Location: Puerto Ayora
Top Things to do in Puerto Ayora
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands
Puerto Ayora is a town in central Galápagos, Ecuador. Located on the southern shore of Santa Cruz Island, it is the seat of Santa Cruz Canton. The town is named in honor of Isidro Ayora, an Ecuadorian president. The town is sometimes mistakenly referred to as Santa Cruz.
Restaurants in Puerto Ayora
1. Chocolapagos Darwin's Favourites
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Chocolapagos is a gourmet artisan chocolate shop. Where you can stop bye and have a treat or book the live chocolate show were a turtle bonbom will be made as you are enjoying our amazing chocolates. All made with the finest 100% Ecuadorian Arriba Cacao.
Reviewed By Alanjacomev
If you have the chance to visit Santa Cruz island this is definitely a MUST visit on your list, exceptional quality and variety. Want some presents for friends and family? This is the place.
2. Las Grietas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,453 reviews
Reviewed By F336MVjohnd
From Puerto Ayora, take an 80-cent water taxi to Finch Bay, and then a walk past the German beach to get to this strikingly beautiful volcanic fissure that has connected out to the ocean... so it's also a great place for a swim. The water is cold... so you won't regret a wet suit. And do wear the snorkel mask as the view underwater is remarkable, and there are some interesting fish to see as well. The thing to be careful of here is that there are several pools separated by some very sharp and VERY slippery rocks. You CAN cross over them, but my wife and I each got several scrapes and bruises in the process. Also, there is no "life guard on duty". There is a guide who you sign in with at the top of the fissure... but if you need help it will be 10-15 minutes away, so do be careful if you venture past the first pool.
3. El Garrapatero
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 691 reviews
Reviewed By cesarmantillaand2018 - Quito, Ecuador
Accesible through paved road and pathway (rode a bike from Puerto Ayora). Top notch kayak and snorkeling equipment rental . Kayaking was great, through calm bay, to three other nearby beaches. Saw lots of sea turtles, marine iguanas, small bullsharks and lots of birds.
4. Maki-Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Art Gallery Comercializes fine latin american art 100% handmade and fair traded
Reviewed By Q4776EIelizabethb
Except for tee shirts at the airports, this was the only place that I bought souvenirs. Handmade bags, tiny sculptures, and beautiful handmade jewelry, all reasonably priced. And, there was much more, but that was just what I bought!
5. Santa Cruz Fish Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 854 reviews
Reviewed By BradT546 - Auckland, New Zealand
Had a lot of fun watching the sea lions and pelicans interacting with the people at the fish market. Was fascinating watching the fishermen feed the off cuts to the sea lions and pelicans in the water and watching one pelican try to swallow a whole Tuna head. The sea lions are very entertaining.
6. Galeria Exotico Ecuador
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Galeria Exotico Ecuador offers a space for ancestral cultures and contemporary Ecuadorian art. We represent Fair Trade for the Galapagos Islands. Our store includes authentic ethnographic and urban crafts done by local artisans, communities, associations and families from all regions of Ecuador.
Reviewed By kimberlinka - San Diego, United States
I really enjoyed shopping here. We were able to get great character souvenirs for my vegan sister-in-law (vegetable ivory a.k.a. Tagua) and some fun shoes for us. I loved that they’re Fair Trade and the artists are all local. Stop by if you want something unique and that you can feel good about!
7. Playa de los Perros
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Potreropeggy - Playa Potrero, Costa Rica
We got to this beach on a tour with a glass bottom boat company. The guide was very knowledgeable about the environment and allowed plenty of time for us to explore the beach and photograph the sea iguanas that were nesting/resting there. ( hundreds of them) We were there as the sun was setting and the colors were beautiful.
8. Malecon de Puerto Ayora
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By Cavydad - Camarillo, United States
Walk the waterfront and experience everything! Imagine a day on Mulberry Street. From bars, fish markets shops and my favorite the infamous water taxis that transport people and luggage to the outlying boats. Select your favorite bar or cafe, linger, get into the Galápagos groove, and experience the islands.
9. The Angelique Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By 303gerac - New York City, United States
I walked in and was greeted by a friendly, busy artist in the middle of painting her whimsical silk drawings on scarfs and pillow covers and the like. I had a fun time here and picked up some knowledge of the Galapagos as well as some gifts for myself and a couple of friends.
10. Charles Darwin Research Station
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,272 reviews
Headed by a team of more than two hundred scientists, educators, research volunteers and support staff, this world-wide foundation is dedicated to preserving the Galapagos ecosystems.
Reviewed By shannav227
Charles Darwin Research Station is the place to start your trip in the Galapagos. You get assigned a nature guide at the entrance, and they will walk you around and explain the history of Darwin and the animals of the Galapagos, with the main highlight being the Giant Galapagos Tortoise. You get the opportunity to see baby tortoises in the breeding center from each of the islands, as well as tortoises of all different ages. We enjoyed our time here.
