Parte Alta Tour – San Cristóbal Island Highlands & Giant Tortoises
The Parte Alta tour takes you into the lush, misty highlands of San Cristóbal Island — a world completely different from the arid coastal zones most visitors see first. At elevations between 400 and 700 meters above sea level, the landscape transforms into dense scalesia forests, fern-covered hillsides, and freshwater lakes that support an extraordinary variety of endemic wildlife. This is the only island in the Galápagos with a natural freshwater lake, and it’s the best place to encounter wild Galápagos giant tortoises roaming freely in their native highland habitat.
El Progreso — History in the Highlands
Your tour begins at El Progreso, a small highland village with a fascinating history. Founded in 1869 by Manuel Cobos — the infamous “Sugar King” of the Galápagos — El Progreso was the center of a hacienda empire that produced sugar, coffee, and cattle using convict labor. The ruins of the original mill and plantation structures remain visible today. Your guide will share this extraordinary and dark chapter of Galápagos human history as you pass through the village.
Laguna El Junco — The Galápagos’ Only Freshwater Lake
Laguna El Junco is the jewel of the San Cristóbal highlands. Formed inside a volcanic crater at 700 meters elevation, this perfectly round freshwater lake is the only permanent natural freshwater lake in the Galápagos Islands. The lake is surrounded by dense sedge vegetation and is a critically important habitat for migratory and endemic birds. Swallow-tailed Gulls, the only nocturnal gull in the world, come here to bathe and drink. Frigatebirds, herons, and San Cristóbal Mockingbirds are also regularly sighted around the lake’s edge.
Wild Giant Tortoises in Their Natural Habitat
The highlight of the Parte Alta tour for most visitors is the opportunity to encounter San Cristóbal giant tortoises (Chelonoidis chathamensis) in the wild. Unlike tortoise centers where animals are enclosed, in the highlands of San Cristóbal the tortoises roam freely across private farmland and nature reserve areas. Your guide knows exactly where to find them. Seeing a tortoise that may be 100+ years old moving through its natural environment — completely undisturbed by your presence — is one of the most moving wildlife encounters in the Galápagos.
Wildlife You’ll Encounter
- San Cristóbal giant tortoises — wild, free-ranging in highland pastures
- Galápagos Petrel — endemic seabird nesting in highland burrows
- San Cristóbal Mockingbird — endemic subspecies found only on this island
- Yellow Warbler — endemic to the Galápagos, present in all vegetation zones
- Small ground finches — Darwin’s famous finches in their humid highland form
- Smooth-billed Anis — introduced but ubiquitous in the highlands
What’s Included
- Round-trip land transport from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
- Certified bilingual naturalist guide
- Entrance to Laguna El Junco protected area
- Galápagos National Park fees for visited sites
- Drinking water and light snacks
Practical Information
Duration: Approximately 4–5 hours.
Difficulty: Easy. Flat walking on paved roads and farm tracks. Suitable for all ages.
What to bring: Sun protection, light jacket (the highlands can be cool and misty), insect repellent, binoculars recommended for birdwatching.
Best time: Morning tours are best for wildlife activity and clearest views before clouds build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for children and older visitors?
Absolutely. The Parte Alta tour involves gentle walking on flat terrain and is one of the most family-friendly experiences in the Galápagos. Children are often especially delighted by close tortoise encounters.
Can I combine the Parte Alta tour with Kicker Rock?
Yes — our 360° San Cristóbal tour combines both the highlands visit and Kicker Rock snorkeling into a single full-day experience. Ask about combining tours for the best value.
