Santa Cruz was one of our favorite islands in the Galapagos, especially since it’s one of the three populated islands, offering a unique mix of local life and natural beauty. My wife and I stayed in the major town, Puerto Ayora, which has some of the best hotels in the Galapagos. It was a treat to have easy access to excellent restaurants and all the amenities you’d expect from a close-knit island community. If you’re visiting Santa Cruz as part of a Galapagos trip, chances are you’ll have some free time to explore Puerto Ayora – and we definitely recommend making the most of it.
We found Puerto Ayora to be such a charming little town, perfect for an afternoon stroll. My wife and I enjoyed the delightful restaurants with fresh, local flavors, explored boutique shops, and loved the peaceful beachfront promenade with beautiful views. There’s a unique charm here, blending the island’s relaxed pace with some great spots to watch wildlife or simply unwind and soak in the surroundings.
You can check some of Puerto Ayora sights in my video about Galapagos:
How to Get to Puerto Ayora
Getting to Puerto Ayora from Baltra Airport was an adventure in itself for us! First, we hopped on a shuttle that took us to the canal – a short but scenic ride that set the tone for our Galapagos journey. From there, we boarded a fast boat across the canal to Santa Cruz, with a choice of either a bus or a cab to cross the island to Puerto Ayora, the heart of Santa Cruz.
If you’re arriving at San Cristóbal Airport, you’ll need to catch a ferry to Santa Cruz, as we learned while planning our route. The same ferry process applies if you’ve started your trip on Isabela Island or Floreana Island – each of the Galapagos’ other islands is connected to Santa Cruz by small ferries that run twice daily. It’s a bit of island hopping, but we found the experience enjoyable, getting to see different parts of the archipelago as we made our way to Santa Cruz.
Getting Around Puerto Ayora
Although Puerto Ayora is the main town in the Galápagos, it feels wonderfully small and easy to explore. We enjoyed how everything was within walking distance. A quick stroll could take you from the docks to Avenida Charles Darwin, lined with inviting restaurants and bustling tour agencies. From almost any point in town, it was easy to reach the picturesque beaches and the popular Charles Darwin Research Station. There’s a unique charm to wandering around Puerto Ayora, where every corner offers a fresh view or new spot to discover.
Attractions & Things To Do in Puerto Ayora
Tortuga Bay Beach
Tortuga Bay was a true highlight for us and is often recognized as one of the top beaches in the Galapagos – and it’s easy to see why. With its stunning stretches of white sand meeting the vibrant blue ocean, it’s a perfect spot to relax and soak in the natural beauty around you. The beach is actually divided into two areas, each offering a slightly different experience. A short walk from the southwest end of Puerto Ayora brought us right to this paradise, where we could take in the serene views and enjoy a quiet escape by the shore.
The first area, Playa Brava, is where we saw surfers catching waves early in the morning – it’s the more rugged, energetic side of Tortuga Bay. The currents here are strong, making it more suited for surfing than swimming. On the other hand, Playa Mansa is a quieter spot nestled by a protected lagoon. We found it perfect for a bit of snorkeling and kayaking along the coast. This calm area allowed us to get up close to some incredible marine life – from sea turtles and rays to white-tipped reef sharks and a variety of birds around the mangroves. It felt like nature came alive here, making Playa Mansa a beautiful place to explore and connect with the Galapagos’ unique wildlife.
Las Grietas Swimming Hole
Las Grietas became one of our favorite spots in the Galapagos for a refreshing swim. This natural swimming hole features three stunning pools where fresh and saltwater mix, creating calm, inviting waters nestled between towering lava cliffs. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking to snorkel or just enjoy a swim in this unique setting.
To reach Las Grietas, we took a short water taxi ride from Puerto Ayora across the bay to Angermeyer Waterfront Inn. From there, a scenic path led us past German Beach (Playa Aleman) and through lava fields until we arrived at the pools. The first two pools were perfect for swimming and, if you’re feeling adventurous, cliff diving. The third pool, accessible through a small underwater tunnel, is quieter and ideal for snorkeling. It was a beautiful way to experience the Galapagos’ landscape from a different perspective, surrounded by serene waters and volcanic cliffs.
Charles Darwin Research Center
Since the Galapagos Islands were designated a national park, the Charles Darwin Research Station has served as the scientific heart of conservation efforts here. Visiting the center, we got a glimpse into the important work they do to protect the unique wildlife of the islands, particularly the giant tortoises. It was fascinating to see these tortoises at various stages of growth, from tiny hatchlings to sizable juveniles. The research station and the Galapagos National Park carefully raise these tortoises until they’re strong and mature enough to survive in the wild. For us, it was a meaningful stop that underscored the dedication and science behind conserving this extraordinary ecosystem.
Puerto Ayora Fish Market
One of the most memorable stops in Puerto Ayora was the lively fish market along Charles Darwin Avenue, right by the water. From morning until evening, fishermen would bring in their fresh catch to the waterfront stalls, where locals and tourists gathered – but so did some surprising visitors! Pelicans and sea lions hung around eagerly, waiting for scraps. Watching the fishermen toss leftovers to these funny “clients” was a highlight for us; it added a playful, local charm to the day and made us appreciate the easygoing way humans and wildlife coexist here.
Puerto Ayora Pier
At first, the pier in Puerto Ayora might seem like an unusual spot to visit, but it quickly became one of our favorite places to observe the local wildlife. In the evenings, the pier lights attract schools of tiny fish, drawing in pelicans that swoop down to catch their dinner. Standing there, we even spotted small reef sharks, both white and black tip, along with a few ray species gliding through the water below.
The scene becomes even more magical at night when the cruise boats anchored in Academy Bay light up, casting a warm glow over the bay. It created a wonderfully romantic atmosphere, and we found it a perfect spot for photos with the softly lit water and the silhouettes of boats in the background. It was a peaceful, captivating way to end our day in Puerto Ayora.
Santa Cruz Highlands
The lush green hills of Santa Cruz are just a short taxi ride from Puerto Ayora, making for an easy escape into the island’s natural beauty. Two standout spots we visited were the Twin Craters, or Los Gemelos, and the El Chato giant tortoise reserve. Los Gemelos offered us an incredible view of these large volcanic sinkholes, surrounded by a dense, vibrant forest.
At El Chato, we had the unforgettable experience of seeing giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. It was a humbling sight, getting so close to these ancient creatures as they moved slowly through the greenery. For us, these hills provided a perfect blend of scenic landscapes and unique wildlife encounters that made our trip even more memorable.
The Twin Craters, or Los Gemelos, felt like a scene straight out of Jurassic Park – these massive lava sinkholes left us in awe. We followed a self-guided trail that led us to some incredible viewpoints, winding through the unique Scalesia Forest, where we spotted several Galapagos land birds along the way. The scenery was both dramatic and peaceful, a perfect slice of the island’s natural beauty.
Just nearby, we made our way to the El Chato Reserve, a private ranch where giant tortoises roam freely. It was surreal to watch these gentle giants in their natural habitat, munching on the vegetation around them, completely unbothered by our presence. The experience of being so close to these ancient creatures was unforgettable, and El Chato was the ideal spot for it – an absolute must if you’re visiting Santa Cruz.
Day Trips From Puerto Ayora
From Puerto Ayora, there’s no shortage of incredible day excursions to make the most of your time in the Galapagos. We found it helpful to book boat trips in advance to secure spots on tours to some of the must-see islands like Santa Fe, South Plaza, Bartolome, Pinzon, and North Seymour. Each island has its own unique landscapes and wildlife encounters, making every day trip feel like a new adventure. For divers, Puerto Ayora offers unforgettable diving excursions – especially to Gordon Rocks, a popular spot for seeing Galapagos scalloped hammerhead sharks.
We also loved the flexibility of creating our own adventures. Agencies along Charles Darwin Avenue rented out bikes and snorkel gear, so we could explore at our own pace. It was easy to grab what we needed and set off for a day of biking or snorkeling, discovering hidden spots and enjoying the Galapagos in our own way.
Eating at the Avenue of Kiosks
For a taste of authentic Galapagos flavors, a local tipped us off to Binford Street, a lively hub of food stalls known for serving some of the best meals in Puerto Ayora. We could feel the energy from a block away, with tables of happy tourists filling the street, chatting and savoring the local cuisine.
