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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 2024-2025

Best Galapagos Cruises & Tours
Floreana Island

Hotel Silberstein

10 Days from $4,956
Looking for a cruise alternative? Our Hotel Silberstein land based tour option allows you to explore the marvels of the Galapagos Islands without having to acquire sea legs! Discover iguanas, comical blue-footed boobies, and the famous Galapagos sea turtles. In the evenings you can stroll the beaches of Puerto Ayora before retiring to your hotel.
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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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10 Puerto Ayora Luxury Tour Ideas for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Northern Islands$61954Apr 3, 2025Embark on a 4-day North & Central Islands cruise aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Observe Santa Cruz Highlands' giant tortoises and lava …
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Southern Islands$61954Apr 14, 2025Set sail on a 4-day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise to the Eastern Galapagos Islands. Explore San Cristóbal, and visit Tijeretas Hill. Enjoy Gardner Bay …
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Private Charter - Southern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise$1177054Apr 14, 2025Set sail on a private 4-day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise to the Eastern Galapagos Islands. Explore San Cristóbal, and visit Tijeretas Hill. Enjoy …
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Central East & Southern Islands$129958Apr 10, 2025Explore Central East & Southern Islands on this 8-day cruise aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Visit Baltra and meet giant tortoises. Enjoy …
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Private Charter - Central East & Southern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise$2469058Apr 10, 2025Explore Central East & Southern Islands on this 8-day private cruise aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Visit Baltra and meet giant tortoises. Enjoy …
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Private Charter - Northern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise$1177054Apr 3, 2025Embark on a private 4-day North & Central Islands Galapagos cruise aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Observe Santa Cruz Highlands' giant …
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Western Islands$77897Jun 21, 2024Explore 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 Inner Loop$103508Jun 15, 2024Embark 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 La Pinta$3738357Jun 21, 2024Experience 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$107458Jun 15, 2024Take 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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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. 
     
Galapagos Travel Videos

Puerto Ayora Videos

TrustScore 4.8 | 207 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
total score
Based on 207 reviews on
review score
1 hour ago
I am a returning client to Adventure Life and am very pleased with their commitment to put together a great trip. Clara replied and clarified to any and all questions we had.
Claire Palmer
review score
2 days ago
Jessica was very responsive to my questions and never balked when I asked her to go back and find more options. She really worked hard to find the right cruise for us.
Amy Siegel
review score
2 days ago
Friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, timely. They have made us feel very comfortable for our trip!
Gregg Chamberlain
review score
2 days ago
Adventure Life took care of a lot of details for me because I flew separately and met up with the group at the start of the trip. On the return they dropped me off in Cantania and flew back to the UK as one group. I was the only American on the Exodus trip which was not a problem. Communication between the two companies was good.
Happy Camper
review score
2 days ago
We loved our time aboard the Angel. Beautiful boat and crew. Naturalist Jose Luis was incredible-very knowledgeable and thoughtful. He adapted tours to our group and we all had an amazing trip. Love staying a the quaint hacienda and the recommended activities.
Christine

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