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Cerro Mesa Reserve and Garrapatero Beach Tour
Some of the Galapagos magical views in this tour to the Cerro Mesa Ecological Reserve and the Garrapatero beach. Delight yourself with the amazing landscape and feel the fresh air as you walk inside the native forest. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for endemic birds and Galapagos tortoise. Walk inside a big sinkhole found on Santa Cruz Island.
Duration
5 hour
.
Length
Half Day
Team
Naturalist guide
Meals
Lunch
Group Size
16
Key Features
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Beautiful view point
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The biggest sinkhole on Santa Cruz island
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Kayaks available for rental
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Outdoor Activities
From $
120
/ per person
Description
Cerro Mesa Reserve is located in the highlands of Santa Cruz. This tour will take you cycling along the rural area of Santa Cruz towards the reserve. Once there, we will go down to the bottom of the sinkhole. Hike up to the top of the table-shaped hill or take the path that goes around the reserve. Then we mount our bikes and take the road towards El Garrapatero beach where you might find flamingos, a sandy beach and calm sea waters.
The View
The table-shaped hill gives the reserve its name. It is the place to be if you want to enjoy a delightful view. If the skies are clear, you are bound to see the neighboring islands as well.
Playa El Garrapatero
The Garrapatero beach gets its name after a bird introduced into the islands. This is the ideal place to enjoy yourself under the sun. Feel the refreshing water or simply take pleasure admiring the contrast of the green mangrove and the turquoise ocean. Kayaks are available for rental or, if you prefer to stay on land, head for the nearby lagoons. If you are lucky you will find the Galapagos flamingos there.
The Cerro Mesa Reserve
The local family that owns the land works hard to restore the endemic forests that were almost lost to agriculture. That is what makes this place a little sanctuary to many species of native birds as well as the Galapagos tortoise. Camping amongst the native plants and wildlife will bring out your inner adventurous side as you enjoy some time with nature.
The Giant sinkhole
Sinkholes are formed when huge lava chambers collapsed. Do not be fooled by its round shape, it is not a volcanic crater. Experience the sublime feeling of adventuring down the path that leads to the bottom of the wide sinkhole. A bed of green leaves awaits you. Make yourself comfortable and look around to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.
Cerro Mesa and Garrapatero
- Refreshing Hike
- Amazing views
- Beautiful cycling
Cerro Mesa Reserve
9P47+96 El cascajo, Ecuador
Cerro Mesa Reserve
Cerro Mesa Reserve
We will start the morning getting on our transportation on our way to Bellavista. We start our bike adventure here in this park. We will ride our bike overlooking the coast, a beautiful green landscape, combined with the amazing blue ocean that surrounds the islands. Once we get to the Reserve, we will have the opportunity to walk up or ride up the Cerro Mesa Hill. The view from the top is breath taking, a great panoramic view. Following the path we will encounter the trail to the walk down the crater. After enjoying this beautiful hike we will have lunch.
Travel Tip
The weather in the islands is generally warm but there are some months were we have some rain. It would be a good idea to bring a rain jacket. Of course don’t forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, trail snacks and of course a camera. Besides the view there is a good chance for bird watching.
This tour goes from sea level to an altitude of 1100mts (3600 ft). It involves fairly steep biking and climbing. The bike ride will be around 2 – 3hrs total and the hike to the crater will be about an 1hr both ways.
Medium level of biking required and basic trekking knowledge.
Information
Tour details.
- Departure
- Hotel Pick Up
- Departure Time
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- 8:00 am
- Return Time
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- 5:00 pm
- Included
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Transportation
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Lunch
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Bikes
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- Not Included
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Snorkel Equipment
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Extra drinks
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Tips
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