Cerro Mesa and Garrapatero Beach Biking and Camping

Find all of the Galapagos magical essence in this tour to the Cerro Mesa Ecological Reserve and the Garrapatero beach. Delight yourself with an amazing view and fill your lungs with fresh air as you walk through the native forest. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for tiny birds and tiptoe as you come close to the Galapagos tortoise. Take the small path that leads into the bottom of the biggest sinkhole found on Santa Cruz island. Marvel at the steep rocky walls that surround you. Camp under the stars and enjoy a sunny beach the very next day!

Key Features

• The biggest sinkhole on Santa Cruz island.
• Amazing views of the lower lands.
• Endemic fauna and flora.
• Camping gear and bicycle provided.
• Kayaks available for rental.
• Trekking path in great conditions.

Description

Cerro Mesa is located in the Santa Cruz highlands. The tour will take you cycling along the rural area of Santa Cruz towards the reserve. Once there, follow the path 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. A tent equipped with all the basic supplies will be waiting at the camp site at the end of the day. If the weather permits, marvel at the beauty of a starry night and enjoy the warmth of the bonfire. The next morning we mount our bikes and take the road towards El Garrapatero beach where you will find flamingos, a sandy beach and calm sea waters.

“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 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.

“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.

“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.

Itinerary

A van will pick you up at your hotel at 8am and take you to Bellavista. We will ride our bikes for about 1hr and 30min watching the most amazing scenery of the island. Once we arrive at the reserve we can choose to go up to the viewpoint “Cerro Mesa” or go check out the crater. We will be having dinner and a campfire at night. Next day we will have a light breakfast and get the bikes ready for some beach time. The ride to the beach will take about an hour. After a little walk we will find the amazing turquoise water to enjoy. In the afternoon, a car will pick us up to take us back to Puerto Ayora.

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