Things To Do
in Puerto Ayora
Puerto Ayora is a charming coastal town located on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos archipelago of Ecuador. It serves as a popular tourist hub due to its proximity to iconic natural attractions like the Charles Darwin Research Station and Tortuga Bay. The town boasts a lively waterfront promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels catering to visitors from around the world.
Visitors can also enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, and wildlife viewing in the pristine waters surrounding the island.
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a walk along the waterfront, enjoying fresh air and beautiful views. Grab a traditional Ecuadorian breakfast at a local café.
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts and meet the famous giant tortoises. Spend some time shopping for local crafts and souvenirs in town.
Enjoy a seafood dinner at a restaurant overlooking the harbor, where you can watch the sunset. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach to end your day.
Take an early boat tour to explore nearby islands like Santa Fe or South Plaza. Keep your camera ready for stunning landscapes and unique wildlife.
Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, discovering colorful marine life and vibrant coral reefs. Enjoy a packed lunch on the beach surrounded by nature.
Return to Puerto Ayora for dinner at a popular local eatery. Share stories of your day's adventures with fellow travelers over delicious local dishes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Access to the Galapagos Islands and unique biodiversity.
- Rich marine life ideal for snorkeling and diving.
- Friendly local community and vibrant culture.
- Pleasant climate year-round.
- Variety of restaurants offering local and international cuisine.
- Opportunities for eco-tourism and conservation activities.
- High cost of living due to its remote location.
- Limited healthcare facilities and services.
- Sustainability challenges from tourism pressure.
- Transportation can be expensive and limited compared to mainland.
- Environmental concerns relating to invasive species.
- Limited job opportunities for locals outside of tourism.
Best Activities in Puerto Ayora
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Experience the vibrant marine life while snorkeling in the clear waters of Tortuga Bay. This beautiful beach offers opportunities to see colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures.
Explore the twin craters known as Los Gemelos. This hike provides stunning views of the unique geological formations and the surrounding landscape filled with native flora.
Rent a kayak and paddle around the bay to discover hidden coves and observe wildlife, including sea lions and various bird species up close.
Learn about the conservation efforts in the Galapagos Islands and see the giant tortoise breeding program at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Take a guided boat tour to explore nearby islands such as Santa Fe or South Plaza and experience the diverse ecosystems and wildlife unique to each location.
Join a local fishing tour to catch a variety of fish while enjoying the beautiful waters of the Galapagos.
See giant tortoises in their natural habitat at the reserve. Learn about their importance to the ecosystem and conservation efforts to protect them.
Relax at this beautiful beach with options for swimming, sunbathing, and spotting marine wildlife.
Tours
Uncover the best of Puerto Ayora with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Puerto Ayora
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning beach with white sand and turquoise waters, offering amazing views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. A great spot for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Provides insight into conservation efforts and showcases various species unique to the Galápagos. The gardens and exhibits are excellent for capturing the beauty of the islands.
A unique geological formation with striking turquoise waters ideal for swimming and photography. The rocky cliffs surrounding the area create a dramatic backdrop.
A natural reserve where you can observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The lush greenery and tortoises make for great photographs.
Offering panoramic views of the island and lush landscapes, this area is perfect for capturing the unique flora and fauna of the Galápagos.
A coastal site that is home to sea lions. The rocky outcroppings, along with the sea lions, provide excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
Food in Puerto Ayora
Puerto Ayora Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A beloved dish featuring raw seafood cured in citrus juices, often served with onions, tomatoes, and peppers. Try at Angermeyer Waterfront Inn or El Descanso Marinero for a flavorful experience.
Must-Try!
A hearty fish stew with yuca, plantains, and a rich broth. Don't miss trying this traditional dish at Los Kioskos, a popular local spot.
A mouthwatering shrimp dish cooked in a coconut-based sauce. Enjoy this creamy delicacy at Kiosko El Descanso or at the food stalls along the Malecon.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Puerto Ayora better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit this bustling market in the morning to witness the daily catch and savor incredibly fresh seafood. Don't miss the ceviche stands for a flavorsome local treat.
Explore these street food stalls for a diverse range of local bites. From empanadas to grilled meats, the array of options is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When meeting people in Puerto Ayora, it's customary to greet with a warm handshake or a light hug among acquaintances. Always make eye contact and smile to show friendliness and respect.
