What to do and see in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands: The Best Sightseeing Tours

May 4, 2022 Renato Branum

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. Day Trip to Santa Fe Island from Puerto Ayora

Avenue Charles Darwin, Ave Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador Galapagos a la Carte
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

The Day Tour to Santa Fe Island departs from Puerto Ayora's Main Pier, the sailing is about two hours, this island is located South East of Santa Cruz Island. In this island you will find an endemic land iguana that lives only in this place, sea lions in a white sand beach resting waiting for pictures, they pose to your cameras.

Inclusions: Snorkel Gear, Lunch, Galapagos National Naturalist guide, Hotel Drop-off (selected hotels only), Pickup in Puerto Ayora's Main Pier/Sumbawa Store, Coffee and/or Tea, Towel, Water Refill

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Tips, Wetsuit

Reviewed By italiabella9

We took the Santa Fe III to Bartolomeo on Sunday as our first tour in the Galapagos. The boat was spacious and clean - overall luxurious. I didn’t realize until we took another tour with a different company later in the week just how amazing this one had been. Because the boat was large, the rough seas weren’t too bad and although I had proactively taken motion sickness medicine before we started, I think it would have been fine without it. Our guide was Diego and he knows everything you could ever imagine! We hiked and snorkeled as well as enjoyed lunch on board. The entire experience was wonderful and our only regret was not being able to do another tour with this company during our stay!

2. 12-Day Trip Machu Picchu & Galápagos Islands

Quito, Ecuador Latin Adventures
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

History & Culture – Galapagos Islands – Inca´s Ruins This 12  day adventure package allows you to explore a great variety of landscapes in Ecuador and Perú as well as nature and cultural highlights, which you will be able to observe on this fully guided tour. From the capital Quito, which was one of the first cities declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, you will go to Lima, the City of the Kings, Cuzco, Machu Pichu and its Sacred Valley to admire the inca´s ruins and history. This is a great chance to see the main of Ecuador and Perú Highlights.

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, 11 nights accommodation, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Adventure program in private and small groups, English - Spanish speaking certified guide, Snorkeling equipment, Airfare Lima / Cusco / Lima, Private transfers in air-conditioned vehicle with private driver, Bus round trip (Consettur to Machupicchu), Personal assistance in English and Spanish.

Exclusions: International flights (GYE - LIMA), Galapagos National Park entrance fee. $100,00, INGALA $20,00 fee to Galapagos, Travel insurance (mandatory), Entrance to Cusco Cathedral (USD 14), Food and drinks, unless specified, Tips, Airfare Quito/Guayaquil - Galápagos - Guayaquil

Reviewed By Bretekiel

We had a great day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi with our guide Daniel. He picked us up from our hotel on time at 8am and drove expertly to Cotopaxi taking a scenery road which allowed us to appreciate the geography of the inter-valley region. The drive took about 1.5 hours. His approach takes you around the volcanoes from all angles. Daniel was truly passionate about Ecuador and very knowledgeable about wildlife and vegetation of the region. He stopped plenty of times for awesome picture opportunities. We hiked from the parking lot (15K ft) to the refuge (16K ft) doing the zig-zag approach and experienced no issues with altitude sickness whatsoever (he stopped by a kiosko where we could buy coca candy and leaves if needed before entering the park). The weather was awful as we ascended, with small hail and dust from the strong winds, but he was patient and set the pace perfectly for us to successfully reach the refuge. We grabbed hot chocolate up in the refuge (2.5 per cup, bring change) and warmed up before going back down. On our way back to Quito, we stopped by an authentic local restaurant around 3pm where we had a soup, a pork dish, and an ice cream. Back to the hotel by 5pm promptly. This is a great experience for a Quito escapade which you should consider if you're looking to do something based off the city.

3. Giant Tortoise Reserve - Lava Tubes ( Private Tour )

Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Islands Galapagos Outdoors CL
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

In Santa Cruz Highlands visit Los Gemelos - amazing volcanic sink holes for an ecosystem introduction.   Then stop at our private Giant Tortoise Reserve for un unique close wildlife encounter.   Finish with an underground walk through a Lava Tube and explore Galapagos from the inside ! A 3 - hour tour starting in Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Is where you visit the most interesting attractions leaded by a certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide   • Spectacular views of Los Gemelos - Sink Holes and Lava Tubes • Giant Tortoise Wildlife Reserve - Natural encounters guaranteed ! • Learn about History, Geology and Ecology of the Galapagos Archipelago • Enjoy engaging and informative narration by our guides • Small-group tour limited to 15 people ensures a more personalized experience

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Pickup and drop-off (1835 Coffee Lab | Galapagos Coffee Roasters), Professional guide, Local taxes

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By akash_us

Really enjoyed the virtual experience!! It was a lot of fun and a very informative talk. The guide was very friendly and passionate about the project. We learnt a lot about the Giant tortoises, and we are really inspired to visit Galapagos now!

