Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

Jennifer Zollo

A somewhat comprehensive guide of can't-miss places on Santa Cruz Island by an expat who actually lives there.

Tags: Adventurous, Eco Travel, Exploring, Hiking, Islands, Photography, Sightseeing, Wildlife Travel

  • Hostal Germania, Ecuador

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    • vagariouswanderer

      This was always my go-to place to stay before moving here. The wifi is reliable. They have drinking water readily available. All rooms have AC and the location is great. Very bare bones, but how much time are you really spending in your room anyway?

  • Galapagos Morning Glory, Ecuador

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    • vagariouswanderer

      Great wifi. AC in all the rooms. And the MOST charming garden that you will ever see in your life (complete with plenty of hammocks to lounge on).

    • vagariouswanderer Great wifi. AC in all the rooms. And the MOST charming garden that you will ever see in your life (complete with plenty of hammocks to lounge on). SIDE NOTE: All of these pictures are incredibly outdated...the garden is much more lush now and there are more covered seating areas.

  • Agave Studio, Ecuador

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    • vagariouswanderer

      The best place for vegan and plant based options (including a tofu ceviche). But they also have the BEST tuna ceviche on the island. This is a hill I'm willing to die on. A bit pricey compared to other places, but worth it. The menu is quite small and the chef has worked hard to create an exquisite Mexican-Ecuadorian fusion.

  • Las Grietas, Ecuador

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    • vagariouswanderer

      Las Grietas is essentially a natural swimming pool filled with brackish water (meaning it is a combination of salt and fresh water). It costs $10 to take a guided tour, which ends with you having about 45 minutes to swim. Bring your snorkel gear! If you don't have any with you, it can be rented at the little restaurant near the entrance for $5.

  • OY, Ecuador

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    • vagariouswanderer

      This place just opened in December 2023 and everything I've tried on the menu so far has been DELICIOUS. They definitely have the best eggs benedict on the island if that's your thing.

  • ISLANDER COFFEE ROASTERS, Ecuador

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  • Academy Bay Diving, Ecuador

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    • vagariouswanderer

      The best dive shop in Puerto Ayora. Good guides. A comfortable boat. Well-maintained equipment. Delicious lunch on board.

  • bongo bar, Ecuador

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    • vagariouswanderer

      If you're looking for nightlife, this is best place for tourists to go. Plenty of locals frequent it as well.

  • Playa El Garrapatero, Ecuador

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    • vagariouswanderer

      Easily the MOST BEAUTIFUL beach on Santa Cruz, but you'll need at least about a half day to enjoy it. Pay $50 to take a taxi roundtrip. There is no cellphone service there so the driver will wait for you or come back at a predetermined time. Great for swimming and snorkeling. There are no shops so be sure to bring snacks, lots of water, sunscreen, and bug spray. There's also the possibility of seeing flamingos at the little lagoon there.

  • Playa de la Estacion, Ecuador

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  • Tortuga Bay, Ecuador

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    • vagariouswanderer

      Another "must do". The walk there (and back) is quite long, so definitely not recommended if you have any mobility issues as there are a lot of stairs at the beginning. Snorkeling really isn't great because the water is always murky. The best time to go is early in the morning (like 6am) to see the most wildlife.

  • Charles Darwin Research Station, Ecuador

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    • vagariouswanderer

      While not my favorite breeding center in the islands, it IS one of those things that you're "supposed to do". You can visit the exhibit hall for free, but you'll need to take a guided tour in order to see the tortoise breeding center and Lonesome George. The tour costs $10USD per person.

  • FRAFRE GASTROBAR, Ecuador

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    • vagariouswanderer

      Known for their brujo (scorpion fish), which is a Galapagos specialty. However, the incredible chef here has found a way to prepare it and remove all the bones so you can eat the fish in its entirety. They also have the best burgers in the archipelago.