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Hoping for a snack, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

Puerto Ayora Tours

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Right in the middle of the Galapagos Islands in Santa Cruz, home of the buzzing town of Puerto Ayora. As the largest city in the Galapagos Islands with a population of 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. 
Best Galapagos Cruises & Tours

Puerto Ayora Tour Ideas for 2023-2024

Best Galapagos Cruises & Tours
Beach on Isabela island

Western Islands

8 Days from $4,595
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.
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Golden Land Iguana on Santa Fe Island

Eastern Islands

Baltra to Baltra
8 Days from $4,850
Sail the eastern Galapagos Islands aboard the magnificent 16-passenger motor yacht Beluga, which includes San Cristobal, South Plaza, Santa Cruz, and Genovesa, which are among the most spectacular in the archipelago.
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7 Puerto Ayora Luxury Tour Ideas for 2023-2024

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Western Islands$44006Oct 2, 2023Embark the Alya on this 6-day catamaran cruise of the Western Galapagos Islands, visiting some of the most popular sites including the Tortoise …
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Western Islands$75627Oct 13, 2023Explore the red beaches of Rabida and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station aboard the La Pinta. Hike, snorkel, and relax on this 7-day tour of …
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San Cristobal to San Cristobal$113508Oct 7, 2023Embark the luxurious Silver Origin on an 8-day adventure from San Cristobal to San Cristobal. Acquaint yourselves with Kicker Rock island, Punta …
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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Alya$668806Oct 2, 2023Board the Alya on this 6-day private cruise of the Western Galapagos Islands, visiting some of the most popular sites including the Tortoise Breeding …
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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard La Pinta$3360617Oct 13, 2023Experience the Galapagos Islands like never before during this 7-day Western Islands private cruise aboard La Pinta. Discover the volcanic landscapes …
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Western Galapagos Luxury Cruise$107458Oct 7, 2023Take this 8-day cruise aboard the luxurious Cormorant II catamaran where you'll snorkel, hike, and kayak your way around the Western Islands of the …
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San Cristobal to San Cristobal$111508Oct 14, 2023Embark the luxurious Silver rigin on an 8-day adventure from San Cristobal to San Cristobal. Get to know the islands of Genovesa, North …
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Puerto Ayora Travel Guide

Galapagos tortoises

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.
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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.
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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.
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A pair of friendly sea lions

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!
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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. 
     
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