Discovering Puerto Ayora
The Best Things to Do
Just steps from your door — a local's guide to Santa Cruz
One of the best things about staying with us is the location. The Maidith Galápagos Inn is just a five-minute walk from Charles Darwin Street, the main tourist hub of Puerto Ayora. From world-class dining to stunning hidden beaches, everything you need is right at your fingertips.
Here is a curated guide to the best things to do in town, featuring our guests' absolute favorite spots!
Explore the Most Visited Sites & Beaches
Puerto Ayora is surrounded by unique ecosystems and beautiful shorelines. Here are the top sites you should add to your itinerary:
- Charles Darwin Research Station A must-visit to learn about local conservation efforts and see the giant tortoise breeding centers. While you are there, take a quick stroll over to the nearby Station Beach (Playa de la Estación) and La Ratonera Beach.
- German Beach (Playa de los Alemanes) & Las Grietas (The Rifts) Take a quick water taxi across the harbor to reach German Beach. From there, you can hike to Las Grietas, a stunning series of volcanic crevices filled with crystal-clear emerald water perfect for snorkeling.
- Garrapatero Beach A gorgeous, expansive white-sand beach a bit further out, perfect for kayaking, swimming, and spotting flamingos in the nearby lagoon.
- Take a Bay Tour If you want a quick sampler of the coastal wildlife, a Bay Tour is a fantastic half-day option that departs right from the main dock.
The Tortuga Bay Experience
Tortuga Bay is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galápagos, famous for its pristine white sand and marine iguanas. You have two ways to get there from the hotel:
- The Scenic Walk If you enjoy a good hike, you can walk directly from the Maidith Galápagos Inn to the beach. Depending on your walking pace, the paved trail takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours each way. It is a beautiful walk through the town and a cactus forest!
- The Water Taxi If you prefer to skip the hike, there are designated water taxis that take you straight to the beach. You can pay for these at the main pier located near the end of Charles Darwin Street ($10 there and $10 back).
Eat Like a Local: Guest-Favorite Restaurants
After a long day of snorkeling and exploring, you will definitely work up an appetite. Puerto Ayora has an incredible culinary scene scattered all around the Main Street. You'll be surprised by the diverse options you have!
Ask Us
Want a personal recommendation? Just ask our team when you check in — we're happy to point you toward our guests' favorite spots for your taste and budget.
Practical Info for the Town
As you explore the shops and restaurants on Charles Darwin Street, keep in mind that many places prefer or only accept cash.
Good to Know
If you need to withdraw money, the most reliable banks and ATMs in town are Banco del Pacífico and Banco Pichincha.
Ready to explore Santa Cruz? We are so excited to welcome you to the Maidith Galápagos Inn. If you want help booking a Bay Tour or need us to call in a dinner reservation, just let us know when you arrive!