Right in the middle of the Galapagos Islands is Santa Cruz, home of the buzzing town of Puerto Ayora. As the largest city in the Galapagos Islands with a population around 18,000 people, this is one of the central hubs of activity. There are a number of great hotels, hostels, restaurants, bars, and stores for those hoping to enjoy a land-based tour, and it's also the main port for many of the yachts that cruise these enchanting islands. From here, it's just a stone's throw to some of Santa Cruz's best attractions, like the Charles Darwin Research Station, the forested highlands, Los Gemelos craters, El Chato Ranch, and the sun-kissed beaches. It's also just a short drive from the airport on the neighboring Baltra Island. Much of the distinct artistic Galapagos culture is also based in this active island town.

Puerto Ayora Tour Ideas

Puerto Ayora Tours (32 Results)

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Dive in the Galapagos

8 Days from $6,995

Galapagos is one of the world's premier diving destinations and Santa Cruz Island is where the majority of dive shops and boats are based.

Hotel Silberstein

10 Days from $3,810

Looking for a cruise alternative? Our Hotel Silberstein land based tour option allows you to explore the marvels of the Galapagos Islands without having to acquire sea legs! Discover iguanas, comical blue-footed boobies, and the famous Galapagos sea turtles. In the evenings you can stroll the beaches of Puerto Ayora before retiring to your hotel.

Western Islands

8 Days from $4,090

This Western Islands cruise includes a trip to Cerro Dragon, Isabela, Daphne and more. Explore trails that lead through cactus forests, observe a sea lion colony, and take a dinghy ride to search for Galapagos penguins during this 8-day cruise on the Angelito.

Eastern Islands

8 Days from $4,850

Enjoy this 8-day cruise through the eastern islands of the Galapagos covering some of the most beautiful islands including San Cristobal, South Plaza, Santa Cruz, and Genovesa. Overflowing with wildlife, volcanic wonders, and breathtaking landscapes, this is the perfect vacation choice. Fill your days with opportunities to snorkel, swim, and …

Puerto Ayora Travel Guide

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Galapagos Wildlife

Wildlife has evolved in the Galapagos to create some of the world's most bizarre -- and fearless -- creatures. See Darwin's theory of evolution in action as you swim alongside marine iguanas, watch ancient tortoises slowly roam, kayak past playful sea lions, and hike among blue-footed boobies in the Galapagos Islands.

Magnificent views accompany your yoga practice

Hotels & Lodges on Santa Cruz Island

Explore hand-picked hotels & lodges chosen for their exceptional service, local personality, and easy access to the top attractions in Santa Cruz.

With our favorite tortoise in the Galapagos

Galapagos Average Air and Water Temperatures

The Galapagos Islands are a great destination to visit year-round. The archipelago experiences very mild seasonal variations throughout. However, there are a few weather patterns that should be taken into consideration depending on what you want to see & do during your trip.

Cruise the Galapagos islands aboard the Ocean Spray

Galapagos Cruise: When to Go?

If you are planning a trip to the Galapagos, this brief and informative article will give you a greater insight into when the best times to travel area.

Galapagos FAQs

Do you want to book a trip to the Galapagos Islands but aren't exactly sure where to start? Our FAQ article answers some of the most common traveler questions. From what time of year to visit to packing suggestions, this guide will hopefully help you in the planning process. No matter what, this is sure to be a trip of a lifetime!

What to do in Puerto Ayora
Although this bustling 18,000-person city is not the capital of the Galapagos Islands, it is the largest town in the archipelago and therefore home to many great attractions.

El Chato Reserve – Here you will find the signature giant tortoises roaming freely through their natural highland habitat.
Lava Tunnels – Formed when the flowing surface lava hardened and the magma beneath continued to flow, these hollow tubes can sometimes extend for hundreds of meters like other-worldly caves, some of which are even open to exploration.
The Beach at Tortuga Bay – Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the warm equatorial sun as the turquoise water crawls up and down the golden sand.
Charles Darwin Research Station – Here you will learn more about the different conservation projects that the National Park does and see giant tortoises being bred and raised in the safety of captivity until they are mature enough to be released in their natural habitat.
Los Gemelos – Hike through a dense scalesia forest to these giant sinkholes.