San Cristobal Highlands Tour: Junco Lagoon, Tortoises, and Puerto Chino

Discover the diverse landscapes and unique wildlife of the highlands with the best san cristobal highlands tour. This essential excursion combines three unique destinations: the vital freshwater lagoon, the giant tortoise breeding center, and the famous Puerto Chino beach.

💧 El Junco Lagoon: The Freshwater Oasis

Located approximately 750 meters above sea level, El Junco Lagoon is one of the very few permanent freshwater bodies in the Galápagos Islands. Its name comes from the common “junco” plant found here. This high-altitude oasis is an excellent spot for birdwatching. You will often see Frigatebirds washing the salt from their feathers, along with White-Cheeked Pintails and Common Gallinules.

🐢 San Cristobal Giant Tortoise Breeding Center

The Tortoise Breeding Center was built with the crucial aim of increasing the population of the endemic San Cristóbal giant tortoise (*Geochelone chathamensis*). This center not only safeguards the future of these iconic reptiles but also features a small interpretation center. Visitors can learn firsthand about the species’ preservation programs, reproduction efforts, and the life cycle of these magnificent giants.

🏖️ Puerto Chino Beach: Surfing and Wildlife

Puerto Chino Beach is a gorgeous white-sand, crystalline beach that offers much more than just sunbathing. The rocky reef here is a surfer’s paradise with consistent swells (typically 3 to 12 feet) over a coral and sand bottom. You can reach this beautiful locale by vehicle or by taking a scenic nature hike over ancient lava fields and through dry forest habitat. Keep your eyes open—you are likely to spot Blue-Footed Boobies and Frigatebirds diving nearby!

🧭 Logistics and Tour Details

Recommended visiting hours for the highlands are from 8:00 AM up to 1:00 PM. Guide and Group Size:

• For groups of 4 to 16 people, a specialized guide will be included.
• For groups of 1 to 4 people, the driver will accompany you during the ride and assist with logistics.

Optional Lunch: If you wish to enjoy lunch in the highlands, a $20 extra fee must be added per person. This lunch is served at a beautiful, eco-friendly restaurant surrounded by nature and vegetation.