Puerto Ayora is a town in central Galapagos, Ecuador. It is located on Santa Cruz Island, and it is the seat of Santa Cruz Canton. Puerto Ayora is the most inhabited town in the area, with approximately 11,000 inhabitants. It also has the most sophisticated tourist infrastructure in the archipelago. Puerto Ayora was first discovered when shipwrecked sailors arrived after battling their way through the islands local cactus forests. They were rescued months later but no initiative was taken to build up the bay. Puerto Ayora is generally used as a starting point from which to tour the adjacent islands. It also has a lot to offer like beautiful bays and small, natural swimming pools.
Tortuga Bay, a long white sand beach just outside of town. Also the beaches are great for scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, cycling, and windsurfing. Las Grietas ravine is a great place for swimmers.
The Charles Darwin Research Station, some touristy shopping and some interesting restaurants and bars. Most of the places of interest are located on Avenida Charles Darwin which is the town's main road.