Things to do in Puerto Ayora
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Top 10 attractions in Puerto Ayora
Charles Darwin Research Station
The Darwin Centre is located northeast of Puerto Ayora and houses an information centre, a museum, a sea turtle nursery and a large turtle cage that can be visited. There is an area where tortoises can be fed, and you can see sea lizards, big tortoises, and of course cute little tortoises. Come face to face with these Galapagos behemoths. The famous turtle named "Lonely George" died in 2012.Puerto Ayora · 631m from downtown
Baltra Island
Baltra Island is part of the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador and is located north of Santa Cruz Island. As the main gateway to the Galapagos, Baltra Island is home to the Baltra Airport, and many tourists begin their trip to the archipelago from here. The island is known for its unique ecosystem and rich wildlife, and despite its small size, it is an ideal location to observe species endemic to the Galapagos. The landscape of Baltra Island is mainly composed of dry scrub and cacti, suitable for tourists who like natural landscapes. Wildlife here includes Galapagos land iguanas and many species of birds. Visitors can hike on the island's trails and enjoy close contact with nature. Due to Baltra Island's geographical location, visitors can easily visit nearby Santa Cruz Island to explore attractions such as the Charles Darwin Research Station and Tortuga Bay. Visitors are advised to arrange transportation and accommodation in advance to better experience the unique charm of the Galapagos Islands. Baltra Island's climate is warm and dry all year round, suitable for year-round visits, but it is recommended to avoid the rainy season for a better experience.Baltra Island · 31.3 km from Puerto Ayora
Puerto Ayora
The tidy Puerto Ayora is the port of Santa Cruz Island, the main population point of the Galapagos Islands, and the heart of tourism. Hotels and restaurants are basically built around the port, where most cheap tour groups are arranged. From the dock, you can take a water taxi to visit the surrounding scenery, or you can take a ride to the surrounding islands. It's a good place to spend time here and a great place to start your archipelago cruise.Puerto Ayora · 956m from downtown
Los Gemelos
Los Gemelos are two twin craters located 5 km outside the village of Santa Rosa. They are limestone craters rather than volcanic craters. The craters are surrounded by shrubs. Here you can see vermilion tigers and occasionally short-eared owls. Although the twin craters are less than 100 meters away from the kilometer, they are covered by a lot of vegetation and must be entered by a guide.Santa Cruz Island · 15.1 km from Puerto Ayora
Floreana Island
Floreana Island is also known asFloreana Island, with a population of fewer than 100 residents, who are mostly concentrated around the island's residential area of Puerto Velasco Ibarra, where you can also find the Floreana Hotel, operated by the family of the late Margaret Wittmer.Floreana Island · 64.8 km from Puerto Ayora
San Cristóbal Island
San Cristobal Island is located on the east side of Santa Cruz Island, the eastern end of the Galapagos Islands, and the most populous and richer island in the entire archipelago. Locals call San Cristobal the capital of paradise, and the island has some of the easier-to-reach attractions, including boat trips for snorkeling and other activities. In addition, there is a Darwin monument on the island that can be visited.San Cristobal Island · 98 km from Puerto Ayora
Isabela Island
Isabela Island is the larger island in Ecuador's Galapagos Islands. The island is mainly famous for its volcanoes. It stands in the center of the island with five craters, two of which are still active. Between the crater and the coastal sandy belt are hills covered with trees, vines and orchids. There are special flightless cormorants and penguins on the island. Also see blue-footed birds and numerous sea lizards. There is a Puerto Villamil port on the island, the main town of Isabela that is rarely visited. From here there is an 18 km road leading up the hillside to the small village of Santo Tomás. Villamil also has a handful of hotels where you can stay, some by the beach, and some rooms with sea views. There are also places worth snorkeling near the port, where you can see whitetip sharks and many turtles.Isabela Island · 92.5 km from Puerto Ayora
Cerro de las Tijeretas
San Cristobal Island · 79.7 km from Puerto Ayora
Playa Mann
Mann Beach is a popular beach for locals on San Cristóbal Island. It features kiosks selling drinks and snacks, sea lion sightings, and a lively party and family atmosphere.Puerto Baquerizo Moreno · 79.7 km from Puerto Ayora
Puerto Villamil
Isabela Island · 76.7 km from Puerto Ayora
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Free things to do in Puerto Ayora
Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora · 631m from downtownBaltra Island
Baltra Island · 31.3 km from Puerto AyoraPuerto Ayora
Puerto Ayora · 956m from downtownLos Gemelos
Santa Cruz Island · 15.1 km from Puerto AyoraFloreana Island
Floreana Island · 64.8 km from Puerto AyoraSan Cristóbal Island
San Cristobal Island · 98 km from Puerto AyoraIsabela Island
Isabela Island · 92.5 km from Puerto AyoraCerro de las Tijeretas
San Cristobal Island · 79.7 km from Puerto AyoraPlaya Mann
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno · 79.7 km from Puerto AyoraPuerto Villamil
Isabela Island · 76.7 km from Puerto Ayora
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What travelers say about Puerto Ayora
3ade6 May 2020
5.0
The institute has a small range of unique species such as giant tortoises and land iguanas, as well as introductions to these species. Several exhibition houses mainly introduce Darwin's history and achievements. It is best to go to the Darwin Institute with a guide and listen to the explanations, otherwise the experience will be low. We went around by ourselves and couldn't understand many things.
Charles Darwin Research Station
M33***3730 November 2020
5.0
Puerto Ayora is rich in resources and the scenery is so beautiful! !
Puerto Ayora
WillSum16 May 2016
4.0
The most famous natural scenery on this island is Kicker Rock. Two huge rocks that look like a ray of light facing the white and blue sea. This is also a holy place for snorkeling. Occasionally, you can see sea lions, turtles and other cute animals on the beach, basking in the sun on the sea.
San Cristóbal Island