Los Gemelos - a close up of the side of a window
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Los Gemelos

4.6
·160 reviews·, Ecuador

Explore the awe-inspiring Twin Craters (Los Gemelos) on Santa Cruz Island, a geological marvel surrounded by lush Scalesia forest.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Cooler, misty, best for birds

CrowdLow
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Los Gemelos - a close up of the side of a window

Los Gemelos

Best Time

Morning

Cooler, misty, best for birds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the awe-inspiring Twin Craters (Los Gemelos) on Santa Cruz Island, a geological marvel surrounded by lush Scalesia forest.

4.6
(160 reviews)

"Our walk through the forest to see the Twin Craters was so refreshing and peaceful!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Taxi Fare Negotiation

Negotiate taxi fares to Los Gemelos & other highland sites beforehand to avoid surprises. :taxi:

Combine with Tortoise Farms

Visit Los Gemelos alongside giant tortoise ranches and lava tunnels for a complete highland tour. :turtle:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Twin Craters

The Twin Craters

Santa Cruz Island Highlands

Two massive volcanic pits formed by magma chamber collapse, offering a unique geological spectacle.

Scalesia Forest Trail

Scalesia Forest Trail

Path around the craters

A refreshing walk through lush, misty forests teeming with diverse birdlife.

Pit Crater Scenery

Pit Crater Scenery

Rim of Los Gemelos

Unexpected, impressive views of volcanic formations, perfect for a quick, awe-inspiring stop.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Los Gemelos

Los Gemelos, the Twin Craters, are best visited during the cooler, misty mornings for optimal birdwatching and a peaceful atmosphere. Avoid midday heat and crowds by planning your trip accordingly. Consider combining your visit with other highland attractions like tortoise farms for a full day of exploration.

Getting to Los Gemelos

Accessing Los Gemelos on Santa Cruz Island is straightforward. Many visitors arrive via taxi from Puerto Ayora, often as part of a larger highland tour that includes tortoise ranches and lava tunnels. Negotiate taxi fares in advance to ensure a fair price for your excursion.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Cooler, misty, best for birds
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tranquila mor que nosotros siempre la vamos apoyar 😈🌹#mor #medallo #losgemelos #fypシ #viral #mamacita #mamacita #paisas #salucita #avemaria #tips
@nandoybetogemelos
381.9K likes • 3.4M views

Taxi Fare Negotiation

Negotiate taxi fares to Los Gemelos & other highland sites beforehand to avoid surprises. :taxi:

Combine with Tortoise Farms

Visit Los Gemelos alongside giant tortoise ranches and lava tunnels for a complete highland tour. :turtle:

Ventajas de tener un Gemelo #sisomosgemelos #top5 #hermano #gemelos #twins #isiybenny #Recuerdos
@sisomosgemelos
50.3K likes • 791.3K views
Cómo y cuándo ponerse gemelos Se trata de un pequeño complemento que aporta un toque elegante. 👉🏼Envíaselo a quien no sabe cuando utilizarlos👈🏼 #Gemelos #Traje #Elegancia #Corbata #Elegante #Moda #Consejos #TipsModa #outfit
@superlatio
40.8K likes • 699.2K views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The walking trails are well-maintained but comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Bring Binoculars

Enhance birdwatching in the Scalesia forest with a good pair of binoculars. :binoculars:

reddit.com

Advice for time between land based day trips in Galapagos

Tips

from all over the internet

Taxi Fare Negotiation

Negotiate taxi fares to Los Gemelos & other highland sites beforehand to avoid surprises. :taxi:

Combine with Tortoise Farms

Visit Los Gemelos alongside giant tortoise ranches and lava tunnels for a complete highland tour. :turtle:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The walking trails are well-maintained but comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Bring Binoculars

Enhance birdwatching in the Scalesia forest with a good pair of binoculars. :binoculars:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(160 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Los Gemelos to be a refreshing and extraordinary natural wonder, particularly appreciating the peaceful walk through the Scalesia Forest and the unique geological scenery of the twin craters. It's often recommended as a worthwhile stop when exploring the highlands of Santa Cruz Island.

"Our walk through the forest to see the Twin Craters with a guide was so refreshing and peaceful! It was cool and misty, and we saw many different birds. Really an extraordinary place, recommended to admire the beautiful nature of the Highlands! We went here as part of a 2-week yacht cruise on Coral I with "Go Galapagos" around the Galapagos, in December 2024."

Eileen Weed

"Los Gemelos spanish name…. Worth to visit and cost me $60 from the channel to ranch giant turtle n lava tunnel n town via private taxi.. else directly to town about 25-30 usd"

G Santana

"Los Gemelos (or The Twin Craters) are two large pits on the highlands of Santa Cruz Island that were caused by the collapse of empty magma chambers after a volcanic uprising. There is a nice walking trail that leads up to and then around the rim of both craters. The hike takes you through the wonderful Scalesia Forest, which is full of bird life."

