The nerve center of the Galapagos, famous for its giant tortoises in the wild, the Charles Darwin Research Station and the spectacular and iconic beach of Tortuga Bay.
Todo lo que necesitas saber sobre Holy Cross
Tipo
Island Destination
Extensión
40 km
Estancia recomendada
5 días
Región
Galapagos Islands
Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galapagos archipelago and its main economic and tourist center. Its capital, Puerto Ayora, is the most populated city of the islands and has a vibrant offer of restaurants, hotels and excursion agencies. Unlike other more arid islands, Santa Cruz has a wide variety of microclimates ranging from dry coastal areas to green, humid highlands. It is the place par excellence to observe the famous giant tortoises in their natural habitat, explore underground lava tunnels and enjoy white coral sand beaches. Its central location makes it the perfect base for daily sailing tours to other uninhabited islands in the national park.
Destino costero excepcional
Tortuga Bay, one of the most spectacular beaches in the world, with white sand and home to marine iguanas.
Charles Darwin Research Station, research and conservation center where you can see turtle breeding efforts.
El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve, where you walk among these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Las Grietas, a volcanic rock canyon with crystal clear emerald waters ideal for snorkeling.
Los Gemelos, two large collapse craters surrounded by a lush scalesia forest.
Lava Tunnels, massive underground formations that show the island's volcanic past.
Puerto Ayora, the lively boardwalk full of life, pelicans and sea lions resting with the fishermen.
Playa El Garrapatero, a beautiful virgin beach surrounded by mangroves where flamingos are sometimes seen.
Discover the incredible coasts and marine landscapes of this destination
Famous for its extensive fine white sand that looks like talcum powder. It is divided into Playa Brava (strong currents, ideal for surfing and iguanas) and Playa Mansa (a quiet lagoon surrounded by mangroves).
Extremely fine coral white sand.
Playa Brava has strong waves; Playa Mansa is a natural pool with green and calm waters.
Playa Brava is not suitable for inexperienced swimmers. Playa Mansa is very safe.
It is reached after a walk of about 45 minutes (2.5 km) along a cobbled path from Puerto Ayora, or by water taxi from the municipal dock.
Not accessible by car. The trailhead is at the edge of town.
None. It is mandatory to bring water and your own food, and return with all waste.
There are no commercial services on the beach to protect the environment. There are bathrooms at the control booth at the beginning of the trail.
A charming small beach with calm waters located near Puerto Ayora, ideal for a quick swim and snorkeling.
Fine white sand.
Calm, shallow waters, protected from currents.
Very safe for the bathroom and for children.
You must take a water taxi from the Puerto Ayora pier to the Punta Estrada pier (1 min) and then walk about 5 minutes.
Not accessible by car.
There aren't any on the beach, but there are options within a few minutes walk.
None directly on the beach, but very close to hotels and the town.
A beautiful virgin beach about 20 km from Puerto Ayora. It has a coastal lagoon behind the beach where you can often spot pink flamingos.
Fine white sand.
Calm, clear waters, excellent for swimming and kayaking.
Generally very safe.
It is reached by taxi (van) from Puerto Ayora (30 min) and then a short and easy 15-minute walk along a trail.
Parking available at the start of the short trail.
There are no shops or restaurants. You have to bring provisions.
Picnic area and basic bathrooms. Sometimes there are kayak rentals.
Gastronomy in Santa Cruz is strongly based on fresh seafood from the Pacific, combined with Andean and tropical ingredients from mainland Ecuador.
A bright red local rockfish. It is commonly served fried whole or grilled, with very tasty and delicate white meat.
An endemic mollusk that lives in intertidal rocks. Its texture is similar to that of octopus and it is prepared in ceviche with lemon, onion and cilantro.
Available only during the authorized trapping season (generally July through December). It is served with garlic, butter or grilled.
A hearty rice dish cooked with a variety of fresh seafood such as shrimp, squid, shells and fish.
