Oct 6, 2024
Both the turtles and the lava tunnels are amazing - We met Julio at the meeting point. He was already on his bike and we went together to the bike rental to get ours. The bikes were put in a pickup truck and we were driven inland (up hill). After 10 minutes we started our bike trip, which was mostly downhill and very enjoyable.
We arrived in the Turtle park and got a lot of background from the owner Cesar. He knows everything about these fascinating creatures. But also about all the plants and trees we encountered during our trail through the woods. Rubber boots were provided: very necessary.
After the trail we entered the Lava Tunnel. This is truely an amazing experience. With flash lights we went in deeper and deeper. Wow!
After the return form the lava tunnels we took the trail back and were treated with fresh fruit juice that Julio prepared. We left a tip for the turtle resort and drove our bikes back into town. Mostly downhill and very enjoyable. There were many turtles along the route!
Overall this tour is highly recommended. The combination of light activity and learning about Turtles is great. The lava tunnels are not to be missed.
Julio was a great guide and super friendly. Always smiling and enjoying the bike tour too. He made some photos of us as on the way as well. Go do this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Sep 29, 2024
Excellent experience - The Guide was very dynamic, excellent care and very good information. Great views and super cute turtles!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sep 13, 2024
Personalized experience - Julio and César were awesome. Treatment is personalized and the place is great to appreciate the turtles and different birds. Walk through the lava tunnels is quite interesting. Bike option with lunch was a great enjoyable choice for me.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jun 24, 2024
Bikes, Turtles and Lava Tunnels for a Memorable Morning! - Fantastic tour in the highlands of Santa Cruz. We met with Julio Cesar first by the pier who then took us on a bicycle ride to the reserve, which was great in itself. Then the reserve itself was awesome with a walk through the jungle where we met many turtles (some as old as 170!) in the wild. We ended with a tour through the fascinating lava tunnels then completed with a downhill bike ride back into Puerto Ayora. The whole morning was a great experience with knowledgeable enthusiastic guides. Highly recommended!!
Review provided by Viator
May 22, 2024
worth the trip - Day started off with a taxi to the town where the reserve is located. From there, it was a short bike ride to the reserve. Cesar was a fantastic guide and is extremely knowledgable. Saw the giant tortoises and lava caves there. Cesar took me around his property and explained different plants and birds, as well as provided information about each of the turtles that we saw. There are some hills that you will have to bike up. But the ride back to town will be mostly downhill. Along the way you'll see farms and some cattle. You may even see a giant tortoise on the road. All in all, the tour with Cesar and his staff was great and I would highly recommend it if you want to get some good exercise while seeing the turtles. This tour included freshly made smoothies from fruit that one of his staff picked while on the tour. It also includes a delicious lunch. Well worth the visit
Review provided by Tripadvisor
May 21, 2024
DON’T MISS THIS TOUR!!! Lots of tortoises in the wild! - My husband and I did the bicycle tour and saw so many tortoises in their natural habitat, we were in awe. While you can see them at the Darwin Research Center, it is so much more exciting to see them in the wild. We are guessing we saw at least 20, including a couple mating. In addition, Cesar gave us lots of information (through a volunteer interpreter who did a great job) and told us about many different birds and plants, both native and invasive. It was educational and interesting. Then we toured the lava tunnels which was also very cool. After the hike back, we had juice of some of the fruits collected as we toured. We then rode the bikes back to the shop with a quick stop at Las Ninfas. While at the reserve, we met Cesar’s son, Julio, who does the cooking classes and also did the artwork on the shirt he was wearing which he really needs to mass produce and sell. Frontier has not been operating long and tourism is down right now, so we really hope word will get around to draw some business for them. Today we were the only two on the bike tour with two more joining for just the walking part. This is an experience that needs to be shared by many more. If you’re not sure about the bike part, at least do the walking only version. Look on their website galapagosfrontierec.com for info on all the tours they offer. Enjoy!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
May 14, 2024
Best Turtles & Lava Tunnel Tour - César, the owner of the ecofarm, is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge. But not only his wealth of information, but also his animated and passionate delivery, is what really makes this tour the highlight on Santa Cruz. Included is a tour of the farm with all of its wild giant tortoises, endemic birds and plants followed by a stroll through the primordial forest of the Galapagos National Park leading to the ancient lava tunnel of Tito Alba.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 11, 2024
Magical tour! - The most magical way to enjoy the tortoises of the Galápagos Islands! Once we arrived at the Reserva Galápagos Frontier, Cesar gave us a tour through some of his property and then into the National Park where we saw many tortoises, birds and other endemic animals and plants. Cesar is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, and he welcomed our questions. He also showed us a vast network of lava tunnels and explained the geology of the vicinity and islands. Then we were treated to delicious fresh juice before we rode bikes downhill back to town, ultimately stopping to see a tranquil lagoon where sea turtles were swimming. Such a great tour!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 18, 2024
A special part of Paradise - This visit has a little bit of everything! Local bus ride, cycling through lovely countryside, giant tortoises by the roadside, guided exploration of natural habitat of giant tortoises, guided tour of lava tunnels. And then freshly cooked lunch as an added extra! We finished by cycling back to Puerto Ayora and stopping off at the Laguna to watch the turtles.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 13, 2024
Beautiful tour - Started the tour with a nice and helpfull presentation about the inlands and turtles. Continued with a beautiful walk though the land were the galapagos turtles live and fruits grows. Some nice information about the cave and ended with a lovely bike tour. Really recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor