Puerto Ayora

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Puerto Ayora is the largest town in the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. It has the best infrastructure with the largest number of hotels, restaurants and stores in the Galapagos. Other services include grocery stores, farmacies, hardware store, boat supplies, a small hospital and a hyperbaric chamber. It is located on the southern side of Santa Cruz island, and is connected by road and ferry to the airport on Baltra Island.

[edit] Understand

[edit] Get in

[edit] By Plane

Passengers arriving by plane fly into the Baltra Airport (GPS) on the neighboring island. Flights arriving daily from continental Ecuador arriving from either Quito or Guayaquil. Airlines providing service include:

From the Baltra airport, there are two sets of buses taking people from the airport. Once set takes people who are boarding a cruise they other takes passengers to the Itabaca channel between Baltra and Santa Cruz to transfer to the island of Santa Cruz. Arriving at the canal passengers need to claim their luggage and place it aboard a ferry to the other side. Then arriving on Santa Cruz, claim their luggage once again and either take another bus to the terminal Puerto Ayora, or one of the pick-up trucks/taxis to Puerto Ayora.

[edit] By Boat

There is public transportation via local speed boats to both San Cristobal and Puerto Villamil on Isabela daily. They leave at 2PM and the 2-hour, and tend to be rough and noisy boat ride costs. There are no bathrooms or other services available on these boats and passengers should carry their own water or snacks.

[edit] Private Yacht

Many people arrive annually by private yacht as part of a trip around the world. Puerto Ayora is one of the few spots in Galapagos private yachts are able to visit. Private boats no more than 10 passengers on board may stay a maximum of 20 days in Galapagos. No tourism activities are permitted on board and those arriving by private boat need to check in with the port captain and pay appropriate governmental and national park fees.

[edit] Get around

Puerto Ayora is small enough to explore by foot. Most of the tourist stuff is concentrated along the waterfront. White pickup truck taxis operate and can provide transportation around town, into the highlands, or across the island. Water taxis are available at the main dock and can take you to either a waiting boat or the dock on the other side.

[edit][add listing] See

  • Charles Darwin Research Station, Avenida Charles Darwin (Located at the end of the road on the eastern edge of town), [1]. Has extensive exhibits on the natural history of the islands. The breeding programs at the station allow visitors to see many iguanas, tortoises, and other animals in various stages of their lives. The most famous resident of the station is Lonesome George, a tortoise found on Pinta island who is believed to be the last of his sub-species.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

  • Visit Tortuga Bay. A beautiful white sand beach located a 30-45 minute walk from the west side of town.
  • Las Griatas.
  • Bay Tour

[edit] Scuba diving

Diving in the Galapagos isn't cheap - count on paying at least $150 per dive. The following two diving schools are widely recommended:

[edit][add listing] Buy

  • Galapagos Coffee

[edit] Currency

Ecuador uses the U.S. Dollar. Bring bills in smaller denominations.

The Banco de Pacifico is the only bank on the island. It gives cash advances on MasterCards, changes cash or cashes in travellers' cheques. It also has a MasterCard/Cirrus ATM, but it will not always work, so bring at least enough money to survive the first few days.

Additionally there is a Banco Bolivano ATM machine located in front of Proinsular that works with the Visa/Plus system.

[edit][add listing] Eat

  • Angermeyer Point (take a water taxi to the private dock on the other side). With the most scenic view in Puerto Ayora, meals are served both inside and outside waterfront. Angermeyer Point is a popular destination for groups or those wanting to celebrate with a romantic meal. edit

  • Sushi Rojo, Av Charles Darwin (Lobby of Red Mangrove Adventure Inn). dinner only 6pm to 9pm. Maki rolls, sashimi, sushi and other Japenese dishes along with exotic drinks served waterfront. edit

  • La Dolce Italia, Av Charles Darwin (Front of the Port Captain). Lunch and Dinner. The island's Italian Restaurant. edit

  • Garrapata, Av Charles Darwin. Open 9am -10 pm Mon-Sat. Outdoor covered dining serving seafood and pasta dishes. edit

  • Hernan Cafe, Av Charles Darwin y via Baltra (Located in front of the park).

[edit][add listing] Drink

Puerto Ayora nightlife is not comparable to many tourist destinations. It is more relaxed. There are several bars and discos where you can go out and have a good time.

  • Limón y café, Av. Charles Darwin. Chill out with a beer or play some pool or tablefootball. There is also small dance floor to watch the locals dance salsa or for non-locals to try to dance it. edit

  • Bongo Bar (The Bongo), Av Charles Darwin (upstairs from Garrapata). nightly except Sundays. Drinks, music, videos and pool one of the more popular destinations in Puerto Ayora. edit

  • The Rock, Av Charles Darwin. Clean, well lit and comfortable place to enjoy a drink and enjoy a conversation. edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Accommodation in Puerto Ayora is generally over-priced. There is a 22% tax added. In low season or for stays over two nights try bargaining.

  • Hotel Santa Cruz. One of the cheapest hotels in town, but it has little else going for it. Rooms have private bathrooms with cold water. Approximately $7.  edit

  • B&B Peregrina, Av. Charles Darwin. Clean rooms have air-conditioning and a private bathroom with hot shower. A small breakfast is included in the price. edit

  • Casa del Lago, Near the Ninfas lake, Puerto Ayora (), [2]. A small artistic lodging house and restaurant. Rooms include well stocked kitchen with refrigerators. ~$70.  edit

  • Finch Bay Galapagos Eco Hotel, ☎ (593-5) 2526297 or (593-5) 2526298, [3]. Unique location and friendly staff. Numerous activities to choose from, such as SCUBA diving, snorkeling, mountain biking and PADI diving programs. $250+.  edit

[edit] Get out

Puerto Ayora is the best place on the islands to arrange a boat trip. Head out to one of the other islands, such as Isabela or San Cristobal.

Thorough an agency or with prior arrangement you can visit the uninhabited locations on Bartolome, North Seymour, Santa Fe, Plazas or Floreana.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow! 
 edit
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