Hike-in Required
No
Guided tours
No
ADA accessible
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Manzanita Ranch is a top destination in the Galápagos to see the famous Galápagos giant tortoises. There are more than a dozen species on the island, and the amount of tortoise roaming free at this destination is astounding: tortoises that are several feet tall number in the hundreds. Being the largest living species of tortoise, an individual can weigh more than 900 pounds. Also, with a lifespan of more than 100 years, it is one of the longest-lived vertebrates; at least one Galápagos giant tortoise has been documented as living 170 years. 

The destination is much more wildlife viewing than zoo-like as the tortoise are not caged or fenced in any way. Taking a tour is a good way to learn the history of the animals while seeing them in their natural habitat. The species itself can take credit for the destination's name, as galápago is spanish for tortoise. In case you missed evolutionary teaching, the viewing of these tortoise (along with other wildlife on the islands) contributed to Charles Darwin's development of the theory of evolution in the 1800s.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Amazing wildlife viewing.

Cons

Possible crowds during peak tourism season.

Pets allowed

Not Allowed

Features

Bird watching
Big Game Watching
Big Game Watching

Location

Nearby Adventures

Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos
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