In Puerto Ayora, casual beachwear is common, but it's important to dress modestly when visiting religious sites or formal occasions. Wearing appropriate attire shows respect for local customs.
When dining with locals, wait for the host to start the meal before you begin eating. It's polite to try a little of everything offered, and always thank your host for the meal to show appreciation.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Puerto Ayora with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Puerto Ayora
Ensure a smooth experience
In Puerto Ayora, tipping is generally appreciated but not obligatory. It is common to leave a 10% tip in restaurants if service is not included in the bill. For tour guides and taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or providing a small tip is also customary.
Most businesses in Puerto Ayora accept cash, particularly U.S. dollars, which is the official currency in Ecuador. Credit and debit cards are accepted in some larger establishments like restaurants and hotels, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller shops or markets. ATMs are available, but fees may apply.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Puerto Ayora.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is considered the best time to visit Puerto Ayora as temperatures are cooler and rainfall is minimal. Visitors can expect clear skies, good visibility for snorkeling and diving, and active wildlife, including nesting sea turtles and abundant marine life.
Although this season has higher temperatures and is more humid, it also brings lush landscapes and vibrant flowering plants. Rainfall is common but usually in short bursts, leaving plenty of time for outdoor activities. Expect opportunities to see breeding birds and newborn wildlife.
This is a shoulder season when temperatures begin to rise, and the wildlife is particularly active. Visitors can see whale migration and enjoy warm ocean waters, making it a great time for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the islands.
Puerto Ayora at Night
Hiking in Puerto Ayora
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
These fascinating volcanic formations offer a unique hiking experience, allowing visitors to explore the underground tunnels created by lava flows. The surrounding area is rich in endemic flora and fauna.
A stunning beach located just a short hike from Puerto Ayora. The trail is lined with lush vegetation and leads to a beautiful white sand beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
A scenic hike leads to Garrapatero Beach, where visitors can enjoy tranquil waters and beautiful landscapes. The trail takes you through various ecosystems, including mangroves and dry forests.
This area includes a network of trails through the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Visitors can explore giant tortoise habitats and lush vegetation, making for an enjoyable hiking experience.
Los Gemelos are twin sinkholes located in the highlands of Santa Cruz. The area offers trails with stunning views and is a good spot to see diverse wildlife and native plants.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Puerto Ayora through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Puerto Ayora by plane.
The closest airport to Puerto Ayora, located on Baltra Island, primarily serving flights to and from mainland Ecuador.
Located on San Cristóbal Island, this airport offers services to various domestic destinations and international flights.
Located in Guayaquil, Ecuador, this is one of the biggest international airports and a common gateway to the Galápagos Islands.
Located in Quito, this international airport services flights to various destinations worldwide, including connections to the Galápagos.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest group in Puerto Ayora, comprising people of mixed Indigenous and Spanish descent.
Including various ethnic groups, primarily of the Cañari and Kichwa origins, though representing a smaller percentage of the population.
Citizens from other parts of Ecuador who have settled in Puerto Ayora.
Expatriates and international workers, many of whom are involved in tourism and conservation efforts.
Visitors from around the globe, contributing to the local economy and cultural exchange, though they are temporary residents.
The Soul of Puerto Ayora
Discover the essence of Puerto Ayora through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport played on the sandy beaches of Puerto Ayora, attracting both locals and tourists.
Many residents enjoy surfing the waves in nearby coastal areas, especially during the surfing season.
Fishing is not only a pastime but also an important economic activity for many families in Puerto Ayora.
Soccer is widely played and followed, with many local teams and matches taking place in community fields.
The beautiful waters around the Galápagos Islands offer great opportunities for kayaking, popular among visitors and locals alike.
Scuba diving is a significant attraction in Puerto Ayora due to the rich marine biodiversity of the Galápagos.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puerto Ayora.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most eateries in Puerto Ayora accommodate vegetarian and vegan preferences. Look for restaurants like Galapagos Deli and Alma for plant-based options and creative vegetarian dishes.
While gluten-free options may be limited, many restaurants offer gluten-free variations of traditional dishes. Communicate your dietary needs clearly, and eateries like Angermeyer Waterfront Inn and Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel will strive to cater to your requirements.