Highland Tour – El Junco Lagoon, Tortoises & Puerto Chino

Our Highland Tour San Cristobal takes you into the lush, misty interior of San Cristóbal Island, far from the coast and into the agricultural heart of Galápagos. This half-day excursion combines a visit to Laguna El Junco, the only freshwater lake in the entire archipelago, with a stop at La Galapaguera tortoise breeding center and a relaxing finish at the white-sand Puerto Chino beach. This Highland Tour San Cristobal is perfect for nature lovers, families, and travelers who want to see giant tortoises in a semi-wild setting — no hiking experience required.

Looking for more options in the area? Check out our excursions in San Cristóbal, and for official park regulations visit the Galápagos National Park Directorat

Highland Tour San Cristobal , Itinerary

08:00 | Pick-up & departure
Meet at your hotel or the designated meeting point in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Board a van or bus for the drive up into the highlands.

08:30 – 09:30 | Laguna El Junco
Around a 30-minute drive followed by an easy 15-minute walk to the viewpoint over this volcanic crater lake, formed inside an extinct volcano roughly 270 meters in diameter. Spot frigatebirds rinsing salt from their wings in the freshwater, Bahama ducks, and the endemic San Cristóbal mockingbird.

09:45 – 10:45 | La Galapaguera – Tortoise breeding center
A short drive to this natural reserve where giant Galápagos tortoises roam in a semi-natural habitat. Walk among tortoises of every size, from tiny juveniles to full-grown adults, and learn about the conservation program protecting them from invasive species.

11:00 – 12:00 | Local farm & typical lunch
Stop at a highland farm to sample seasonal fresh fruit and enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian lunch surrounded by farmland and hammocks.

12:15 – 13:30 | Puerto Chino Beach
A scenic 10 to 15-minute walk down to a stunning white-sand beach on the island’s southeastern coast. Free time to swim, relax, or hike up to the lookout point over the bay; the water here is calm and ideal for a refreshing dip.

13:45 | Return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Approximately 30 to 40 minutes back by van, with drop-off at your hotel.

What’s Included in the Highland Tour San Cristobal

•  Bilingual naturalist guide
• Round-trip land transportation (van or bus)
• Typical Ecuadorian lunch and fresh fruit
• Bottled water
•  Galápagos National Park entrance coordination

Not Included in the Highland Tour

• Galápagos National Park entrance fee ($200 USD, paid on arrival)
•  Transit Control Card (INGALA, $20 USD)
• Tips
• Snorkeling gear rental (optional, for Puerto Chino)
• Hotel–dock transfer (depending on operator)

Requirements in the Highland Tour

• Comfortable walking shoes for uneven trails
•  Swimsuit and towel for Puerto Chino
• Good general physical condition (easy to moderate walking)

Recommendations

• Ready to explore the green, misty interior of San Cristóbal? Book your Highland Tour today and discover the only freshwater lake in Galápagos, giant
• tortoises in the wild, and one of the island’s most beautiful beaches.Bring a light jacket: the Highlands Tour San Cristobal are cooler and often misty (garúa)
• Biodegradable sunscreen, hat, and insect repellent
• Camera for tortoises, birds, and the crater lagoon
• Book in advance: spots are limited due to Galápagos National Park regulations