Things to do in The Galápagos Islands
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Garrapata
This popular outdoor restaurant serves substantial meat, seafood and chicken dishes with Italian and Ecuadorian flavors. Good wine, nice shore breezes and a pebble floor make it an attractive place for the night.
reviewed
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Diving
Not surprisingly for a place whose underwater habitat resembles a well-stocked aquarium, scuba diving in the Galápagos is world class. The conditions aren't suitable for beginners because of strong currents, sometimes murky visibility and cold temperatures. When the water is warm there's not much of a current so it's also a little murky (January to March); there is better visibility but colder water temperatures from July to October.
Besides an array of tropical fish there are plenty of whale sharks, hammerheads, manta rays and even sea horses to be seen. Most live-aboard boats go to Wolf and Darwin, northwest of the major islands where there's a large number of differen…
reviewed
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Charles Darwin Research Station
About a 20-minute walk by road northeast of Puerto Ayora, the Charles Darwin Research Station can also be reached by dry landing from Academy Bay. More than 200 scientists and volunteers are involved with research and conservation efforts, the most well known of which involves a captive breeding program for giant tortoises. It contains a national-park information center; an informative museum where a video in English or Spanish is presented several times a day; a baby-tortoise house with incubators (when they weigh about 1.5kg or are about four years old, the tortoises are repatriated to their home islands) and a walk-in adult tortoise enclosure, where you can meet the Ga…
reviewed
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Shopping
Every imaginable item has been covered with a Galápagos logo and is on sale in Puerto Ayora. Cute and kitschy T-shirts are available everywhere. The profits from gifts and clothes sold at the Charles Darwin Research Station go to support the institution, and the national park boutique is the only place to get things emblazoned with its logo.
Avoid buying objects made from black coral, turtle and tortoise shell. These threatened species are protected, and it is illegal to use these animal products for the manufacture of novelties.
Stock up on sunblock, insect repellent, toiletries, film and medications on the mainland. These are available in Puerto Ayora, but selection is …
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Surfing
Surfers tend to be an adventurous bunch and obstacles like inaccessibility and sea lions usually aren't enough to deter them. There are several good surf breaks near Puerto Ayora itself including La Ratonera and Bazán near the Charles Darwin Research Station beach. If hauling your board a few kilometers is no problem Tortuga Bay has several breaks.
An hour or so by boat takes you to Punta Blanca and further north to Cerro Gallina, Las Palmas Chica and Las Palmas Grande, considered to be three of the best breaks in the Galápagos. There are also several breaks off the west side of Isla Baltra. Stop by Gravity Surf (Av Charles Darwin) in Puerto Ayora for more information.
reviewed
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Lava Tubes
From the village of Bellavista, 7km north of Puerto Ayora by road, one can turn east on a road leading about 2km to the lava tubes. These underground tunnels are more than a kilometer in length and were formed by the solidifying of the outside skin of a molten-lava flow. When the lava flow ceased, the molten lava inside the flow kept going, emptying out of the solidified skin and thus leaving tunnels. Because they are on private property, the tunnels can be visited without an official guide. The owners of the land provide information, guides and flashlights ($1). Tours to the lava tubes are offered in Puerto Ayora.
reviewed
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Active Galapagos
10 days (ex Quito)
by Intrepid
Get acquainted with Quito's dizzying altitude, Bike around San Cristobal, Enjoy an in-depth exploration of the Galapagos Islands, Scale Isabela's volcano, Snork…Not LP reviewed
from USD$3,035 -
Rancho Permiso
Next to the El Chato Tortoise Reserve is Rancho Permiso, a private ranch owned by the Devine family. This place often has dozens of giant tortoises, and you can wander around at will and take photos for a fee. The entrance is beyond Santa Rosa, off the main road – ask locals for directions. Remember to close any gates that you go through. There is a café selling cold drinks and hot tea, which is welcome if the highland mist has soaked you.
reviewed
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Galapagos & Peru Adventure
24 days (ex Quito)
by Intrepid
Get acquainted with Quito's dizzying altitude, Bike around San Cristobal, Explore the Galapagos Islands, Scale a volcano on Isla Isabela, Snorkel through underw…Not LP reviewed
from USD$5,840 -
Galapagos Islands Explorer Package from Santa Cruz Island
Varies (Departs Galapagos Islands, Ecuador)
by Viator
Take a 4- or 5- day trip to the Galapagos Islands aboard a yacht! Explore six different islands, and see their amazing array of plant and animal life, contraste…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$732.99 Advertisement
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Angermeyer Point
Rustic and romantic, a candlelit dinner at this picturesque spot perched over the water is highly recommended (grab a water taxi at the pier). With better-than-average seafood and a few international dishes, as well as sushi on Friday nights and tapas in the early evenings, it’s often booked by large groups, so reservations are a good idea.
