Cerro Mesa & Garrapatero Beach Tour

Cerro Mesa & Garrapatero Beach Tour

Having been picked up from your hotel in Puerto Ayora, you'll head to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Surrounded by lush green trees, you'll climb onto your mountain bike and set off to discover the incredible biodiversity of the Galapagos.

Cruising along the mountain trails on two wheels, you'll delve deep into the Cerro Mesa Ecological Reserve, marvelling at the vibrant plants and flowers and spotting the wildlife as you pedal. Its hilly location at over 1200 feet (390 metres) above sea level means you'll get to enjoy unparalleled views over the islands of the Galapagos archipelago.

After making the most of your mountain biking tour, you'll get back into the car for the journey to Playa de Garrapatero, a virgin beach where you'll find one of the island's largest stretches of sand. Having settled on the beautiful beach, you'll take a well-earned break to enjoy your delicious picnic lunch. Can you imagine anything better than grilled fish with a sea view?

Then, after lunch, you'll have the rest of the afternoon free to explore Garrapatero Beach at your leisure. Discover the various animals native to the region, take part in some water sports, or simply sunbathe on the beach! Not far from the seafront, you'll be able to visit a lagoon where you're likely to see flamingos and ducks in their natural habitat.

Following a full day of nature in one of the most beautiful areas of the Galapagos Islands, you'll make the return journey to Puerto Ayora, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel.

Important information

• The mountain biking route is suitable for most people regardless of physical fitness. However, if you'd prefer to do the entire route by car, just tell the guide on the day of the excursion.
• Throughout the year, there is usually light rain in this area of Cerro Mesa.

Pickup

This tour includes a pickup and drop-off service at around 7:45 am from the main hotels in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island: Flamingo, Red Booby, Mainao, Galapagos Suites, Fernandina, Villa Laguna, Isla Sol, SolyMar, Angermeyer and Royal Palm. We'll contact you to confirm the exact pickup time.

If your hotel isn't in the list above, please make your way to the meeting point at Hotel Maidith White Cove (Cucuve S/N and Floreana) for 8 am.