Marc Cooper

What People Like

Refreshing forest walk
Unique pit crater scenery
Birdwatching opportunities

What People Dislike

Can be a quick stop

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach Los Gemelos is by taxi from Puerto Ayora. The drive takes about 30-40 minutes. Many visitors opt for a taxi tour that includes stops at other highland attractions like giant tortoise ranches and lava tunnels. It's advisable to negotiate the taxi fare for the entire trip beforehand to ensure a clear understanding of the cost. Reddit

Yes, Los Gemelos is frequently included in guided tours of Santa Cruz Island's highlands. These tours often combine visits to the twin craters with other popular sites, offering a convenient way to experience multiple attractions in one day. Reddit

Public transport options directly to Los Gemelos are limited. Taxis are the most practical and widely used mode of transport for tourists. If you're on a tight budget, consider joining a group tour to share costs. Reddit

The journey from Puerto Ayora to Los Gemelos typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic and road conditions. Reddit

While the craters themselves are a natural formation, access might be part of a larger tour or private taxi arrangement that has associated costs. Confirm with your tour operator or taxi driver about any included fees. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There isn't a specific ticket booth for Los Gemelos itself, as it's a natural geological site. However, if you visit as part of a guided tour or a private taxi excursion that includes other attractions like tortoise ranches, there might be bundled entry fees. Always clarify what's included in your tour package. Reddit

Los Gemelos is an outdoor natural attraction and is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no strict opening or closing times, but it's best to visit when there's sufficient light for exploration and photography. TikTok

Since Los Gemelos doesn't have a formal ticketing system, advance booking isn't necessary for the site itself. If you're booking a tour that includes Los Gemelos, it's wise to book your tour in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Reddit

Mornings are often recommended for a visit to Los Gemelos due to the cooler, misty atmosphere and better opportunities for birdwatching. The light can also be quite beautiful during these hours. TikTok

A visit to Los Gemelos typically lasts about 30 minutes to an hour, allowing time to walk the trails around the craters and enjoy the scenery. This can be extended if you spend more time birdwatching or taking photos. Reddit

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

At Los Gemelos, you can walk along the trails that circle the rim of the twin pit craters, observe the unique Scalesia forest ecosystem, and spot various bird species. It's a great spot for photography and appreciating the volcanic landscape. Reddit

The trails around Los Gemelos are generally well-maintained and relatively easy to navigate. They are mostly flat with some gentle inclines, making them suitable for most visitors. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Reddit

The Scalesia forest surrounding Los Gemelos is a haven for various bird species, including Darwin's finches and short-eared owls. Keep an eye out for these and other endemic wildlife during your visit. Reddit

Yes, Los Gemelos is suitable for children. The walking trails are not overly strenuous, and the unique landscape can be fascinating for younger visitors. Adult supervision is always recommended. Reddit

It's recommended to bring water, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and a camera. Binoculars can enhance birdwatching opportunities. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the trails. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The dramatic scale of the twin pit craters offers stunning photographic opportunities. Capture the vastness from the rim, the unique Scalesia forest, and any wildlife you encounter. The misty mornings can add a mystical quality to your shots. TikTok

Early mornings often provide soft, diffused light and a mystical atmosphere due to the mist, which can be excellent for photography. Late afternoons can offer warmer, golden light. TikTok

Drone regulations in the Galapagos National Park are strict. It's generally not permitted to fly drones over natural sites like Los Gemelos without special permits. Always check the latest regulations before flying. Reddit

For the crater shots, a wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the scale. For wildlife, a telephoto lens is useful. Consider shooting in RAW format to allow for more flexibility in post-processing, especially if dealing with varying light conditions. TikTok

Yes, you can take photos of the wildlife, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals. The Scalesia forest is home to many endemic birds, offering great opportunities for nature photography. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Los Gemelos offers a fantastic educational and visually engaging experience for families. The relatively easy walking trails around the twin craters are manageable for children, and the unique landscape sparks curiosity. The surrounding Scalesia forest is a great place for kids to spot birds, making it a fun nature scavenger hunt. Reddit

Pro-tip: Combine your visit with a trip to a nearby giant tortoise ranch. Seeing these gentle giants after exploring the craters provides a well-rounded highland adventure that appeals to all ages. Ensure children stay on marked paths and are supervised. Reddit

🚶 Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers

For those passionate about nature and birdlife, Los Gemelos is a must-visit. The Scalesia forest is a prime location for observing various endemic bird species, including Darwin's finches in their natural habitat. The unique geological formations of the twin craters also offer a fascinating subject for study and appreciation. Reddit

Recommendation: Bring binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birdwatching experience. Consider visiting in the early morning when bird activity is often at its peak and the misty atmosphere adds to the ambiance. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Geology of Los Gemelos

Los Gemelos, meaning 'The Twins' in Spanish, are not volcanic craters in the traditional sense. Instead, they are pit craters formed by the collapse of empty magma chambers beneath the surface. As volcanic activity subsided in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, these chambers emptied, leaving unsupported rock formations above. Over time, these roofs collapsed, creating the dramatic, sinkhole-like depressions we see today. The sheer scale of these formations is a testament to the powerful geological forces that shaped the Galapagos. Reddit

Walking the trails around Los Gemelos offers a unique perspective on this geological phenomenon. You can observe the steep walls of the craters and the surrounding landscape, which is a stark contrast to the coastal areas of the islands. The presence of these craters is a reminder of the volcanic origins of the Galapagos archipelago and the dynamic processes that continue to shape its environment. It's a fascinating glimpse into the earth's internal processes. Reddit

Exploring the Scalesia Forest

The trails leading to and around Los Gemelos wind through the enchanting Scalesia forest. This unique ecosystem is characterized by the Scalesia trees, often referred to as 'Galapagos daisies,' which can grow quite tall, creating a dense canopy. This environment is crucial for a variety of endemic species, particularly birds. Reddit

Visitors often describe the forest as cool, misty, and incredibly refreshing, especially when contrasted with the warmer coastal regions. It's an ideal habitat for Darwin's finches, and with a bit of patience and perhaps binoculars, you might spot several different species. Other avian residents include the Galapagos hawk and various flycatchers. The biodiversity within this specific forest type is a highlight for many visitors. TikTokReddit

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