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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. 
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Puerto Ayora Tour IdeasĀ for 2023-2024

9 Puerto Ayora Luxury Tour Ideas for 2023-2024

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Western Islands$44006Apr 3, 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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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Alya$668806Apr 3, 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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Western Galapagos Luxury Cruise$107458Apr 8, 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$111508Apr 1, 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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San Cristobal to San Cristobal$115008Mar 25, 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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Western Islands$75627Mar 31, 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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Galapagos Passion Western Islands$61308Apr 15, 2023Walk on pahoehoe lava, take a panga ride around Elizabeth Bay and be on the lookout for iguanas in the Western Islands. This 8-day trip on the M/Y …
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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard La Pinta$3360617Mar 31, 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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Private Charter - Galapagos Passion Western Islands$900008Apr 15, 2023This 8-day private trip on the M/Y Passion is full of wildlife and beautiful scenery. Walk on pahoehoe lava, take a panga ride around Elizabeth Bay, …
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Puerto Ayora Travel Guide

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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