
Aventura extrema en Holy Cross: Adrenalina pura
Vive la aventura en Holy Cross con actividades que desafiarán tus límites.
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.
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Nature & Adventure
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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.
Available activities
Adventures & Experiences
Reserve El Chato / Rancho Primicias
Naturaleza y senderismo
Trail to Tortuga Bay
Naturaleza y senderismo
Snorkeling in Las Grietas
Swim in a giant fissure between two volcanic rock walls where fresh water mixes with seawater, creating amazing visibility.
Surface and Depth Diving
Santa Cruz is the starting point for diving tours to world-renowned sites such as Gordon Rocks, famous for hammerhead shark sightings.
Kayaking in Tortuga Bay
In Playa Mansa you can rent kayaks to paddle near the mangroves, where it is common to see sea turtles and small sharks.
Natural Wonders
Snorkeling in Las Grietas
Swim in a giant fissure between two volcanic rock walls where fresh water mixes with seawater, creating amazing visibility.
Surface and Depth Diving
Santa Cruz is the starting point for diving tours to world-renowned sites such as Gordon Rocks, famous for hammerhead shark sightings.
Kayaking in Tortuga Bay
In Playa Mansa you can rent kayaks to paddle near the mangroves, where it is common to see sea turtles and small sharks.
Reserve El Chato / Rancho Primicias
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.
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.
Naturaleza y senderismo
Natural Parks
Nature & Adventure
Reserve El Chato / Rancho Primicias
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.
Trail to Tortuga Bay
A 2.5 km paved trail through a forest of giant cacti and palo santo trees that ends at the spectacular beach.
Snorkeling in Las Grietas
Swim in a giant fissure between two volcanic rock walls where fresh water mixes with seawater, creating amazing visibility.
Surface and Depth Diving
Santa Cruz is the starting point for diving tours to world-renowned sites such as Gordon Rocks, famous for hammerhead shark sightings.
Kayaking in Tortuga Bay
In Playa Mansa you can rent kayaks to paddle near the mangroves, where it is common to see sea turtles and small sharks.
Cerca: port-ayora, baltra

Beaches and Coasts in Holy Cross
Best Beaches
Turtle Bay
★ TopFamous 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).
Services
Germans Beach
A charming small beach with calm waters located near Puerto Ayora, ideal for a quick swim and snorkeling.
Services
The Garrapatero
★ TopA beautiful virgin beach about 20 km from Puerto Ayora. It has a coastal lagoon behind the beach where you can often spot pink flamingos.
Services
Ratings
Scores by category
Nature
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.
Safety
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.
Transport
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.
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