reviewed
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Restaurant Tintorera
This spot at the northern end of town has an outdoor patio and turns atmospheric at night. There’s a wide selection of fare, from burgers ($4.50) and lasagna ($4.50) to Cajun blackened fish ($9) and lobster ($15). Homemade ice cream and a good selection of cakes are available for desert. It’s open for breakfast as well.
reviewed
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Restaurant Ronald
Formerly a hole-in-the-wall, strictly almuerzo (set-lunch) place, Ronald’s has gone slightly upscale, at least in terms of décor. It’s still a mom-and-pop-run place but with nice tablecloths and a charming wood floor, and it has standard pasta, chicken and meat dishes and several hearty soups ($3) on the menu.
reviewed
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Galería Aymara
Galería Aymara is a high-end artists’ boutique selling uniquely designed handicrafts, jewelry and ceramics. Avoid buying objects made from black coral, turtle and tortoise shell – these threatened species are protected and it is illegal to use these animal products for the manufacture of novelties.
reviewed
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Surtrek
Surtrek, based in Quito books these tours that go from island to island, and you sleep in hotels on three or four different islands: Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Santa María, Isabela. Tours typically last a week and cost $800 to over $1000 per person, plus airfare and park fee.
reviewed
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Hernan Café
The Hernan is a standout, not because of its near-standard menu of pasta, pizza, fish and meat dishes, but because of its location occupying prime real estate at the busiest intersection in town. There’s even a bit of a nighttime buzz when groups pack the outdoor dining room till late.
reviewed
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La Dolce Italia
With its warm, nautically inspired decor and gregarious Sicilian owner, this upscale Italian bistro is popular with groups on break from boat buffets. A number of excellent pizzas and pastas are served and if you just can’t be bothered to go ashore, it does deliver to boats.
reviewed
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Galapagos Encounter
7 days (ex Quito)
by Intrepid
Watch blue-footed boobies dance the booby two step, Sail past the formidable Leon Dormida, Get friendly with sea lions and iguanas at Isla Santa Fe, Discover un…Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,590 -
Galapagos Panorama
10 days (ex Quito)
by Intrepid
Get to know friendly sea lions at Isla Lobos, Understand natural selection at the Charles Darwin Station, Meet the dinosaur-like giant tortoises that roam freel…Not LP reviewed
from USD$3,590 -
Glimpse Of Galapagos
6 days (ex Quito)
by Intrepid
Search for exotic birdlife on Cerro Brujo, Meet giant tortoises at the Darwin Research Station, Wander the winding streets of Quito's Old Town, Get face-to-face…Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,970 Advertisement
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Galapagos Escapade
7 days (ex Quito)
by Intrepid
Snorkel in the pristine waters of Isla Isabela, Hike volcanic trails in Isla Rabida, Explore the remote beauty of the Daphne Islands, Experience the energy of E…Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,420 -
Galapagos Uncovered
10 days (ex Quito)
by Intrepid
Sail around the imposing Leon Dormido rocks, Watch marine iguanas parading across pristine sands, Delight in the array of wildlife on North Seymour, Soak up the…Not LP reviewed
from USD$4,890 -
Galapagos Explorer
7 days (ex Quito)
by Intrepid
Snorkel through turquoise waters around Floreana, Meet ancient giant tortoises on Isla San Cristobal, Watch blue-footed boobies dance the booby two step, Walk a…Not LP reviewed
from USD$3,340 -
Casa de Lago Café Cultural
With indoor, outdoor and balcony tables, there’s no better place to while away a few hours with a book and coffee. This boho café serves excellent homemade fruit drinks, homemade ice cream and empanadas. It schedules periodic readings, photo exhibits and live music.
reviewed
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Rock
Something of a TGI Friday’s with an Ecuadorian twist, this restaurant/bar is popular with students, volunteers and tour groups out for the night. The menu is more varied than most, and the linguini with coconut sauce and lobster ($12) is especially recommended.
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