Los Gemelos and the Scalesia Forest
Los Gemelos lies in the humid highlands of Santa Cruz, where large volcanic depressions are surrounded by native Scalesia forest and important land-bird habitat.
A volcanic landscape
Often described as craters, Los Gemelos formed through the collapse of underground volcanic structures rather than explosive eruptions. Paths around the depressions make the site a useful place to explain how volcanic processes continue to shape the islands.
An endemic Galápagos cloud forest
The humid Scalesia forest around Los Gemelos functions as a cloud forest in the centre of the Galápagos. It is a remarkably natural-looking habitat and a striking contrast to the dry coastal landscapes that many visitors associate with the islands.
Scalesia belongs to the daisy family, but here it grows into a tree and forms a true forest. The Scalesia species and many of the plants and animals associated with this habitat are endemic, making it a forest found nowhere else in the world.
An important area for land birds
Los Gemelos is particularly worthwhile for visitors interested in birds and in experiencing the full diversity of Galápagos habitats. We look especially for woodpecker finches and tree finches, while warbler finches are also seen frequently.
Sightings vary with weather, season and time of day, but spending longer in the forest provides a much better opportunity to observe its birds than making only a quick stop at the viewpoints. Even for visitors who aren’t dedicated birdwatchers, the forest offers a very different and important Galápagos experience.
Combining the visit
Los Gemelos is commonly combined with the giant tortoise highlands, allowing visitors to see two very different aspects of Santa Cruz in one inland journey.
Interested in visiting Los Gemelos and the Scalesia Forest?
Tell us your approximate travel dates, group size and interests. We’ll help you fit this experience into a sensible Galápagos itinerary.
WhatsApp chat and voice messages will be available when our new business number is activated.