Did you know that Puerto Ayora is home to the world’s only swimming iguanas? As the largest town in the Galapagos Islands, this charming coastal hub on Santa Cruz Island serves as the gateway to some of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters on the planet. With its unique blend of natural wonders and small-town charm, Puerto Ayora offers travelers a rare opportunity to witness evolution in action while enjoying modern amenities and exceptional cuisine.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Reaching Puerto Ayora requires a bit of planning, as the Galapagos Islands are located about 600 miles off Ecuador’s coast. Your journey typically begins with a flight to one of two Galapagos airports: Baltra (the closest to Puerto Ayora) or San Cristóbal.

If arriving at Baltra Airport, you’ll take a short bus ride to a channel crossing, then a ferry to Santa Cruz Island, followed by either a bus or taxi to Puerto Ayora. The entire transfer takes about an hour and offers your first glimpse of the island’s diverse landscapes.

From San Cristóbal, you’ll need to catch a ferry to Santa Cruz, which operates twice daily and takes approximately two hours. The same ferry service connects Puerto Ayora to other inhabited islands like Isabela and Floreana.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Puerto Ayora enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, but there are two distinct seasons to consider when planning your visit:

For the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder months of April-May or September-October. Regardless of when you visit, pack light, breathable clothing, a light rain jacket, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.

Getting Around Locally

Puerto Ayora is a compact town that’s easy to navigate on foot. Most attractions within town are within a 15-20 minute walk of each other, making it a pedestrian-friendly destination.

Transportation Options:

• Walking: The most common and enjoyable way to explore Puerto Ayora
• Taxis: White pickup trucks serve as taxis and charge about $1-2 for trips within town
• Water Taxis: Small boats that ferry passengers across Academy Bay for $0.80-1 per person
• Bicycles: Available for rent from agencies along Charles Darwin Avenue
• Buses: Connect Puerto Ayora to the highlands and northern parts of Santa Cruz

For trips to the highlands or to beaches like Tortuga Bay, taxis are an affordable option. Many hotels also offer bicycle rentals, which are perfect for exploring the town and nearby attractions at your own pace.

Where to Stay

Puerto Ayora offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. Most hotels are concentrated along or near Charles Darwin Avenue, the main waterfront street.

Luxury Options:

• Angermeyer Waterfront Inn: A unique property across the bay with stunning views and excellent restaurant
• Ikala Galapagos Hotel: Modern eco-friendly hotel with a beautiful pool, just one block from the pier
• Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel: Beachfront luxury with a large pool and exceptional service

Mid-Range Choices:

• Hotel Solymar: Centrally located with ocean views and a rooftop pool
• Hotel Fiesta: Comfortable rooms with a garden setting
• Galapagos Suites: Boutique bed and breakfast with personalized service

Budget-Friendly:

• Hostal Gardner: Simple, clean rooms near the fish market
• Hostal El Descanso del Guía: Family-run guesthouse with kitchen access
• Galapagos Dreams Hostel: Dormitory and private rooms with a social atmosphere

For the best experience, choose accommodations within walking distance of Charles Darwin Avenue, which will put you close to restaurants, shops, and the pier for day trips.

Dining & Local Cuisine

Puerto Ayora’s dining scene offers everything from street food to fine dining, with an emphasis on fresh seafood caught daily by local fishermen. The town’s culinary landscape reflects both Ecuadorian traditions and international influences.

Must-Try Local Dishes:

• Ceviche: Fresh fish or seafood marinated in lime juice with onions and cilantro
• Encocado: Seafood in a coconut sauce with rice
• Arroz Marinero: Seafood rice similar to paella
• Langosta: Local lobster, available during season (June-December)

Top Dining Spots:

Charles Binford Street (Kiosks)

This lively street transforms each evening into an open-air food court where local restaurants set up tables and chairs. It’s the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood at reasonable prices while mingling with locals and travelers alike. Look for the restaurants with the busiest tables and most impressive displays of fresh catch.

Anker

For a special dining experience, visit Anker, which offers a 5-course tasting menu inspired by the different ecosystems of the Galapagos. Each dish tells a story about the islands, featuring ingredients from the dry forest, marine coral, highlands, and local harvests.

La Cueva de Gus

Located at the Angermeyer Waterfront Inn across the bay, this restaurant offers spectacular views of Academy Bay alongside creative dishes like lobster pizza and fresh ceviche. Take a water taxi across for dinner and enjoy the romantic setting.

1835 Coffee Lab

This small café serves coffee grown in the Santa Cruz highlands, prepared by expert baristas. It’s the perfect spot for a morning pick-me-up or afternoon refreshment between activities.