Specialty coffee grown in the highlands of the island. Due to the volcanic soil and climate, it has a unique and highly sought after flavor.
Fresh juices of passion fruit, soursop, guava and tree tomato, very popular to cool off from the equatorial heat.
Ecuadorian artisanal chocolate bars infused with local coffee beans.
Complete evaluation based on multiple quality criteria
"Spectacular. Tortuga Bay and El Garrapatero offer ultra-fine white sands and pristine waters, sharing the space directly with the local fauna."
"Culture is intrinsically linked to conservation and scientific life. The Charles Darwin Station and the local fishing community are the main hubs."
"There are very cheap taxis (white vans) in Puerto Ayora and buses that connect with the Baltra canal and the highlands. There is no mass transportation to the secluded tourist sites."
"Rental of conventional cars to tourists is not allowed to protect the ecosystem. Travel is done by taxi-van, bicycle or on foot."
"The Galapagos is an expensive destination due to National Park entrance fees, flights, and the island cost of living. However, Santa Cruz offers the greatest variety of hostels and cheap food in the entire archipelago."
"Excellent. Seeing animals so closely and without fear of humans is an unparalleled educational and exciting experience for children and adults."
"Fresh seafood stands out, especially 'brujo' (local fish), lobsters in season and ceviche. The street of kiosks in Puerto Ayora offers a great local experience."
"Very strict. The Galapagos National Park applies strict rules to protect the ecosystem. Zero single-use plastic and absolute respect for distance from wildlife are promoted."
"It is one of the most coveted nature destinations on the planet. It attracts scientists, nature lovers, divers and photographers from all over the world."
"Excellent for world class diving, snorkelling, kayaking, surfing in Tortuga Bay and mountain biking to the highlands."
"Both the town and the protected areas are kept very clean thanks to the community's environmental awareness and the park's strict laws."
"It is an extremely safe place. Crime rates are extremely low and you can walk through Puerto Ayora at night with complete peace of mind."
"Puerto Ayora is a functional and touristic coastal town. It does not have colonial architecture, but its charm lies in its boardwalk, its docks full of marine life and its relaxed atmosphere."
"Overwhelming. The contrast between the black volcanic rock, the green of the high vegetation and the turquoise blue of the sea creates unique landscapes in the world."
"Insurmountable. Reef sharks, marine iguanas, sea turtles, rays and tropical fish are visible just by snorkeling from the shore."
"Santa Cruz is the perfect gateway and hub of the Galapagos. It uniquely combines tourist infrastructure with access to one of the most virgin and protected natures on the planet."
🌟 Destino Extraordinario
💭 "Santa Cruz is the perfect gateway and hub of the Galapagos. It uniquely combines tourist infrastructure with access to one of the most virgin and protected natures on the planet."
Registered as the first World Heritage Site in 1978. Santa Cruz forms an integral part of this archipelago famous for its unique biodiversity and its importance for the theory of evolution.
Descubre Port ayora
Descubre Baltra
Discover everything Holy Cross has to offer
Explore the charming towns that give life and character to this coast
The largest city in the Galapagos. A bustling port full of tourism agencies, waterfront restaurants, souvenir shops and a pier where wildlife coexists with humans.
A small, quiet town in the highlands of the island, surrounded by lush vegetation and agricultural farms.
Town located in the upper part, a mandatory stopover point to visit the giant tortoise reserves and the Los Gemelos craters.
Dive into unique adventures and discover the sea from another perspective
Swim in a giant fissure between two volcanic rock walls where fresh water mixes with seawater, creating amazing visibility.
Santa Cruz is the starting point for diving tours to world-renowned sites such as Gordon Rocks, famous for hammerhead shark sightings.
In Playa Mansa you can rent kayaks to paddle near the mangroves, where it is common to see sea turtles and small sharks.
Descubre los secretos mejor guardados y rincones únicos que pocos conocen
A spectacular geographical feature where you can swim in deep, crystal-clear waters in the middle of a lava canyon.
