As the largest town in the Ecuadorian province of the Galapagos Islands, Puerto Ayora is an unique town which has developed on these remote islands originally to support marine industries such as fishing, but is now an important center for conservation. Visitors to the Galapagos Islands will usually find that much of their stay is spent in Puerto Ayora, as this is where the majority of the facilities on the islands are located.

One of the most important parts of life in Puerto Ayora is water collection and preservation, as there is very little fresh water to be found on the islands and in the town, meaning that fresh water is at a premium here.

Transport To And Around The Town
Arrival by airplane into the Galapagos Islands touches down in Baltra Airport, which is on a neighboring island to Puerto Ayora. From there, it is a short distance by bus to the small port, where a ferry or water taxi can take you on to Santa Cruz Island where Puerto Ayora is located. You will then need to take a taxi or a bus into town.

As well as getting to the Galapagos islands by airplane, there are also a portion of visitors who arrive by boat, either by private vessel or a commercial boat from mainland Ecuador, which is around six hundred and twenty miles away. Those planning to sail to the Galapagos will want to arrange their arrival beforehand, because of the various fees and permits required to visit the ports in the Galapagos Islands.

The Natural Splendor Of The Galapagos
The main reason that most visitors will want to visit the Galapagos Islands is that it is world famous for the diverse wildlife to be found on the islands. The Galapagos is known for being a harsh climate for the natural species that have developed on the islands, and this has meant that many species found here have evolved in very different ways to the similar species found in the rest of the world. The islands are known as having played a vital part in helping Charles Darwin to develop his theory of evolution.

Enjoying the stunning natural surroundings of Santa Cruz Island is at the heart of most visits to the island, and hiking around the island is very popular, as people try to spot some of the unique species found on the island. Scuba diving is another great way to see the natural sights of the islands, with two main diving seasons. Many people will come to the Galapagos hoping to catch sight of the large whale sharks which are spotted in the waters of the region between June and November, while those coming to the islands from January to May are more likely to see groups of manta rays and hammerhead sharks. The water is generally warm and pleasant, although it is worth bringing suitable diving suits for colder conditions just in case.

One of the best ways for people to learn more about the natural history of the Galapagos Islands is to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, which is not only an active research facility but also has a great amount of information on the islands. The natural history interpretation center here has informative displays and pictures telling visitors about the unique species of the islands, including the giant tortoises that are such an iconic part of the Galapagos.

Accommodation In Town
Because of the growing number of visitors that come to the Galapagos Islands, there are several large hotels that have been opened in Puerto Ayora servicing these visitors. Those looking for luxury accommodation will often opt for the Hotel Solymar or the Finch Bay Eco Hotel, while people traveling on a budget can find several rooms in bed and breakfast accommodation, or try a budget hotel such as the Casa Natura.

Where To Eat And Drink In Puerto Ayora
The culture in Puerto Ayora is quite relaxed when it comes to eating out and enjoying a drink, and with a high population of international scientists based on the islands it does have quite a cosmopolitan flavor. The majority of bars and restaurants are located on the Avenue Charles Darwin, with seafood being a particular highlight in restaurants like the Isla Grill and Il Gilardino. The Bongo Bar is a popular place to relax with a drink, while visitors can see the locals salsa dancing in Limon y Cafe or even try their own skills on the dance floor.