Each kiosk offered its own version of fresh seafood, and the servers enthusiastically showed off their menus, sometimes even swinging whole, raw fish under our noses! The sizzle of charcoal-grilled fish and the enticing aroma was impossible to resist. It was a wonderful way to experience the island’s food scene, surrounded by locals and visitors alike, all drawn in by the same mouthwatering scents.
One of the highlights of Puerto Ayora’s food scene is the Picallada – a towering, smoky charcoal barbecue that’s fired up like a chimney and fueled all night by blow dryers to keep it blazing hot. It’s a local specialty that transforms simple ingredients into mouthwatering dishes.
Everything is cooked over this same fire, and we watched in awe as fresh, whole fish coated in spices were wrapped in foil and roasted to perfection. Octopus was laid directly on the grill, developing a beautiful char and sear, while bubbling seafood casseroles simmered in clay bowls nearby. Even hot, buttered ears of corn found their place on the grill. The aromas were as captivating as the flavors, making this an unforgettable dining experience that brought the true essence of Galapagos cuisine to life.
We immediately fell in love with the avenue of kiosks and decided we would eat here every night.
Other Places to Dine and Drink in Puerto Ayora
Anker
Anker offers a culinary journey through the Galapagos with its rotating 5-course tasting menu, each dish inspired by the island’s unique ecosystems. The menu brings together ingredients sourced from the dry forests, coral-rich seas, lush highlands, fisherman’s wharf, and local harvests. Each course felt like a tribute to the natural beauty of the Galapagos, giving us a deeper connection to the islands’ diverse landscapes and flavors. It was more than a meal – it was a taste of the Galapagos itself, crafted with local pride and creativity.
La Cueva de Gus
La Cueva de Gus at the Angermeyer Waterfront Inn became one of our favorite spots to dine in Puerto Ayora. With its beautiful view overlooking Academy Bay, it’s the perfect place to savor delicious food while soaking in the island scenery. The menu is packed with fresh, local flavors – we especially loved the lobster pizza, sushi, and ceviche, all crafted with seafood straight from the Galapagos waters. Every dish featured locally sourced ingredients, adding a taste of the islands to each bite. It’s an ideal spot for a memorable meal with an unforgettable view.
Galapagos Deli
For a casual and tasty bite in Puerto Ayora, the Galapagos Deli was a perfect find. It’s hard to beat their freshly baked bread, hearty breakfasts, and deli sandwiches, which are great to take along for a day of exploring. We also enjoyed their brick oven pizza, fish and chips, and the creamy, flavorful ice cream – a great treat after a warm day out. They offer vegetarian options too, with pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and salads that cater to a variety of tastes. It’s a laid-back spot that quickly became a go-to for us whenever we wanted something fresh and delicious.
Santa Cruz Brewery
For a fun night out in Puerto Ayora, we headed to the two-story Santa Cruz Brewery, which overlooks Charles Darwin Avenue and offers a relaxed pub atmosphere with some of the best views of the coast. We enjoyed their pub food and sampled a variety of artisan beers, each with unique flavors that added a local twist to the craft brew experience. It turns out that Puerto Ayora now has quite a few craft beer bars, adding a lively touch to the town’s nightlife. Santa Cruz Brewery was definitely a highlight, combining good food, great beer, and a laid-back vibe that made us feel right at home.
1835 Coffee Lab
For the best coffee experience in Puerto Ayora, 1835 Coffee Lab is a must. It may just be a small hole-in-the-wall on Charles Darwin Avenue, but the place has a unique charm that draws you in. The coffee here is locally grown in the Santa Cruz mountains, and the attention to quality is evident – they even bring in expert baristas from mainland Ecuador to craft each cup to perfection. Sipping on their rich, flavorful brew, we could taste the freshness and care that went into every step, from farm to cup. It’s a little spot with big flavors, and it became one of our favorite stops for a coffee break.
Bottom Line
Puerto Ayora truly has something for every kind of Galapagos traveler, especially if you’re up for a little adventure. Along with a variety of visitor attractions, the town surprised us with its lively nightlife and some of the best shopping on the islands. There’s always something to do or explore, so if you have a free day or two, Puerto Ayora is absolutely worth the time. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a mix of relaxation and excitement, making it a perfect stop on any Galapagos itinerary.
