The Galapagos Islands are primarily preserved as they were when Charles Darwin first visited the archipelago, with 97% protected as national parks. Many are shocked to learn that the relatively non-endemic human resides in the remaining 3% of the population. Not what we usually imagine of the Galapagos, but with its hydrangea-covered fences and streets teeming with people and cars, Puerto Ayora is remarkably comparable to any other little Ecuadorian port town, and it has many joys of its own to share.
Puerto Ayora Town Lifestyle
Travel-weary tourists can have a pleasant evening in this small town, the center of human activity and tourism in the Galapagos. Puerto Ayora, the island’s central city, has a population of about 15,000, making it a manageable size to walk around. After a long day of seeing Darwin’s “living laboratory,” visitors may unwind in outdoor bars, boutiques, and hotels by the ocean and take in the local way of life and foreign food. Although the locals are incredibly amiable and proud of their country, their command of English could be improved.
Puerto Ayora is a great place to begin exploring Santa Cruz’s varied ecosystems. It is also an excellent choice for people who wish to stay an extra night or two after their cruise to unwind and enjoy their beach holiday.
Puerto Ayora Island Tours
However, the town also provides access to various outdoor pursuits and adventures for those with a more daring spirit. The rich and verdant highlands of Santa Cruz extend farther inland, adorned with fog-covered forests of Scalesia trees, a relative of the common daisy, where the locals carry out ancient farming practices and enormous tortoises live free in their native environment. Several lava tunnels are also available for tourists, leading kilometers into the dark. The Twins, or Los Gemelos, are two massive collapsed magma chambers that provide a striking introduction to the powers of nature and geology. They are one of the more well-known outdoor tourist destinations.
Unlike any other island, Santa Cruz allows guests to wander around freely most of the time. A great way to explore island life that only some tourists get to experience is by mountain riding. In Puerto Ayora, you may rent bikes on the main streets. Jeep tours are an excellent means of exploring the highlands as well. In addition to giving tours of the entire island, guides are glad to talk about its history and natural beauty because they are native to the area.
Charles Darwin Research Station
The Charles Darwin Research Station, a hub for scientific inquiry that has drawn researchers from all over the world, is renowned for being located in Puerto Ayora. This center’s research has produced ground-breaking findings and thorough information on the island’s flora and fauna, which is then used for various preservation and breeding initiatives. In addition, the CDRS boasts an excellent visitor center where visitors may discover more about the current conservation initiatives and the climate, topography, and development of the Galapagos Islands.
The CDRS is also well-known for its excellent tortoise breeding program, which has prevented several tortoise populations from going extinct over the years. Additionally, it was the final residence of the late Lonesome George, the last member of his kind who regrettably passed away in 2012 at nearly 100. The location is open for tours, and guests are welcome to see the enormous tortoises at any stage of their lives, from a few weeks old to over a hundred years old.
Tortuga Bay
However, a half-hour’s walk from the town is the breathtakingly gorgeous Tortuga Bay, another reason Puerto Ayora is well-known. This lovely stretch of beaches with smooth, white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters is worth the effort, even though the trek might be taxing in the intense heat. The beaches’ isolation highlights the beauty even more. You will usually have this magnificent white crescent all to yourself, with the occasional pelican, iguana, or sea lion for company, as the bay is too far away for most inhabitants. There are two distinct beaches in the bay: Playa Mansa and Playa Brava.