It is required to go with an authorized guide. Access is by taking a water taxi and then a walk.
Two immense craters formed by the collapse of underground lava chambers, surrounded by a forest of trees endemic to Scalesia.
They are right next to the main road that crosses the island. Quick and very photogenic stop.
Huge underground tubes formed when the surface of a lava flow solidified while the interior continued to flow. You can tour inside.
They are found on private properties in the highlands; There is a small entrance fee that usually includes flashlights.
Conecta con la naturaleza y descubre paisajes únicos que te dejarán sin aliento
Areas in the highlands where Galapagos giant tortoises roam freely through grasslands and forests. It is the best experience to see them in their natural environment.
A 2.5 km paved trail through a forest of giant cacti and palo santo trees that ends at the spectacular beach.
Events on Santa Cruz often celebrate the identity of the islands' settlers and nature conservation milestones.
The creation of the canton is celebrated with civic parades, parades, sporting events and concerts in Puerto Ayora.
Educational events, science fairs and cultural programs commemorate the park's founding in 1959.
Traditional religious and cultural celebrations that unite the local community.
Descubre los lugares más fascinantes e imperdibles de esta costa
Biological research center and breeding station where you can learn about the conservation of the islands and see turtles of different ages.
Free entry or with a small contribution. It has interpretive trails and an exhibition center.
A small open-air market where fishermen bring their daily catch. It is famous because pelicans and sea lions crowd around the vendors waiting for leftovers.
Excellent place to take fun photos of wildlife interacting with people.
Each point of interest has its own unique history and magic
22-28°C
24-31°C
21-26°C
19-25°C
Tropical climate with two marked seasons. From January to May is the hot and humid season, with sporadic but intense rains and warmer waters. From June to December is the dry and cool season (garúa), with cloudy skies, fresh winds and colder waters due to the Humboldt Current.
Water temperatures vary significantly depending on the season. In the warm season (January-May) they range between 23°C and 27°C, ideal for snorkeling without a suit. In the garúa season (June-December), they drop to 18°C-22°C, so the use of short wetsuits is recommended.
On open beaches like the surf part of Tortuga Bay (Playa Brava), the currents can be very strong and dangerous. It is recommended to swim only in areas designated as Playa Mansa.
HighDue to the location on the equator, UV radiation is extremely high even on cloudy days. It is essential to use biodegradable sunscreen.
HighEverything you need to know to plan your visit
For warm waters and excellent visibility for snorkeling, the best months are January through May. To see more seabird and mammal activity, and enjoy cooler walking weather, the June to December season is ideal, although the water is colder.
It is mandatory to pay the Galápagos National Park entrance fee in cash upon arrival at the airport (updated to $200 USD for most foreigners from the end of 2024/2025). It is strictly prohibited to touch, feed or come within 2 meters of any wild animal. It is not allowed to bring any type of fresh food, seeds or animals to the islands to avoid invasive species.
The internet in all the Galapagos Islands is satellite, slow and often unstable. There is Wi-Fi in hotels and some restaurants, but it is not suitable for heavy video calls or demanding teleworking.
The strength of the sun here is extreme. Wear biodegradable sunscreen (mandatory to protect the reefs), a hat, and long-sleeved shirts with UV protection.
Although the animals do not flee from humans, it is a strict National Park rule to keep at least 2 meters away from them at all times.
Taxis on the island are white double-cab vans. They have a very cheap fixed rate to move within Puerto Ayora.
The airport is on Baltra Island. To get to Santa Cruz you must take a bus from the airport to the canal, cross by barge and then take a bus or taxi to Puerto Ayora (approx. 45 min).
At night, an entire street in Puerto Ayora is closed to traffic and restaurants take tables out onto the street. It is the best place to eat fresh fish at reasonable prices and with a great local atmosphere.
Galapagos strongly restricts single-use plastics. Bring your own reusable water bottle; Many hotels offer filtered water refill stations.