4.  Tour of the city to Isabela + Tintoreras from Santa Cruz

GalapagosBKtours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

One day visit to the best of the city of Isabela plus a private tour to Tintoreras islet, ideal for short people without the opportunity to stay a couple of nights in Isabela and who want to know Isabela Island and see Galapagos penguins. Guaranteed way.

Inclusions: Ferry back and forth, In local restaurant, Naturalist Guide, Snacks, Snorkeling equipment

Exclusions:

Reviewed By Sylvie L

Our guide was determined to show us everything, and we did! Blue footed Boobies mating, sea horses, tons of white fin reef sharks, black fin reef sharks, turtles, colourful fish. At the beginning we went for a land mini tour on top of the tunnels so good shoes or beach shoes are a must. The boat ride there included a quick stop a rock with wildlife. Very small bag lunch is included so bring snacks and water just in case. Afterwards the guide downloaded incredible pictures he took and we could get a copy on our USB for free! What a souvenir!!!

5. Land Tortoises in the wild + Magnificent Lava tunnel and sinkholes

Galapagos Destiny
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Exclusive, Extraordinary and Excellence are our keywords for every excursion as We know how important your expectations are when visiting our enchanted Islands, every day we focus on providing the best guaranteed service in conjunction with fair prices- on time schedule, unique and personalized experience in every adventure during your whole stay in the Galapagos. created around your specific interest all our excursions are private just you, your companion(s), your Galapagos destiny local guide, who helps you get the most out of every excursion In this tour you will have the opportunity to enjoy observing the Giant Land Tortoises in the Wild and explore one of the largest Lava tunnels of the world

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Highly qualified naturalist guide, excellent service guaranteed

Exclusions: No type of food is included, or tips, Gratuities, Landing and facility fees,  we offer french; german and italian speaking guide with an aditional cost of $200 flat fee​​​​​​​., The private property charge $5 for the visit per passenger.Here,Giant Land tortoises live in freedom, Admission costs $5 per customer

6. The Best of Ecuador & Galapagos 12 Days / 11 Nights (PRIVATE Trip)

Ecuador Local Guide
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Discover the Avenue of the Volcanoes at the Ecuadorian Andes very well known for its striking volcanic peaks and rugged Andean scenery. Some of Ecuador’s most visited sites lie in this area, including the view Cotopaxi volcano, the Quilotoa Lake a huge crater lake, the lively little holiday town of Baños and of course, Ecuador’s highest peak, Chimborazo. Keeping going to the south visit the famous Devil´s nose train that follows a zigzag path carved into the rock to continue to Cuenca with its cozy old town with colonial plazas, squares and much more. The land tour end in the Guayaquil city based at the pacific coast in order to departure to the Enchanted Islands of Galapagos that will captivate to every traveler with its unique flora and fauna.

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Private transportation, English speaking guide, Accommodation based in double room, Excursions as mentioned in the program, Public boat ticket to travel from Santa Cruz to Isabela Island and vice versa, Shared excursion to Tintoreras Islet with Snorkel gear, Shared excursion to Sierra Volcano, Devil´s Nose Train Ticket

Exclusions: Meals not mentioned in the program, Personal expenses, Flight ticket to Galapagos 480-500 usd pp aprox. pp, Entrance fees to the places mentioned in the program, Galapagos entrance fee 100 usd pp, Galapagos transit card 20 usd pp, Isabela dock fee at Galapagos 10 usd pp, Local bus at Baltra airport to get to the channel 5 usd pp per way, Local water taxis 5 usd pp for the whole program , Gratuities

Reviewed By Tina S

We needed a rapid Covid test within 72 hours of our flight back to the US. Guanguiltagua Expeditions to the rescue!! Dennis and team helped Us get the test from a private lab that came to our condo in Cuenca and we Received results the very next day! Great experience and great service!

Discovering Galapagos
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 18 reviews

We have breakfast, 9:00 a.m. We take a boat that will take us to the first destination LA LOBERIA, which is an islet approximately two miles away from Santa Cruz Island, where sea lions rest, continuing with our tour we arrive at CANAL DEL AMOR where we have to observe countless birds, native plants and different species of marine life, we disembark on a small dock to go to PLAYA DE LOS PERROS is called that because there are countless crabs known as dogs, then near the love channel we can perform the activities Snorkeling where we can see sea turtles, rays, fish of different colors, sea lions and the main attraction the dry cleaners that are a species of the shark family, we go to the Franklin dock where we will disembark and start our journey to the CRACKS, where we can swim, snorkel and learn more about the flora and fauna of the Galapagos.

