|
|
 |
|
|
|
Puerto Ayora |
|
The Galapagos Islands remain one of the great natural wonders of the world and few travel writers know them better than Lonely Planet author, Michael Grosberg. These are his Galapagos 'must-dos' Click to view Top 5 Galapagos Islands.
|
Best For Town & Country (Puerto Ayora) |
|
 Puerto Ayora makes for a pleasant respite for landlubbers and there are plenty of sites and activities close-at-hand. Where else can you line up for the ATM behind a lumbering sea lion? |
| |
| Most people imagine the Galapagos are uninhabited, except for the animals and plants. But there is another species, namely humans that for better or worse have come to dominate certain parts of the island landscape. Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the islands in terms of population and size, is not far different from a mainland Ecuadorean costal town, though one relatively flush with wealth from the tourist trade. A short walk from town is the Charles Darwin Research Station where you can get up close and personal with the giant Galapagos tortoises. |
| |
 Scientists here have worked tirelessly to ensure that populations of these regal beasts that can live to over a hundred aren't destroyed by humans and more importantly by animals introduced by humans.
On the other side of town is a paved path that locals use a jogging track that leads to the beautiful and isolated sands at Playa Tortuga; dedicated surfers haul their boards out here for the rip-roaring waves. If you're looking to simply relax under the sun, closer at hand is the small beach in front of the Finch Bay Hotel (jump in a water taxi at the main wharf; it's only a few minutes walk from where you'll be dropped off). Another option for those interested in cooling off is the picturesque water hole Laguna las Ninfas, directly behind the Casa de Lago and Hotel Fiesta; it's especially popular with local kids.
For those who want to pack as much as they can in a day, head to one of the local dive operations to take you out to nearby Academy Bay which sharks and all manner of underwater life call home.
|
| |
| Hotels |
Most of the hotels are lined up along the main thoroughfare, Avenida Charles Darwin, and there is all manner of accommodation from uninspiring budget to high-end luxury. For something in between try the Casa de Lago, a privately-run guesthouse with a few individually decorated suites with kitchens and living rooms, ideal for families and those interested in longer stays. Cosy restaurants and cafes, some mainly catering to foreigners and others to locals and shops selling every imaginable gift and trinket with the Galapagos logo stamped on it are also lined up along Ave Charles Darwin.
This is also the place to deal replenish your money, send out mail and stock up on supplies.
|
| |
| See Galapagos Islands Overview for information on costs |
|
Other great reviews in Places:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Could this