The 10 Best Free Things to do in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands

March 24, 2022 Misti Hsu

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

Av Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora 200350 Ecuador https://www.facebook.com/Chocol%C3%A1pagos-Darwins-favourites-692620174136864/
Excellent
100%
Good
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5.0 based on 21 reviews

Chocolapagos Darwin's Favourites

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

Trail From West of Finch Bay Eco Hotel, Puerto Ayora 200350 Ecuador
Excellent
56%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,453 reviews

Las Grietas

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

NE of Puerto Ayora 19 km, Puerto Ayora 200350 Ecuador +593 5-252-6189 http://www.galapagospark.org/sitio.php?page=el_garrapatero
Excellent
52%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 691 reviews

El Garrapatero

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.

Av. Charles Darwin and Tomas de Berlanga Barrio Central, Puerto Ayora 200350 Ecuador +593 5-252-4279 [email protected] http://www.makiartgallery.com
Excellent
49%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
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0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 39 reviews

Maki-Art Gallery

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

Puerto Ayora Ecuador
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
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Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 854 reviews

Santa Cruz Fish Market

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

Isla Floreana Tomás de Berlanga, Puerto Ayora 200350 Ecuador +593 99 525 2126 [email protected] http://www.exoticoecuador.com/
Excellent
80%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
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4.5 based on 25 reviews

Galeria Exotico Ecuador

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

Puerto Ayora Ecuador
Excellent
44%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
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4.5 based on 39 reviews

Playa de los Perros

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

Ave Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora 200350 Ecuador http://ligdideviaje.com/galapagos/malecon-de-puerto-ayora/
Excellent
52%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 98 reviews

Malecon de Puerto Ayora

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.

Ave Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora 200350 Ecuador http://sarah-darling.com/angelique-art-gallery/
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
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4.5 based on 13 reviews

The Angelique Art Gallery

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

Ave Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora 200350 Ecuador +593 5-252-6146 http://www.darwinfoundation.org/
Excellent
39%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
6%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 3,272 reviews

Charles Darwin Research Station

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.

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