Santa Cruz Brewery

Sample local craft beers at this two-story pub overlooking Charles Darwin Avenue. They offer a variety of brews alongside pub food, making it a great spot for a casual dinner or evening drink.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

Tortuga Bay Beach

Often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos, Tortuga Bay is a 40-minute walk from Puerto Ayora along a paved path. The beach is divided into two sections: Playa Brava, with strong currents popular among surfers, and the calmer Playa Mansa, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The white sand beach is a nesting site for marine turtles and is home to marine iguanas, lava lizards, and various shore birds.

Charles Darwin Research Station

This scientific institution plays a crucial role in conservation efforts throughout the Galapagos. Visitors can learn about the breeding programs for giant tortoises and land iguanas, see tortoises at various life stages, and gain insights into the unique ecology of the islands. The station is free to visit and is located a 15-minute walk east of town.

Las Grietas

This natural swimming hole is formed by a crevice between two tall lava walls where freshwater and seawater mix. Reached by taking a water taxi across the bay and a short hike, Las Grietas offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The dramatic setting makes it one of Puerto Ayora’s most photogenic spots.

Puerto Ayora Fish Market

Visit the fish market along Charles Darwin Avenue to witness a unique Galapagos scene: fishermen selling their fresh catch while pelicans and sea lions gather around hoping for scraps. It’s a perfect photo opportunity and a glimpse into local life.

Puerto Ayora Pier

The main pier becomes a wildlife viewing spot at night when the lights attract small fish, which in turn draw pelicans, sea lions, and even reef sharks. It’s a free and accessible way to observe marine life right in town.

Day Trips from Puerto Ayora

Puerto Ayora serves as an excellent base for exploring other parts of Santa Cruz Island and nearby islands. Here are some of the best day trips to consider:

Santa Cruz Highlands

Just a 30-minute taxi ride from Puerto Ayora, the lush highlands offer a stark contrast to the coastal areas. Visit El Chato Tortoise Reserve to see giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. Nearby, the Twin Craters (Los Gemelos) are impressive volcanic sinkholes surrounded by Scalesia forest, home to many endemic bird species including the vermilion flycatcher.

North Seymour Island

This small island is renowned for its large colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds. During mating season, male frigatebirds inflate their bright red throat pouches to attract females, creating an unforgettable spectacle. The island is also home to land iguanas and sea lions. Day tours typically include a visit to Las Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz as well.

Bartolomé Island

Famous for its iconic Pinnacle Rock and panoramic views, Bartolomé offers some of the most photographed landscapes in the Galapagos. The island features volcanic formations, beautiful beaches, and excellent snorkeling opportunities with penguins, reef sharks, and colorful fish.

South Plaza Island

This small island boasts dramatic cliffs and a unique landscape with red sesuvium ground cover and prickly pear cacti. It’s home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago, as well as land iguanas and numerous seabirds.

Santa Fe Island

Known for its endemic species of land iguana and opuntia cactus forest, Santa Fe offers excellent hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing. The turquoise waters of its bay are perfect for swimming with sea lions, rays, and tropical fish.

Most day trips can be booked through agencies along Charles Darwin Avenue or through your hotel. Prices typically range from $100-180 per person, including transportation, guide, equipment, and lunch.

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

Galleries and Museums

While Puerto Ayora is more known for its natural attractions than cultural institutions, there are several galleries and small museums worth visiting:

• Angelique Art Gallery: Features works by British expat Sarah Darling, who has lived in the Galapagos since 1991. Her creations include painted silk, ceramics, jewelry, and canvas pieces inspired by the islands.
• Maki-Art Gallery: Showcases works by a collective of artists using recycled glass, gourds, tapestries, wood, metal, and tile.
• Galeria Exotico Ecuador: Focuses on Fair Trade handicrafts made by local artisans and communities from all regions of Ecuador.

Local Festivals

Puerto Ayora celebrates several festivals throughout the year that offer insights into local culture:

• Galapagos Day (February 12): Commemorates the annexation of the islands to Ecuador with parades, music, and dance performances.
• Santa Cruz Foundation Day (February 18): Celebrates the colonization of Santa Cruz with cultural events and a fair.
• Sea Week (September): A week-long celebration of marine conservation with educational activities, beach cleanups, and community events.
• Christmas and New Year: Festive celebrations with unique local traditions, including the burning of “año viejo” effigies on New Year’s Eve.

Shopping for Local Crafts

Puerto Ayora’s handicraft market and boutiques along Charles Darwin Avenue offer unique souvenirs and gifts:

• Jewelry: Look for pieces made with local materials at Tortoise Jewelry and Galapagos Jewelry.
• Sustainable Fashion: Darwin & Wolf offers stylish clothing with educational messages about conservation.
• Artwork: Purchase paintings, prints, and photographs depicting the islands’ unique wildlife and landscapes.

When shopping, look for items that support local artisans and conservation efforts rather than mass-produced souvenirs.

Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences

Snorkeling and Diving

The waters around Puerto Ayora offer exceptional marine life viewing opportunities:

• Las Grietas: Perfect for beginners with clear, calm waters and interesting underwater rock formations.
• Playa Mansa (Tortuga Bay): Gentle waters ideal for spotting rays, reef sharks, and tropical fish.
• Academy Bay: Snorkel right off the pier to see colorful fish, sea lions, and occasionally marine iguanas.
• Gordon Rocks: A world-class dive site known for hammerhead sharks (for experienced divers only).
• Punta Carrión: A beginner-friendly dive site with abundant marine life.

Equipment rental is available from agencies along Charles Darwin Avenue, and guided snorkeling tours can be arranged for those who prefer expert assistance.

Kayaking

Explore the coastline and mangroves around Puerto Ayora by kayak. Rentals are available at Tortuga Bay and from tour operators in town. Paddling through the calm waters offers a unique perspective of the shoreline and opportunities to spot wildlife from the water.

Hiking

Several trails around Puerto Ayora allow you to explore the unique landscapes of Santa Cruz:

• Tortuga Bay Trail: A 2.5 km paved path leading to the beautiful beach.
• Las Grietas Trail: A short hike through cactus forests and over lava fields.
• Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill): A moderate hike offering opportunities to spot land iguanas and birds.
• Media Luna and Cerro Crocker: Challenging trails in the highlands with spectacular views (guide required).

Mountain Biking

Rent a mountain bike to explore Santa Cruz Island at your own pace. The road to Garrapatero Beach and routes through the highlands are particularly scenic. Some hotels offer free bike rentals, or you can rent from agencies in town.

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Safety Tips

• Puerto Ayora is generally very safe, with low crime rates compared to mainland Ecuador.
• Take standard precautions with valuables, especially at crowded tourist sites.
• Always carry water to prevent dehydration in the tropical climate.
• Use sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) even on cloudy days, as UV exposure is intense near the equator.
• Follow safety instructions when swimming, snorkeling, or hiking.
• Carry a basic first aid kit for minor injuries or ailments.

Conservation Etiquette

The Galapagos Islands are a protected national park and UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors are expected to follow these important guidelines:

• Stay on marked trails and respect barriers.
• Maintain at least 2 meters (6 feet) distance from wildlife.
• Never touch, feed, or disturb animals.
• Take only photographs, leave only footprints.
• Do not remove any natural materials (shells, rocks, plants).
• Use only biodegradable sunscreen to protect marine ecosystems.
• Properly dispose of all waste and participate in recycling programs.

Local Customs

• Ecuadorians typically greet with a handshake or cheek kiss.
• Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants (often included as “servicio”).
• Dress is casual but modest; beachwear should be limited to beaches.
• Ask permission before photographing local people.
• Learning basic Spanish phrases is appreciated by locals.

Health Considerations

• Puerto Ayora has a small hospital for basic medical needs.
• Bring any prescription medications you need, as pharmacies have limited supplies.
• Tap water is not recommended for drinking; stick to bottled water.
• Motion sickness medication is advisable for boat trips.

Practical Travel Tips

Entry Requirements

• Galapagos National Park Fee: $100 for adults, $50 for children under 12 (cash only, paid upon arrival)
• Transit Control Card: $20 per person (required before flying to Galapagos)
• Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your stay

Money Matters

• Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency.
• ATMs are available in Puerto Ayora but may have withdrawal limits.
• Many establishments accept credit cards, but smaller vendors and taxis are cash-only.
• Bring enough cash for your stay, as ATMs occasionally run out of money.
• Prices in the Galapagos are generally 30-50% higher than on mainland Ecuador.

Communication

• Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and some restaurants but may be slow.
• Local SIM cards can be purchased in Puerto Ayora for data and calls.
• Download maps, guides, and translation apps before arrival for offline use.

Packing Essentials

• Lightweight, quick-dry clothing
• Sturdy walking shoes and water shoes
• Snorkeling gear (though rentals are available)
• Waterproof bag or case for electronics
• Reusable water bottle
• Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent
• Small backpack for day trips

Sustainable Tourism

Support conservation efforts by choosing eco-friendly tour operators, respecting wildlife viewing guidelines, minimizing plastic use, and participating in local conservation initiatives when possible. The Galapagos depends on responsible tourism to preserve its unique ecosystems for future generations.

Final Thoughts on Puerto Ayora

Puerto Ayora offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and comfortable amenities that make it an ideal base for exploring the Galapagos Islands. Whether you’re swimming with sea turtles at Tortuga Bay, observing giant tortoises in their natural habitat, or simply enjoying fresh seafood along the waterfront, this charming town provides unforgettable experiences that connect you with one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems.

The true magic of Puerto Ayora lies in its ability to bring you face-to-face with extraordinary wildlife while providing the comforts and conveniences that make travel enjoyable. As you plan your visit, remember that every tourist who follows conservation guidelines contributes to the preservation of this unique destination for future generations.

Ready to experience the wonders of Puerto Ayora and the Galapagos Islands? Start planning your journey today and prepare for an adventure that will forever change how you see our natural world.