Puerto Ayora Travel Guide: Gateway to the Galápagos Islands

Welcome to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galápagos Islands and your primary base for exploring one of the most biodiverse archipelagos on Earth. Located on Santa Cruz Island, this charming coastal town is more than just a transit hub — it's a destination in itself, full of vibrant marine life, eco-conscious culture, fresh seafood, and unforgettable natural beauty.
 

As your personal travel guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: what to see, where to stay, what to eat, and how to make the most of your time in Puerto Ayora.

🌍 Where is Puerto Ayora?

Puerto Ayora lies on the southern coast of Santa Cruz Island, the second-largest island in the Galápagos. It is connected to the mainland via daily flights into Baltra Airport (GPS), followed by a short ferry and bus ride.

With a population of around 12,000 people, it’s the beating heart of Galápagos tourism — offering travelers a mix of local Ecuadorian culture and access to world-famous natural reserves.

🐢 Why Visit Puerto Ayora?

1. 🧭 Launchpad for Exploration

Most Galápagos cruises and land tours either start or stop in Puerto Ayora. You can also easily access daily excursions to Isabela, Floreana, or North Seymour from here.

2. 🦎 Iconic Wildlife Encounters

Spot marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and sea lions — sometimes just steps from your hotel. You don’t need a guide to see wildlife; nature is part of daily life here.

3. 🐠 World-Class Snorkeling and Diving

The waters around Puerto Ayora are some of the richest in the world for marine biodiversity. Dive with hammerhead sharks, snorkel with sea turtles, and swim through underwater lava tunnels.

4. 🍽️ Fresh Seafood & Chill Island Life

Whether you're enjoying ceviche by the harbor or strolling the art-filled streets, Puerto Ayora blends adventure with a laid-back island vibe.

📅 Best Time to Visit Puerto Ayora

Puerto Ayora can be visited year-round, but your experience may vary depending on the season:

🔆 Warm & Wet Season (December–May):

Hotter, more humid, and clearer seas

Best for snorkeling, diving, and spotting marine life

Daily temperatures: 26–30°C (79–86°F)

🌥️ Cool & Dry Season (June–November):

Cooler temperatures and more cloud cover

Better for hiking and observing seabirds like albatrosses

Slightly rougher seas, especially for inter-island travel

🐢 Top Attractions in Puerto Ayora

Let’s dive into the best things to see and do in and around Puerto Ayora.

🐢 1. Charles Darwin Research Station

This renowned facility is a must-visit for anyone interested in conservation. Learn about the Galápagos’ fragile ecosystem and meet giant tortoises up close.

Highlights:

Breeding center for endangered tortoise species

Museum with scientific exhibits

Homage to Lonesome George, the last of his species

🕒 Opening Hours: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
🎟️ Entry: Free (Donations welcomed)

🏖️ 2. Tortuga Bay

A 30-minute walk from town brings you to one of the most pristine beaches in the Galápagos. The powdery white sands and clear turquoise waters are home to marine iguanas, pelicans, and white-tipped reef sharks.

Activities:

Kayaking

Snorkeling (in designated calm-water areas)

Sunbathing and nature photography

💡 Bring water, sunscreen, and your own snorkel gear — there are no facilities on-site.

🛶 3. Las Grietas

A unique lava fissure filled with crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming and cliff jumping. To get there, take a water taxi to Finch Bay, then walk 15 minutes inland.

Why Visit:

Amazing snorkeling with parrotfish and damselfish

Shady, cool swim spot away from the sun

🐢 4. El Chato Tortoise Reserve

Located in the Santa Cruz Highlands, this private reserve allows you to walk among wild giant tortoises in their natural habitat — no cages, no fences.

Bonus: Explore lava tunnels formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago.

🚗 30-minute drive from town
🎟️ Entry: ~$5 USD

🐟 5. Puerto Ayora Fish Market

A surprising highlight, this tiny market near the pier isn’t just for buying fish — it’s a daily show. Watch sea lions, pelicans, and iguanas compete for scraps while fishmongers clean the day’s catch.