Inclusions: Private transportation

Exclusions: Airport/Departure Tax

Reviewed By cajigasmf

Wilter and Vicente were wonderful. They pick us up at the airport in Baltra and made sure we were on time to take our bus, water taxi and boat that took us to Isla Isabela. They were on time and very attentive. We felt very comforting to be able to rely on someone that new all the steps to make it to your destination island. Because it could be very overwhelming. We will use them again on our future trip to Galapagos. We highly recommend them.

8. Day tour to Pinzón Island and La Fé/Palmitas Bay with snorkeling and fishing

Guiding Galapagos Expeditions, Calle, Santa Cruz Island, Enrique Fuentes 106, Puerto Ayora 200350, Ecuador Guiding Galapagos Expeditions
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 61 reviews

This tour is operated on a very spacious, comfortable boat, with an excellent crew that offers the best possible service, warm and freshly prepared lunch, high-quality snorkel equipment, the best naturalist guides and one of the most active tours you can do, including snorkel activities at two of the best snorkel spots of Galapagos, a fishing activity as well as a beautiful walk at Palmitas Bay/La Fe Bay, along mangrove and cactus trees in order to observe many different species on land.

Inclusions: Use of Snorkelling equipment, Freshly prepared lunch, fish or chicken, also often ceviche and fresh fruits for dessert, Snacks, Soda/Pop, Restroom on board, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Tips/Gratuities for the crew/guide

Reviewed By 224kristinep

It was and will remain an unforgettable 12 days in paradise. Thank you Stephanie for your wonderful suggestions and perfect planning. It gave me peace of mind and allowed me to fully relax and enjoy my experience in the Galapagos. Thank you Yazmany for making every excursion memorable. Your passion and knowledge of the Islands are impressive. Both of you are among the nicest people I ever met. I am so happy I chose Guiding Galapagos Expeditions. I could not have been in better hands and the trip could not have been more perfect!

9. 4 Day Galápagos en Santa Cruz Island Land Tour

Baltra Island, Ecuador Latin Adventures Tour Operator

This 4-day  program you will experience the highlights of the Galapagos Islands, you can choose  hotels category according to your preferences. Transportation, accommodation in double or single rooms, some meals included (Ecuadorian menu), and a bilingual naturalist guide, who will accompany you during the tours. If you are a single traveler it is possible to join the group tour and to stay in a private room upon a single charge. The highlights of this program are: in Santa Cruz , El Chato or Rancho Primicias, Garrapatero Beach, Tortuga Bay, Charles Darwin Station and  uninhabited island ( North Seymour or Pinzon or South Plazas or Floreana)

Inclusions: 3 nights accommodation , Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Certified Naturalist English/Spanish speaking guide , Transportation , All transfers in the islands , Activities as mentioned in the itinerary

Exclusions: Entrance fee $100,00 (American dollars) in Galapagos National Park, Flight from/to Galápagos Islands ( we will help to organize it according to the itinerary, contact us), INGALA $20,00 (American dollars) in the mainland airport, International flights, If you are a single traveler it has an extra $220,00 single supplement service in tourist hotels / $300 in standard hotels / $650,00 Comfort hotels /$980,00 Luxury hotels, pay directly to local tour operator, Food and drinks, unless specified ( dinner), Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Tips

Reviewed By 825lial

My husband and I are in Galapagos for our honeymoon and this was the perfect trip to start off with. You get to enjoy the beach, see so much wildlife, and learn information about Darwin. Our tour guide Erika was amazing and she had so much knowledge of everything, we loved it!

10. Private Tour: Cerro Meza & Kayak at Garrapatero, Galapagos

RipioTurismo

We start the day with a visit to the Cerro Mesa viewpoint, from where we can admire the whole southern shore of Santa Cruz. We then continue on towards one of the iconic formations in Galapagos Cerro Mesa where we will hike downhill for about 30 minutes to the bottom of this collapsed crater. We’ll explore the fascinating crater floor and relax for a while before starting the hike back (45 min - 1 hr). During our hike, we will have excellent opportunities to see endemic bird species such as the Woodpecker Finch, or if we are very lucky, giant tortoises.

Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, Kayak and Snorkeling equipment, English Speaking Naturalist Guide

Exclusions: Accommodation, Beverages, Insurance, Gratuities

Reviewed By Cheryl B

Go with a good appetite, so many variety of meats, take just a little so you can make it to the end! Loved the lamb, filet mignon, garlic beef the best. Even saved room for dessert and left feeling very satisfied

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.