Puerto Ayora, Ecuador: El Chato Ranch

It's one thing to see giant tortoises (as in 550 pounds at times) in a zoo-like setting. It's another to watch them in a more natural environment. The El Chato Ranch comes through nicely in this department by providing a great backdrop to watch these wonderful animals.

Once upon a time, the private and public sector was arguing about what to do with land that served as the migration ground for the tortoises. The animals moved from the highlands to the beach and back as part of their reproductive cycle. The problem was that the land was needed for farmers to make a living. The two sides eventually reached a good compromise to not use the land in a way that got in the tortoises' way. In other words, you can see tortoises and cows in the same field during a visit to this ranch, which is about a 45-minute drive up the hill from downtown in Puerto Ayora. The owners ask that you give a tortoise 10 feet of space - certainly close enough to take some great photos.

Some added bonuses are around the grounds here. The biggest is an actual lava tunnel. That's where lava comes rushing out of a hole, and the outside cools while the inside is still moving. A tunnel therefore is created, and people can easily stand up in it. Visiting it requires some steps down, but it's quite an interesting and unusual site. Other animals such as owls and finches are around the grounds as well. 

There is something of a visitors' center, complete with a restaurant and a few gift items.  Some old shells are available as well; they make great props for photos for kids of all ages.