Things To Do
in Puerto Ayora
Puerto Ayora is the bustling gateway to the Galápagos on Santa Cruz Island, where a working harbor, shops, and research centers meet close-up wildlife encounters. The town serves as the main base for exploring the archipelago’s iconic reserves, marine life, and wild landscapes. Its waterfront promenade, lively markets, and varied eateries create a practical hub for travelers and scientists alike.
Expect a unique blend of conservation-minded visitors, local residents, and researchers shaping one of the planet’s most famous natural laboratories.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Baltra Airport and take a short bus ride to the ferry terminal, where you will enjoy a scenic boat ride across the Itabaca Channel to Puerto Ayora. Check into your accommodation and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling town. As you settle in, grab lunch at a local eatery and take your first stroll along the waterfront.
Explore the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you can learn about conservation efforts and see the iconic giant tortoises. Spend some time shopping for unique handicrafts and souvenirs in the town’s local markets. As the sun begins to set, relax by the beach and watch the marine iguanas basking on the rocks.
Enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant featuring fresh seafood dishes. As the evening progresses, wander through town and experience the local nightlife, perhaps by joining a small group for a night walk to see nocturnal wildlife. End the evening watching the stars on the beach.
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Visit the famous lava tubes and learn about the unique geology and flora of the area. Enjoy a delicious local meal at a highland farm, experiencing the authenticity of Ecuadorian cuisine.
Head to the Twin Craters, a striking geological formation, where you can witness diverse birdlife and unique plant species. Spend your afternoon hiking the scenic trails surrounded by lush greenery, capturing stunning photos. Later, travel to El Chato Tortoise Reserve to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
Return to Puerto Ayora for dinner in one of the popular restaurants and taste the flavors of the Galapagos. Consider visiting a Galapagos-themed bar for a cocktail while mingling with other travelers. Enjoy the vibrant energy of the town before heading back to your accommodation.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at cafe | $2-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-150 |
| 🦐Seafood dish at mid-range restaurant | $10-20 |
| 🚖Short taxi ride | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Incredible wildlife access and close-up encounters
- High-quality infrastructure for a remote destination
- Remoteness can mean higher prices and limited services
- Sensitive ecosystems require careful, sustainable travel practices
- "Hola, ¿cómo estás?" - Hello, how are you?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Aceptan tarjetas?" - Do you accept cards?
- "Quisiera pedir" - I would like to order
- "¿Cuánto cuesta esto?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Puerto Ayora
Visit one of these nice places.
Pristine white-sand beach with turquoise water and opportunities to photograph marine iguanas, shorebirds, and crystal-clear pools along the trail.
Giant tortoise pens and informative exhibits; a great place for close-up wildlife portraits and educational shots.
A striking canyon and swimming hole; dramatic rock walls, deep blue water, and unique light for photography.
Large volcanic sinkholes in a scenic highland landscape, ideal for wide-angle shots and birdlife in the surrounding forest.
Food in Puerto Ayora
Puerto Ayora Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fish cooked in a rich coconut milk sauce with peppers and onions; a quintessential Galápagos seafood dish.
Must-Try!
Fresh fish cured in citrus, mixed with onions, cilantro, and lime; widely available at waterfront eateries.
A seafood rice dish featuring shrimp, fish, and other local catch in a fragrant tomato-based broth.
A comforting Ecuadorian fish soup with yucca and onions; commonly found in seaside restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Main market area near the harbor where you can sample fresh fruit, juice, and small seafood bites; ideal for inexpensive tastings and snacks.
Street-side stalls offering ceviche cups, fried plantains, empanadas, and other quick bites after a harbor stroll.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Do not touch or feed animals; maintain a respectful distance and stay on designated paths to protect wildlife and habitats.
Support responsible tourism; follow park guidelines, dispose of trash properly, and minimize loud disturbances around wildlife.
A simple greeting in Spanish (hola) goes a long way; casual, modest clothing is typical for day-to-day activities, with modest dress at formal or sacred sites.
Safety
Tipping in Puerto Ayora
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service; 5–10% at restaurants is common if service charge isn’t included. Guides and drivers often expect tips after tours.
US dollars is the official currency; many establishments accept credit cards, especially in town, but some smaller vendors and remote tours prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December through May brings warmer air and sea; great visibility for snorkeling and marine life. Expect occasional short showers and higher visitor numbers during holidays.
June through November features cooler air and stronger trade winds; calmer seas in some areas and excellent wildlife viewing, especially seabirds and marine life. Cooler water may require thicker wetsuits for underwater activities.
Puerto Ayora at Night
Hiking in Puerto Ayora
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal hike through mangroves to a pristine beach with chances to see wildlife and seabirds.
Highland route featuring lava-tube formations and native flora, optimal for tortoise sightings.
Short forested loop near the twin crater formations offering scenic lookouts and birdlife.
Airports
How to reach Puerto Ayora by plane.
Primary gateway to the Galápagos; located on Baltra Island with a short transfer to Santa Cruz via bus and ferry.
Eastern Galápagos gateway; serves flights to and from Baltra and other islands; useful for island-hopping itineraries.
Major Ecuadorian hub with most international connections; many Galápagos itineraries begin or end with flights through Guayaquil.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Ecuadorian with a mix of migrant workers and families living on Santa Cruz.
Ongoing work and visits related to the Galápagos National Park and research programs.
Travelers from around the world visiting for wildlife, snorkeling, and nature experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular sport and activity around coral reefs and inshore wildlife.
Offshore diving opportunities to see diverse marine life and unique Galápagos species.
Coastal trips and mangrove-area paddling for wildlife viewing.
Low- to moderate-difficulty trails in highland and coastal areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puerto Ayora.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many spots offer vegetarian options such as veggie bowls, salads, plantain-based dishes, and rice with beans; ask for no fish stock and request coconut milk-based encocados without seafood.