Tip: Come in the late morning to see the action. It’s also a great spot for candid photography.

🏨 Where to Stay in Puerto Ayora

There’s a wide range of accommodations — from budget hostels to boutique eco-hotels.

💰 Budget:

Hostal Galápagos Morning Glory

Hotel España

Average: $25–40 USD/night

💼 Mid-Range:

Hotel Fiesta

Hotel Ninfa

Average: $50–100 USD/night

🛎️ Luxury:

Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel

Ikala Galápagos Hotel

Average: $200–400 USD/night, often with included excursions

🍽️ Where to Eat & Drink

Puerto Ayora has a thriving seafood scene and growing eco-gastronomy movement.

Top Local Restaurants:

Los Kioskos Street – Budget-friendly local food stalls

La Garrapata – Known for grilled fish and ceviche

Isla Grill – Fresh seafood and tropical cocktails

Almar Seafood & Grill – Fine dining with ocean views

🌱 Vegetarian/Vegan options available in most tourist spots.

🚤 Day Trips from Puerto Ayora

Puerto Ayora is the perfect base for day tours to other Galápagos islands:

🐧 Isla Santa Fé:

Swim with sea lions and reef sharks

Hike through forests of giant cacti

🦎 North Seymour Island:

Home to blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and land iguanas

🐢 Floreana Island:

Visit the Black Beach, pirate caves, and Post Office Bay

🐠 Scuba Diving Tours:

Sites include Gordon Rocks, North Seymour, and Floreana Wall

Dive with hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks (seasonal)

💡 Most tours start around 7–8 AM and return by late afternoon. Booking a day in advance is usually sufficient, but during peak season (July–August & December), book earlier.

💡 Essential Travel Tips for Puerto Ayora

Currency: USD is the official currency of Ecuador and the Galápagos.

Internet: Wi-Fi is available, but often slow — especially on the islands.

ATMs: Available in town, but bring some cash for tours or markets.

Plastic Ban: Avoid bringing disposable plastic bags or bottles. The Galápagos has strict environmental laws.

Sun Protection: The equatorial sun is strong! Use reef-safe sunscreen and wear a hat.

Language: Spanish is widely spoken, but most tour operators and hotels speak basic English.

📷 Top Photo Spots

Bring your camera (or drone — where permitted)! These are some must-capture places:

Tortuga Bay at sunset

Las Grietas from above

Sea lions lounging on benches along the boardwalk

Pelicans and iguanas at the Fish Market

Darwin Center's tortoises

Lava tunnels and highland forests

🌱 Responsible Travel in Puerto Ayora

The Galápagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most ecologically sensitive areas in the world. Your choices as a traveler matter.

Here’s how to help protect the islands:

Stay on marked trails and follow guide instructions

Never feed or touch animals

Choose eco-certified tours and accommodations

Use reef-safe sunscreen

Support local artisans and community-based businesses

🧳 What to Pack

Lightweight clothing for warm weather

Long-sleeve shirts for sun protection

Hiking sandals or water shoes

Snorkel gear (can also be rented locally)

Waterproof dry bag for electronics

Reusable water bottle

Light rain jacket (especially Jan–May)

Motion sickness medication (for boat rides)

🚗 How to Get to Puerto Ayora

Fly to Baltra Airport (GPS) from Quito or Guayaquil

Take the free shuttle from Baltra Airport to Itabaca Canal

Cross the canal by ferry (~$1 USD)

Take a bus or taxi to Puerto Ayora (~45 min)

🧡 Final Thoughts: Why Puerto Ayora is More Than a Transit Town

While many come to Puerto Ayora en route to cruises or island tours, this town deserves its own spotlight. It combines the accessibility of a traveler hub with the authenticity of island life. You'll meet friendly locals, enjoy unrivaled wildlife encounters, and explore the stunning marine and volcanic landscapes that define the Galápagos spirit.

Whether you're diving with sharks, watching sea lions snooze on the sidewalk, or kayaking through mangroves, Puerto Ayora delivers a travel experience that’s both relaxing and remarkable.