Puerto Ayora Guide
Puerto Ayora: The Heart of the Galapagos Guide
Puerto Ayora, located on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos, is the largest town and the main tourist hub of the archipelago. It serves as a gateway to exploring the unique wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos Islands. With its bustling harbor, diverse restaurants, and proximity to several key attractions, Puerto Ayora offers a comfortable and convenient base for your Galapagos adventure. Puerto Ayora's history is relatively recent, developing as a settlement in the mid-20th century. Its growth is directly linked to the increasing tourism and scientific research in the Galapagos Islands. The town is named after Isidro Ayora, a former president of Ecuador. The establishment of the Charles Darwin Research Station in 1964 played a significant role in Puerto Ayora's development, attracting scientists and researchers from around the world. Puerto Ayora offers a wide range of activities for visitors. Explore the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the Galapagos' unique ecosystem and conservation efforts. Visit the nearby Tortuga Bay, a stunning white-sand beach known for its marine iguanas and sea turtles. Take a boat tour to explore other islands in the archipelago and encounter diverse wildlife, such as blue-footed boobies, penguins, and giant tortoises. Puerto Ayora boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with numerous restaurants offering fresh seafood, Ecuadorian specialties, and international cuisine. Try ceviche, a traditional Ecuadorian dish made with marinated seafood, or sample local coffee grown in the Galapagos.
Transportation
From Baltra Airport (GPS), you can take an airport bus to the Itabaca Channel. From there, a short ferry ride will take you to Santa Cruz Island. Buses or taxis are available on the Santa Cruz side to transport you to Puerto Ayora. Water taxis are also available to travel between different locations along the coast.