El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve

Nature reserve Santa Rosa, Galápagos, Ecuador

What to expect

El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve is a great place to observe giant tortoises roaming freely, especially during the dry season. The reserve is divided into two areas, Caseta and Chato, and offers hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. Visitors can also spot other native wildlife such as short-eared owls, Darwin's finches, yellow warblers, Galapagos rails, and paint-billed crakes. The reserve features a pond where tortoises can be seen wallowing in the water, surrounded by natural highland pasture and native Scalesia forest. This is an excellent opportunity for families to see these gentle giants in their native habitat and learn about the unique biodiversity of the Galapagos

Plan your family visit to the El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve with these blog insights 👇

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Galapagos Islands with children: 5 exciting activities

Galapagos Islands with children: 5 exciting activities
This family's experience:

Activities: We went to El Chato and took a taxi. We received free coffee or tea on site, and we could also borrow rubber boots, even in Nunu's size. There is also a lava tunnel there

Highlights: We really enjoyed this reserve and seeing so many old turtles. "A great reserve and many old turtles." ✨

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South America with a toddler - The second four weeks

South America with a toddler - The second four weeks
This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve. Nunu was very enthusiastic about the giant tortoises and took about one hundred photos

Highlights: Nunu was very enthusiastic about the giant tortoises ✨