters hassle-free.
For those seeking adventure, the Barra Honda National Park tour ($280, full-day) combines cave exploration with forest hiking. The well-preserved cave network and diverse wildlife make this moderately challenging tour worthwhile, though English commentary could be better.
Let’s explore these natural wonders in detail.
Key Points
- The Giant Turtle Nature Reserve in Santa Cruz, Ecuador offers a private tour to observe Galápagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
- The Caving Tour & Hiking in Santa Cruz provides exploration of ancient cave systems and a hike through tropical dry forests.
- Both tours offer transportation and a certified guide, but the Giant Turtle Nature Reserve tour is more affordable at $205.13 per person.
- The Caving Tour & Hiking requires moderate physical fitness and may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions.
- While the Giant Turtle Nature Reserve tour has a 5.0 rating, the Caving Tour & Hiking has a 4.0 rating, with feedback suggesting the need for better trail explanation and an English-speaking guide.
Transfer in + Visit to the Giant Turtle Nature Reserve
For the transfer in and visit to the Giant Turtle Nature Reserve, guests will be picked up at the designated meeting point in Puerto Ayora at 7:30 am.
They’ll take a private transportation with a certified guide to the nature reserve, located in Santa Cruz, Ecuador. The tour includes the transfer barge to Santa Cruz and entrance taxes to the private ranches.
The Giant Turtle Nature Reserve is home to the famous Galápagos giant tortoises. Visitors will have the chance to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed, and infant seats are available. Most travelers can participate in this activity.
The tour is priced at $205.13 per person and has a 5.0 rating based on 4 reviews. Guests will receive confirmation at the time of booking, but note that the tour is non-refundable, and no refunds are available on cancellation.
The tour is operated by GalapagosBKtours, and they offer a lowest price guarantee.
Read our full review: Transfer in + Visit to the Giant Turtle Nature Reserve Review
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Caving Tour & Hiking at Barra Honda National Park
The Caving Tour & Hiking at Barra Honda National Park takes adventurous travelers on an exhilarating exploration of two ancient cave systems formed over 60 million years ago.
This excursion includes hiking through the park’s tropical dry forests, where visitors may spot capuchin monkeys, deer, and a variety of birds.
The tour is priced from $280 per person and has a maximum group size of 60 travelers. It includes lunch, bottled water, helmet and harness equipment, and private transportation.
Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts without incurring any fees.
To participate, a moderate level of physical fitness is required, and the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with heart conditions, serious medical issues, or claustrophobia.
Pickup is at 6:30 AM, and the location can be selected during booking.
While the overall rating is 4.0 based on one review, feedback suggests improving the trail explanation and having an English-speaking guide.
Read our full review: Caving Tour & Hiking at Barra Honda National Park Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Exploring the natural wonders of Santa Cruz is a must-do for any traveler. The Giant Turtle Nature Reserve and Barra Honda National Park offer unique opportunities to witness impressive wildlife and geological formations. Whether you’re hiking, caving, or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery, these tours provide an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of what Santa Cruz has to offer.