On our second day we took a taxi to the El Chato Ranch where we finally saw those fascinating giants in free wildlife. Our first encounter already happened on our way to the main building when one of those armored animals blocked the road. And when we got closer it tried to scare us away by growling at us. Who would have thought that they are able to such noises? We soon left her alone and continued our way to the center.
There you can squeeze yourself into the shell of one of those tortoises before you start the walk through lava tunnels – without the shell of course. Those tunnels were formed when the outer layer of the lava stream cooled down and solidificated while the inner layer continued streaming.
At the other end of the third tunnel was a little lake and there they were. A big group of about ten animals were hanging around in the pool. They look so interesting with their giant shells and their skinny neck and grandpa like head. And we guessed that the secret of their high age lies in their slow movements. Our video about them will probably be an hour long!
We enjoyed a picnic lunch at Laguna las Ninfas while observing several jumping fishes and a playful seal. Later we continued to Las Grietas, where we snorkeled inside the clear water of the canyon. This canyon had been shaped by the flowing lava as well and contained several groups of big fishes.
But as the water was very cold and the sun did not reach into the canyon anymore, we warmed up on the warm sand of Playa des Alemanas and went for dinner with our new friends we had met on the ranch.
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