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Puerto Ayora Travel Guide

Straddling the Equator 1,000km (622 miles) off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are famous for being the inspiration for Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.

Overview: 

There are 13 large islands and six small, which were formed by oceanic volcanoes some three to five million years ago.

Visitors come to the islands to see the unparalleled variety of wildlife that flourishes due to the remote location and temperate climate. The most famous residents are the giant tortoises after whom the islands are named, although other common species include iguana, dolphins, boobies and cormorants.
Straddling the Equator 1,000km (622 miles) off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are famous for being the inspiration for Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.

Sightseeing: 

Visitors arriving at the Galapagos by cruise ship will realise just how remote these volcanic specks straddling the Equator in the Pacific Ocean are. It is this isolation which makes the islands so special. Around 50% of the islands' species are found nowhere else in the world.

The Galapagos is an attraction in its own right and most people hop on a boat to view the marine wildlife or explore the volcanic landscape of this archipelago, the whole of which is a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Most of the residents live in Santa Cruz, which is the main access point for visitors to the islands. Some of the other islands have small fishing villages.

Highlights
• Wildlife (including giant tortoises, seals, blue footed boobies and iguanas)
• Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz (white sand beach)
• Lava Tunnels, Santa Cruz (volcanic landscape)
• Galapagos National Park Visitor Centre, San Cristóbal

Tourist information: 

Galapagos Chamber of Tourism
Avenida Charles Darwin y Charles Binford, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Tel: +593 5252 6206.
Website: www.galapagostour.org

Shopping introduction: 

Shopping in the Galapagos consists mainly of souvenirs including T-shirts, cuddly toys and keepsakes depicting the wildlife of the islands.

Restaurants: 

There are plenty of places to pick up a snack in the main tourist areas, although many of the day tours include lunch. Food has multi-cultural influences. Obviously fish and standard South American fare feature highly on the menus.

When to go: 

The dry, cool months from June to November are the best times to see nesting birds. Hot and humid December to May is best for giant tortoises, snorkelling and diving. There's usually a cooling breeze and sea temperatures never get too warm.

Nearest destination: 

Santa Cruz.

Transfer distance: 

2.3km (1.4 miles).

Transfer time: 

10-20 minutes.

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