Santa Cruz
The island of Santa Cruz is the visitor hub of the Galápagos. As the second-largest island in the Galápagos, Santa Cruz is characterized by its moist highlands region, the bustling town of Puerto Ayora, and several pristine beaches.
More about Santa Cruz
Most travelers get to Santa Cruz by a domestic flight. The Seymour Airport is located on Baltra Island, a small island located just off the north end of the island. You’ll cross over the Itabaca Canal to reach Santa Cruz and begin your drive south to Puerto Ayora. In the hour-long drive across the island you’ll witness a change from the hot, arid lowlands to the cool, moist highlands. As you make your way back down to Puerto Ayora, the landscape becomes more subtropical.
Puerto Ayora is the largest and busiest town in the Galápagos. As such, it is a hub for organizing tours, diving excursions, and cruises that depart directly from its port. You don’t, however, have to leave Santa Cruz to see some of the Galápagos’ most famous features or wildlife—you can visit white-sand beaches and see giant tortoises here. The town boasts a wide variety of hotels, restaurants and shops. At night, the streets come alive with busy travelers and lively restaurants.
The Charles Darwin Research Station lies on the outskirts of town. This is the premiere breeding center for many of the endemic species of the Galápagos, the most prominent of which are giant tortoises. While here, you can learn more about wildlife and see both baby and adult turtles close-up.
Not too far from the Charles Darwin Research Station, you can explore underground in the lava tunnels, formed by lava flows. There are several visitor sites that have established routes to guide you through these extinct volcanic channels.
Take a short walk to the outskirts of Puerto Ayora and you will find a beautiful white-sand beach at Tortuga Bay. A 1-mile (2.5-km) trail leads to this pristine stretch of beach. Stroll down to the spit, snorkel in the protected bay, or grab a board and surf the waves on the exposed side of the beach.
The moist highlands region of Santa Cruz offer visitors a welcome break from the arid landscapes that dominate most other islands in the archipelago. Dense, lush forests cover the highlands of Santa Cruz, which reach an elevation of 3,000 ft (700 m). Up here, tortoises and a variety of birds species can be seen. Wander the highland forests and look down into the two large sinkholes known as Los Temelos.
Moments to look forward to
Andes Highlands to Galapagos
Have it all! Rest, relaxation, adventure, and nature are yours when you book this Signature Trip to Ecuador. From Quito to the Galapagos, Ecuador will enchant you…
Darwin’s Footsteps: A Solo Adventure
Take yourself through Ecuador’s islands, explore colonial cities, and enjoy delicious cuisine every step of the way. Check this 'Must See' destination off of your bucket.
The Best of The Galapagos—for You
Go on a grand adventure for one. Enjoy the flora and fauna of the world famous Galapagos Islands; witness the magic of a world where nature is left to her own devices.
Ecuador—Pure Adventure
Need to blow off some steam with your friends? Then go on a once in a lifetime adventure with them when you explore Ecuador’s Galápagos islands and Amazon jungle.
Treasures of The Galapagos
Words cannot express the wonderful experiences we had in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. We try to explain our enthusiasm for our trip to our friends, but words become inadequate and so we simply encourage them to arrange their own adventure to Ecuador/Galapagos through Anywhere! We are anxious to start planning a return trip to explore more of the mainland of Ecuador. We owe a great deal of our curiosity about Ecuador to our driver Ricardo, who was an enthusiastic cheerleader for the country.
Incredible Stays
Angermeyer Waterfront Inn
This hotel has its own slice of the waterfront, set apart from the other hotels that line the shores of Santa Cruz. Looking out over the shoreline, you’ll see exotic birds and iguanas in their natural habitat.
Hotel Solymar
Hotel Solymar prides itself on its views. Every room faces the waterfront, and the friendly animals that visit the hotel patio will allow you an up-close look at some of the island’s indigenous species.
Hotel Ninfa
This hotel is named for La Laguna de Las Ninfas, the “Lake of Nymphs,” located a short distance from the hotel. It’s easy to imagine a supernatural creature in the colorful terrain that surrounds the hotel – a landscape full of exotic flowers and animals you won’t find anywhere else.
Royal Palm Hotel
Set on 370 acres (150 ha) in the middle of Santa Cruz’s highlands, Royal Palm Hotel offers guests ample opportunity to experience the stunning biodiversity of the Galápagos. The grounds of the hotels are landscaped to show off the area’s native beauty.
Maidith Galapagos Inn
Maidith Galápagos Inn is a family-run hotel located in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador. This Mediterranean-style hotel offers individually decorated rooms inspired by the colors of the ocean and the marine life of the Galápagos. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a safety deposit box. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, a garden, and an on-site café. The hotel's excellent location makes it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the area.
Hotel Villa Laguna
Hotel Villa Laguna sits on the edge of Puerto Ayora, one of the most populated cities in the Galápagos. This conveniently located hotel gives you quick access to the best sightseeing the island has to offer.
Hotel Red Booby
Hotel Red Booby is located on Isla Santa Cruz in the Galápagos Islands. This hotel has clean, quiet rooms and serves up a great breakfast for guests each morning.
Hotel Crossman
Hotel Crossman offers 9 rooms, a short distance from some of the main attractions on the island of Santa Cruz. This hotel is located just a couple blocks to the west of Puerto Ayora’s main drag, Charles Darwin Avenue. From here you can quickly access the many businesses that cater to the island’s tourist population.
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it’s about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team behind you every step of the way.
